2009.11.06
U.S. won't be leading in Copenhagen
After Barack Obama was elected last year, there was hope around the world that the U.S. might finally assume a leadership position in the fight against global warming. But when the Climate Congress convenes in Copehagen next month, delegates from the United States will have nothing.
The fault lies not with Obama, but with a Democratic Congress that couldn't pass climate legislation in time to demonstrate that the United States is taking the threat seriously and is ready to be a global leader on this most pressing of issues.
Or so we'll argue in an editorial we're writing for Monday.
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Does that mean Obama won't get to rule the world as well?
Comment by mattyr — November 6, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Yeah, don't go too hard on the Dems or even 0bama. Blame the PEOPLE of our country. We are the ones who would rather not absorb the LARGEST Tax increase in history in the name of income redistribution, to countries who won't play by the same rules they want us to live by.
The Dems are just politicians. CYA. You know that.
You know, this whole "CLIMATE CHANGE" cult, religion, whatever it is...would have a lot more credibility if His Excellency Global Community Supreme Potentate Al Gore, would simply LIVE by his own words.
He himself, believes that eating meat is immensely destructive for our climate. Yet, he doesnt go veggie?
What about his enormous, energy-hogging house? Or his private jet?
Its like the Pope hiring prostitutes.
Comment by T Witten — November 6, 2009 @ 11:48 am
The problem is people and nations aren't willing to impose artificial costs on themselves, nor are they willing to subsidize some and penalize others through some inequitable bureaucracy.
Comment by Jim — November 6, 2009 @ 11:54 am
#2 reality check #113 climate change is not a cult nor a religion. If you do not like science I cannot help you bu the facts are there,unless you are blind.
Comment by Bill Hudson — November 6, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
Does the congress wants to pass the cap and trade and see unemployment go even higher??
If gas was to hit $4 to $5 per gallon, that will help reduce gas use and help with global warming. Keep that in mind if gas continues to go up.
#2 makes a good point, many of the self proclaimed believers of global warming are not living like they believe in global warming.
Comment by Patt — November 6, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Amen Patt!
Did anyone notice the "Climate Change" just about 3 weeks ago? It started getting MUCH cooler...And it had JUST "changed" 6 months earlier, only it was WARMER then.
Poor, poor polar bears.
Comment by T Witten — November 6, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
#5 You can believe that if you want but we all do our part, small things can be a big help. But maybe you do not believe in science or maybe you think you can throw your garble out your car window and that's ok too.
I hope Al Gore gets his message out more. We have been saying it for years.
But keep in mind the environments movement is not only those on the left but those on the right too and this has been going on for years.
Comment by Bill Hudson — November 6, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Patt #5 "#2 makes a good point, many of the self proclaimed believers of global warming are not living like they believe in global warming."
This is exaclty why I still cannot jump on the Global Warming bandwagon. It's like being a 16 year old and your dad says not to drink while he's downing a 12-pack. Do as I say, not as I do. If things were as bad as Al Gore and others say, then why aren't they walking the walk?
Comment by Danny — November 6, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
#7: I take the bus to and from work, recycle waste and use Trailways and Amtrak when possible. I do so out a sense of responsibility to the environment. Al Gore has a large well heated and well cooled home and tends to travel privately: car, jet,ect. If he (and others) don't live it, they don't believe it.
Scientific studies can and are misused for personnal or political advantage: especially when government funds or programs are involved.
Comment by Patt — November 6, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
In the same way we want to make Health Care more affordable, conservatives (like me) want to protect our environment. We LOVE the outdoors!
Alas, like the Pelosi Health Care Plan...the Cap and Tax plan isn't designed to do what the Dems say it would.
Once again, Amen Patt.
Comment by T Witten — November 6, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
Not to pile on Va Tech today. However, I had a good friend in Arlington VA. He went to Purdue and Illinois and had a Masters in Agricultural Economics. He had heard of Virginia Tech and what he knew about Tech was its Tech Agricultural Department's willingness to make studies give the answer that its funding sources wanted to hear. He also knew that when the Federal Govenrment funds a study, its goal is to get results for its own use. I grew up respecting Tech's Agriculture and Engineering but as I have gotten older, cynism of scientifical studies grows.
Comment by Patt — November 6, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
Patt, if I am a corporation paying for a study, then I sure want the results of the study to support my position when it is scientifically possible. That is why I am paying for the study. If it is not plausible, I expect it to be proven as such by the University. I would not pay them to try to find where I am wrong, but if they did, then I would know I had spendt the money wisely. The same goes for the Gov't, why would they pay to have me try to prove they are wrong. They are being paid to prove I am right. If they can't then I know they are correct. Your buddy has some envy problems.
Comment by Richard — November 6, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
I disagree. Government funded studies are more likely to be altered than corporae studies due to the fact the government is less likely to held liable for fraud than non government organizations. That is why I watch how Al Gore and the other Global Warming live more than what they say.
Comment by Patt — November 6, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
Actions always speak louder than words.
Comment by T Witten — November 6, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Well Bill Hudson....I'd love to believe the science of global warming. I'd be thankful to the bright people for saving us and future generations from being burnt to crisp. But why is it science takes its starting point as the earth comes out of a mini ice age? Why is it we don't know that we are above or below and "optimum temperature for maximum terestrial bliss"?
How is it we have this supposed problem but none can prove the taxes and green industries and energies will have the specific desired effect to cure? It's obvious we have more hype than science.
Comment by BUD — November 6, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
The man made global warming hoax is an excuse to transfer money from the poor people of rich nations to the rich people of poor nations.
Comment by John R — November 6, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
The RTEB must be tone deaf. That's all I can figure. They're like the guy reading a book while his house is falling down around him. Right now, there is a national uproar over all the hyper-expensive leftist programs. Health care, bailouts, stimulus money, takeover of companies, and cap-and-trade. A growing majority is seeing these programs for what they really are; a vehicle for cementing the power of the far left, with nothing to do with helping people. People are seeing the global warming hoax as a money grab, and they're realizing they'd have to be nuts to throw their money away on something unproven and of no value, especially in hard times.
Yet the RT and the Democratic leadership go right along whistling like nothing is happening. Did they not comprehend what happened to their party Tuesday? Are they that disconnected? Arrogant? It's just hard to figure.
Comment by Suzie — November 6, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
Tuesday was the result of the worst recession since 1930. Voters blamed anyone in office. That will change soon.
Comment by Richard — November 7, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Richard,,,Tuesday was the result of lib policies being shown ineffective.
Somehow '"saved" jobs just aint cutting it.
Comment by BUD — November 7, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
#15 Just look at the data, it is not a left or right issue, really is not. Maybe you should see the Rand Corporation or take what ever study, just look at the North Pole. Among scientist is is not a issue.
Comment by Bill Hudson — November 7, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
19 Bud, the spending policies have worked for every recession in modern times. Perhaps you missed were Hoover's policies did not work. Time tested policies work and are working now. Lets see what you say by August.
Comment by Richard — November 7, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
with barry as the pres, the USA wont be leading in anything...
Comment by pammala — November 7, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Bill 20,
Of course, there is lots of disagreement between scientists on global warming; an increasingly growing amount. And since GW is getting less support, not more, why not wait to see where science settles? Dems always want to rush before people figure things out.
Comment by Suzie — November 7, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Richard..why August? IF gov spending helped the economy, how can you explain what's happened the past 2 years? You mean we didn't spend enough?
Here's a stat for you..in calendar year 2008, our economy lost some 2.6 million jobs. In Feb. the dems passed the stimulus bill of some $787 billion. Since MArch we have lost 3 MILLION JOBS..yeah if we just spent a little more. BHO said this stimulus bill would save or create 2.5 million jobs by the end of 2010 and unemployment wouldn't go above 8.5% if we pass the bill...It's apparent why there was a 20% swing in Jersey and Va. in popular vote in just one years time. We see a lack of ability, leadership, transparency and trust in the dem party and agenda. The teleprompter can only take you so far.
Comment by BUD — November 7, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
Well said BUD.
Comment by T Witten — November 9, 2009 @ 3:03 pm