House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) condemned remarks Thursday by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) in which he apologized to BP for the treatment the company has faced by the government.
“The oil spill in the Gulf is this nation’s largest natural disaster and stopping the leak and cleaning up the region is our top priority. Congressman Barton’s statements this morning were wrong,” the three said in a joint statement. “BP itself has acknowledged that responsibility for the economic damages lies with them and has offered an initial pledge of $20 billion dollars for that purpose.”
Forcing Barton to apologize just made us look like fools.
The 3 Cowards!!
Even if Barton was correct, he should have remained silent.
I agree.
BP is an Obama-supporter, having given him over $1 million in campaign donations. Now Obama is shaking BP down for $20 billion. Frankly, BP is responsible for the oil spill. Why should the GOP defend BP? Why should anyone in the GOP apologize to BP? BP should stand as an example to other companies who think that by giving money to Democrats, they will be immune from attacks from Democrats.
Even though Joe Varton’s underlying point is valid, the oil spill up until the gave the Democrats a soundbite, was owned by the Obama administration.
But he insisted on giving them that soundbite, which will be used to bludgeon Republicans consistently until November.
I wish he had used better judgment. This could be a macaca moment; I hope not.
Barton apologizes, now McCrystal apologizes. Geraldine Ferraro bit the dust when she spoke out, and even BJ’s “it’s a fairy tale” came under attack.
Folks, this is what living under a tyranny is like- the LACK of freedom to voice honest opinions- and why does it seem like every time the WH shakes down someone, it is out of bounds to say so?
We got a fricking, bloomin’ dictatorship on our hands. And those of us who remember FREEDOM OF SPEECH are extremely P.O.’d about it.