Chicago-Style Political Shakedown
Washington, Jun 16 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the White House announced it had reached a deal with BP to require the oil company to place $20 billion into an escrow fund to pay claims filed against the company in the wake of the Gulf oil spill.
“We all agree that BP should be held fully responsible for its complicity in the oil tragedy in the Gulf,” said Chairman Price. “In fact, BP has already begun paying claims. Any attempt by the company to sidestep that responsibility should be met with the strongest legal recourses available. However, in an administration that appears not to respect fundamental American principles, it is important to note that there is no legal authority for the President to compel a private company to set up or contribute to an escrow account.
“BP’s reported willingness to go along with the White House’s new fund suggests that the Obama Administration is hard at work exerting its brand of Chicago-style shakedown politics. These actions are emblematic of a politicization of our economy that has been borne out of this Administration’s drive for greater power and control. It is the same mentality that believes an economic crisis or an environmental disaster is the best opportunity to pursue a failed liberal agenda. The American people know much better.” More...
As the press release quoted above shows Joe Barton's statement apologizing to BP is the official policy of the Republican Party. Barton's later statement back tracking from his initial statements was simply an attempt to limit the political damage caused by what he had said. Here is a video of his initial statement at the BP congressional hearing.
Both the Republican Study Committee statement and Representative Joe Barton's statements speak for themselves.
Both the Republican Study Committee statement and Representative Joe Barton's statements speak for themselves.
John H. Armwood
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