When a powerful politician paved the way for the drilling of oil and gas in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, he did not expect opposition from a coalition of unlikely environmentalists who prefer a lasting tourist trade and pristine beach to temporary gain.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a thin necklace of pristine barrier islands off the coast of Mississippi. But through a manipulation of the recently passed Energy Bill, a clandestine clause in the Patriot act, and old fashion quid pro quo money politics, Republican Governor (and former RNC Chairman) Haley Barbour has paved the way for oil and to start drilling under this national park. Read more and watch clips.