Great moments in tort reform

De facto Republican Party leader¹ Joe the Plumber is seeking punitive damages in federal court against three former Ohio government officials for invasion of privacy, alleging he suffered emotional distress, humiliation, and — wait for it — embarrassment. Reportedly, this is not a joke.

Yes, you read that right: Joe the Plumber is seeking the assistance of the federal government in having somebody else punished for embarrassing him. Because it's a new era of personal responsibility.

As to the latter allegation, attorneys representing the United States of America, et al. are said to be preparing a class action countersuit.

¹ There's more than one.