Throughout the recent state legislative session, elected representatives from around Alabama have demanded that the settlement money from the BP oil spill disaster be allocated proportionately across the state.

Perhaps there is something to that argument.

In proportion to the amount of Deep Water Horizon oil that washed up on Birmingham’s beaches, Birmingham should receive a share of the Alabama BP settlement money.

In proportion to the number of Tuscaloosa hotel rooms made vacant by vacationers canceling plans to visit due to the BP oil spill, Tuscaloosa should receive a share of the Alabama BP settlement money.

In proportion to lost tips by waiters and waitresses in Montgomery restaurants not visited by oil-spill avoiders, Montgomery should receive a share of the state’s BP settlement money.

In proportion to the devastating loss of livelihood experienced by Huntsville’s shrimping industry caused by the oil spill, Huntsville should receive a share the Alabama BP settlement money.

In proportion to the condo vacancies in Gadsden caused by the oil spill, Gadsden should receive a share of the state BP settlement money.

In proportion to the lost sales taxes experienced by Scottsboro when tourists avoided the oil spill, Scottsboro should receive a share of the Alabama BP settlement money.

In proportion to the lost charter boat fishing excursions not launched from the docks in Dothan due to the oil spill, Dothan should receive a share of the state BP settlement money.

In proportion to the restaurants going out of business in Decatur due to travelers avoiding oil that washed up in that community, Decatur should receive a share of the BP settlement money

In proportion to Anniston’s lost retail sales caused by that town being empty due to the oil spill, Anniston should receive a share of the state BP settlement money.

Is it just us, or does something seem out of proportion?

This editorial represents the collective opinion of the Gulf Coast Media Editorial Board, composed of editors and staff of the Gulf Coast Media family of newspapers. If you have questions or comments, or would like to send a letter to the editor for publication, please email our managing editor at cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com.