What else would you expect from a southern-Senator-turned-energy-lobbyist? Lott and his lobbying partner, former Louisiana Senator John Breaux, appeared on MSNBC today to make the joint case for drilling our way out of the energy crisis, and stressed that we need to start, like, yesterday. And if they have to lie in order to help their Big Oil clientele? So be it.

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One point since we're both from the gulf area. We didn't have one drop of oil spilt when we had the biggest hurricane in recent history, Hurricane Katrina.

Oh, the Big Oil apologist lie that won't ever die.There were, in fact, at least 124 oil spills as a result of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. But just like how "the Chinese are drilling off Florida!!", some of these talking points are just too useful to discontinue.

On another important point, Lott and Breaux represent perhaps the most vivid example of what's wrong with the current culture in Washington. All too often, we see former lawmakers retire (or in some cases leave office before their terms are even finished) so that they can take cushy positions at prestigious firms lobbying their former colleagues on behalf of the interests who can afford the biggest sum.

I like Al Franken's common-sense proposal: Extend the one year waiting period to a lifetime ban. Such a policy could only have beneficial results.