Monday, February 19, 2007
The ‘Inconvenience’ of Truth
Al Gore, former Vice President and failed Presidential candidate, took on a new purpose in life (thanks to a suggestion from his wife, Tipper): Global Warming. [note 1] He, along with such notables as Heidi Cullen of the Weather Channel and multibillionaire Sir Richard Branson, who recently contributed $3 billion to “the cause” [note 2], are busy spreading their “inconvenient truth,” i.e., that we are destroying our home planet in the quest for a civilized life. They’ll save us all from ourselves. Sounds good, but…
Skeptical scientists pointing out the real truth on global warming are proving to be quite an “inconvenience” for Gore, Cullen, Branson, and other promoters of the theory. The global warming crowd’s solution: Threats and intimidation.
Let’s start with a little background information.
How Al got started in this whole thing:
First, it’s tough being Vice President, especially under someone as flamboyant as Bill. Solution: Start calling the Internet the “Information Super Highway.” [note 3]
Second, it’s tough being a failed Presidential candidate. There’s not much to do but sit around the house moping and putting on the pounds. [note 4] Solution: Listen to a well-meaning spouse that wants to pep up her ‘tubby hubby’ by giving his life purpose and meaning when she suggests that he pursue his interest in a flawed scientific theory. [note 1]
Too bad he didn’t stick to being a sportscaster, like he told Larry King in a live interview, or appear on more TV shows like “Saturday Night Live” (Dec. 14, 2002). [note 5] At that time, he was merely content to write books like “Joined at the Heart: The Transformation of the American Family” and “The Spirit of Family.” Alas, that contentment did not last long.
Where Heidi comes in:
In 2003, The Weather Channel, heretofore seen as the leading scientific authority on all things weather (at least on cable TV), hired Heidi Cullen as their “climatologist” and host of “The Climate Code.” Since it was easy enough to change channels when she came on, I wasn’t too alarmed, just annoyed. A station that we used to be able to leave on all day (as true weather junkies are prone to do) now was being peppered with shows like this one, “Forecast Earth,” and “It Could Happen Tomorrow,” all designed to promote an agenda of fear over predictions that are questionable at best from people who can’t accurately tell us what the high temperature will be tomorrow.
Sir Richard jumps onboard:
Branson not only donated $3 billion dollars to further hyping the theory of global warming [note 2], but put up $25 million for the The Virgin Earth Challenge, to “be awarded to an individual or a group who can demonstrate a design to reduce atmospheric pollution and contribute to the stability of the earth's climate.” [note 6] Considering the dynamics of the earth’s climate and the role played by such minor things as, oh, gee – THE SUN! – I am not sure how such a feat is to be accomplished. Should be interesting to watch, though. (Sort of like The Amazing Randi’s million-dollar challenge to anyone who can demonstrate scientifically to having paranormal abilities. [note 7] The difference is that, in Randi’s case, there is a possibility of actually claiming the prize. No, not really!)
By the way, how much “pollution” did the Global Flyer’s two around-the-world flights spew into the atmosphere? (The second flight used 18,0000 lbs. of JP-4, of which 3100 lbs. was jettisoned directly into the atmosphere shortly after takeoff.) Branson backed both. Sounds a bit like Gore isn’t the only environmental hypocrite.[note 8]
The Bandwagon grows:
Of course, the politically hot issue of “global warming” is certainly attractive and “convenient” to journalists such as Tom Brokaw [note 9], Plug Power Inc.'s CEO Roger Saillant (who paid for 231 employees to see Gore’s magnum opus) [note 10], and scientists wanting to further their careers [note 11].
Let’s not leave out “Governator” Schwarzenegger, who is trying to “position himself as a leader on climate change while maintaining support from business leaders” (no fence-sitting here – yeah, right!). [note 12]
Of course, we can’t forget the French. Their president, Jacques Chirac, is pushing the issue hard, threatening a “carbon tax” on any country that does not sign and abide by the Kyoto Protocol. [note 13] (For those of you who think this tax is all about siphoning money out of our economy, which is stronger than theirs by a long shot [note 14], shame on you. The “honorable” French would never do such a thing!)
Meanwhile:
Talk of global cooling and a new ice age are surfacing, prompting headlines such as “Scientist predicts ‘mini Ice Age’.” [note 15].
The Threats and Intimidation Start:
On December 21, 2006, Ms. Cullen upped the ante in her blog[note 16] where she put forth this opinion:
“If a meteorologist can’t speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn't give them a Seal of Approval.”
(How about this: “If a meteorologist can't stick to true science – and get off the soapbox of the global warming crowd – then maybe the AMS shouldn’t give them a Seal of Approval.” Ouch! That shoe sure does pinch when worn on the other foot!)
The blog entry generated so much negative response, that Cullen had to come back with something. All she could muster was a limp-wristed protest that her statement had no political motivation and everybody should get over it already – sheesh! [note 17]
Other pressure from the global warming crowd (these are just a representative sample to save space):
High-stakes Issue:
Why does all this matter? Is it really about your children’s future? (They’re the ones who will be around in 2050, when the big meltdown is supposed to happen. [note 26]) Or is there another motivator at work? Can you say “grant money”? How about “political power”?
By the way, to the folks at the Weather Channel, you have lost a couple of viewers in my household! As for your Website, it’s no longer in my Favorites list. I replaced it with Accuweather.com.
Notes:
1. Tipper Gore Ready to Support Another White House Run, http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2069724&page=1.
2. Branson Pledges Billions to Fight Global Warming, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/science/22warmcnd.html?ex=1316491200&en=282ea6fc58594550&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
3. Wikipedia: Information superhighway, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_superhighway.
4. Photo of Al Gore arriving at Los Angels premiere of his “documentary,” http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/4757/Events/4757/FormerVice_Grani_8663108_400.jpg.html?hint=nm0330722 ; and arriving at pre-grammy party, http://www.daylife.com/topic/Al_Gore/gallery/1/04FFfaQ5ZE8B4.
5. Interview with Al, Tipper Gore, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0211/19/lkl.00.html.
6. Photo of Branson and Gore, http://www.daylife.com/topic/Al_Gore/gallery/1/0eLQ6uC0d8dJZ.
7. One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, http://www.randi.org/research/index.html.
8. Gore isn't quite as green as he's led the world to believe, http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm.
9. Brokaw Joins Fight Against Global Warming, http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060709/D8IOP53G0.html.
10. Plug Power employees take in Gore flick, http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2006/07/03/daily31.html.
11. Science Panel Backs Study on Warming Climate, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/science/22cnd-climate.html?ei=5065&en=b1788f2a40214842&ex=1151640000&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print.
12. Schwarzenegger Eager to Sign Climate Bill, http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCHWARZENEGGER_GLOBAL_WARMING?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-08-10-04-13-31.
13. Report: Chirac eyes carbon tax for U.S., http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_France_US_Carbon_Tax.html.
14. New study compares GDP and growth: EU versus USA, http://www.timbro.com/euvsusa/.
15. Scientist predicts 'mini Ice Age', http://upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060207-041447-2345r.
16. Junk Controversy Not Junk Science, http://climate.weather.com/blog/9_11396.html.
17. A Very Political Climate, http://climate.weather.com/blog/9_11592.html?cm_ven=one_deg_blog&cm_ite=one_deg_commentary&from=one_deg_commentary.
18. Weather Channel Climate Expert Calls for Decertifying Global Warming Skeptics, http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=32abc0b0-802a-23ad-440a-88824bb8e528.
19. The Tempest, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/23/AR2006052301305_pf.html [Read this article carefully. It’s written by an author who is a true believer in the veracity of global warming, with a lot of acidity towards skeptics.]
20. Global-warming skeptics cite being ‘treated like a pariah’, http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070211-112902-4433r.htm.
21. Scientists OK Gore's movie for accuracy, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060628/ap_on_sc/gore_s_science_3.
22. AP Incorrectly Claims Scientists Praise Gore’s Movie, http://www.epw.senate.gov/pressitem.cfm?party=rep&id=257909.
23. Chill out over global warming, http://www.denverpost.com/harsanyi/ci_3899807.
24. The Environmentalist Noose Is Tightening, http://www.georgereisman.com/blog/.
25. President of Czech Republic Calls Man-Made Global Warming a ‘Myth’ - Questions Gore’s Sanity, http://www.drudgereport.com/flash.htm.
26. By 2050 Warming to Doom Million Species, Study Says, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/01/0107_040107_extinction.html.
Copyright © 2006 A.C. Cargill
A.C. Cargill resides on the East Coast for now, has lived in several locations, including Europe, and now uses her background in technical writing, including researching topics online, along with her degree in Philosophy and English, to point out “good” ideas that aren’t so good after all.
Skeptical scientists pointing out the real truth on global warming are proving to be quite an “inconvenience” for Gore, Cullen, Branson, and other promoters of the theory. The global warming crowd’s solution: Threats and intimidation.
Let’s start with a little background information.
How Al got started in this whole thing:
First, it’s tough being Vice President, especially under someone as flamboyant as Bill. Solution: Start calling the Internet the “Information Super Highway.” [note 3]
Second, it’s tough being a failed Presidential candidate. There’s not much to do but sit around the house moping and putting on the pounds. [note 4] Solution: Listen to a well-meaning spouse that wants to pep up her ‘tubby hubby’ by giving his life purpose and meaning when she suggests that he pursue his interest in a flawed scientific theory. [note 1]
Too bad he didn’t stick to being a sportscaster, like he told Larry King in a live interview, or appear on more TV shows like “Saturday Night Live” (Dec. 14, 2002). [note 5] At that time, he was merely content to write books like “Joined at the Heart: The Transformation of the American Family” and “The Spirit of Family.” Alas, that contentment did not last long.
Where Heidi comes in:
In 2003, The Weather Channel, heretofore seen as the leading scientific authority on all things weather (at least on cable TV), hired Heidi Cullen as their “climatologist” and host of “The Climate Code.” Since it was easy enough to change channels when she came on, I wasn’t too alarmed, just annoyed. A station that we used to be able to leave on all day (as true weather junkies are prone to do) now was being peppered with shows like this one, “Forecast Earth,” and “It Could Happen Tomorrow,” all designed to promote an agenda of fear over predictions that are questionable at best from people who can’t accurately tell us what the high temperature will be tomorrow.
Sir Richard jumps onboard:
Branson not only donated $3 billion dollars to further hyping the theory of global warming [note 2], but put up $25 million for the The Virgin Earth Challenge, to “be awarded to an individual or a group who can demonstrate a design to reduce atmospheric pollution and contribute to the stability of the earth's climate.” [note 6] Considering the dynamics of the earth’s climate and the role played by such minor things as, oh, gee – THE SUN! – I am not sure how such a feat is to be accomplished. Should be interesting to watch, though. (Sort of like The Amazing Randi’s million-dollar challenge to anyone who can demonstrate scientifically to having paranormal abilities. [note 7] The difference is that, in Randi’s case, there is a possibility of actually claiming the prize. No, not really!)
By the way, how much “pollution” did the Global Flyer’s two around-the-world flights spew into the atmosphere? (The second flight used 18,0000 lbs. of JP-4, of which 3100 lbs. was jettisoned directly into the atmosphere shortly after takeoff.) Branson backed both. Sounds a bit like Gore isn’t the only environmental hypocrite.[note 8]
The Bandwagon grows:
Of course, the politically hot issue of “global warming” is certainly attractive and “convenient” to journalists such as Tom Brokaw [note 9], Plug Power Inc.'s CEO Roger Saillant (who paid for 231 employees to see Gore’s magnum opus) [note 10], and scientists wanting to further their careers [note 11].
Let’s not leave out “Governator” Schwarzenegger, who is trying to “position himself as a leader on climate change while maintaining support from business leaders” (no fence-sitting here – yeah, right!). [note 12]
Of course, we can’t forget the French. Their president, Jacques Chirac, is pushing the issue hard, threatening a “carbon tax” on any country that does not sign and abide by the Kyoto Protocol. [note 13] (For those of you who think this tax is all about siphoning money out of our economy, which is stronger than theirs by a long shot [note 14], shame on you. The “honorable” French would never do such a thing!)
Meanwhile:
Talk of global cooling and a new ice age are surfacing, prompting headlines such as “Scientist predicts ‘mini Ice Age’.” [note 15].
The Threats and Intimidation Start:
On December 21, 2006, Ms. Cullen upped the ante in her blog[note 16] where she put forth this opinion:
“If a meteorologist can’t speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn't give them a Seal of Approval.”
(How about this: “If a meteorologist can't stick to true science – and get off the soapbox of the global warming crowd – then maybe the AMS shouldn’t give them a Seal of Approval.” Ouch! That shoe sure does pinch when worn on the other foot!)
The blog entry generated so much negative response, that Cullen had to come back with something. All she could muster was a limp-wristed protest that her statement had no political motivation and everybody should get over it already – sheesh! [note 17]
Other pressure from the global warming crowd (these are just a representative sample to save space):
- According to Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), “if a climate skeptic receives any money from industry, the media immediately labels them and attempts to discredit their work.” [note 18]
- Funding dries up. [note 19]
- William O'Keefe, chief executive officer of the Marshall Institute, which assesses scientific issues that shape public policy, “In general, if you do not agree with the consensus that we are headed toward disaster, you are treated like a pariah.” [note 20]
- Marc Morano, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, points out inaccurate claims in an AP article [note 21] about how scientists reacted to Gore’s flick [note 22].
- David Harsanyi, Denver Post Staff Columnist, interviewed both Colorado State University's Bill Gray (“perhaps the world's foremost hurricane expert” whose “criticism of the global warming "hoax" makes him an outcast”) and climatologist Roger Pielke Sr. at the University of Colorado, who “is also skeptical” in a lengthy and meaty article. [note 23]
- Professor Bill Gray. (See Harsanyi’s article.)
- Professor Roger Pielke Sr. (See Harsanyi’s article.)
- George Reisman, Pepperdine University Professor Emeritus of Economics. [note 24]
- Czech president Vaclav Klaus. (Hey, his scientific credentials are a match for Al Gore’s any day – probably better!) [note 25]
High-stakes Issue:
Why does all this matter? Is it really about your children’s future? (They’re the ones who will be around in 2050, when the big meltdown is supposed to happen. [note 26]) Or is there another motivator at work? Can you say “grant money”? How about “political power”?
By the way, to the folks at the Weather Channel, you have lost a couple of viewers in my household! As for your Website, it’s no longer in my Favorites list. I replaced it with Accuweather.com.
Notes:
1. Tipper Gore Ready to Support Another White House Run, http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2069724&page=1.
2. Branson Pledges Billions to Fight Global Warming, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/science/22warmcnd.html?ex=1316491200&en=282ea6fc58594550&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
3. Wikipedia: Information superhighway, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_superhighway.
4. Photo of Al Gore arriving at Los Angels premiere of his “documentary,” http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/4757/Events/4757/FormerVice_Grani_8663108_400.jpg.html?hint=nm0330722 ; and arriving at pre-grammy party, http://www.daylife.com/topic/Al_Gore/gallery/1/04FFfaQ5ZE8B4.
5. Interview with Al, Tipper Gore, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0211/19/lkl.00.html.
6. Photo of Branson and Gore, http://www.daylife.com/topic/Al_Gore/gallery/1/0eLQ6uC0d8dJZ.
7. One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, http://www.randi.org/research/index.html.
8. Gore isn't quite as green as he's led the world to believe, http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm.
9. Brokaw Joins Fight Against Global Warming, http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060709/D8IOP53G0.html.
10. Plug Power employees take in Gore flick, http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2006/07/03/daily31.html.
11. Science Panel Backs Study on Warming Climate, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/science/22cnd-climate.html?ei=5065&en=b1788f2a40214842&ex=1151640000&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print.
12. Schwarzenegger Eager to Sign Climate Bill, http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCHWARZENEGGER_GLOBAL_WARMING?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-08-10-04-13-31.
13. Report: Chirac eyes carbon tax for U.S., http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_France_US_Carbon_Tax.html.
14. New study compares GDP and growth: EU versus USA, http://www.timbro.com/euvsusa/.
15. Scientist predicts 'mini Ice Age', http://upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060207-041447-2345r.
16. Junk Controversy Not Junk Science, http://climate.weather.com/blog/9_11396.html.
17. A Very Political Climate, http://climate.weather.com/blog/9_11592.html?cm_ven=one_deg_blog&cm_ite=one_deg_commentary&from=one_deg_commentary.
18. Weather Channel Climate Expert Calls for Decertifying Global Warming Skeptics, http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=32abc0b0-802a-23ad-440a-88824bb8e528.
19. The Tempest, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/23/AR2006052301305_pf.html [Read this article carefully. It’s written by an author who is a true believer in the veracity of global warming, with a lot of acidity towards skeptics.]
20. Global-warming skeptics cite being ‘treated like a pariah’, http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070211-112902-4433r.htm.
21. Scientists OK Gore's movie for accuracy, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060628/ap_on_sc/gore_s_science_3.
22. AP Incorrectly Claims Scientists Praise Gore’s Movie, http://www.epw.senate.gov/pressitem.cfm?party=rep&id=257909.
23. Chill out over global warming, http://www.denverpost.com/harsanyi/ci_3899807.
24. The Environmentalist Noose Is Tightening, http://www.georgereisman.com/blog/.
25. President of Czech Republic Calls Man-Made Global Warming a ‘Myth’ - Questions Gore’s Sanity, http://www.drudgereport.com/flash.htm.
26. By 2050 Warming to Doom Million Species, Study Says, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/01/0107_040107_extinction.html.
Copyright © 2006 A.C. Cargill
A.C. Cargill resides on the East Coast for now, has lived in several locations, including Europe, and now uses her background in technical writing, including researching topics online, along with her degree in Philosophy and English, to point out “good” ideas that aren’t so good after all.
Labels: branson, cullen, environment, global warming, gore
