A ‘myth’ is killing coral reefs across the planet
A “myth,” a mere “theory,” is killing coral reefs across the planet.
“This year’s extreme heat is putting the world’s coral reefs under such severe stress that scientists fear widespread die-offs, endangering not only the richest ecosystems in the ocean but also fisheries that feed millions of people.
From Thailand to Texas, corals are reacting to the heat stress by bleaching, or shedding their color and going into survival mode. Many have already died, and more are expected to do so in coming months. Computer forecasts of water temperature suggest that corals in the Caribbean may undergo drastic bleaching in the next few weeks.
What is unfolding this year is only the second known global bleaching of coral reefs. Scientists are holding out hope that this year will not be as bad, over all, as 1998, the hottest year in the historical record, when an estimated 16 percent of the world’s shallow-water reefs died. But in some places, including Thailand, the situation is looking worse than in 1998.
Scientists say the trouble with the reefs is linked to climate change. For years they have warned that corals, highly sensitive to excess heat, would serve as an early indicator of the ecological distress on the planet caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases.
“I am significantly depressed by the whole situation,” said Clive Wilkinson, director of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, an organization in Australia that is tracking this year’s disaster.
Here’s the picture globally as of September, 2010, according to scientists at NOAA:
* The combined global land and ocean surface temperature for August 2010 was the third warmest on record at 16.2°C (61.2°F), which is 0.60°C (1.08°F) above the 20th century average of 15.6°C (60.1°F). August 1998 is the warmest August on record and 2009 is the second warmest.
* The August worldwide land surface temperature was 0.90°C (1.62°F) above the 20th century average of 13.8°C (56.9°F)—the second warmest August on record, behind 1998.
* The worldwide ocean surface temperature was 0.50°C (0.90°F) above the 20th century average of 16.4°C (61.4°F) and tied with 1997 as the sixth warmest August on record.
* The combined global land and ocean average surface temperature for June–August 2010 was the second warmest on record, behind 1998, at 16.2°C (61.3°F), which is 0.64°C (1.15°F) above the 20th century average of 15.6°C (60.1°F).
* The June–August worldwide land surface temperature was 1.00°C (1.80°F) above the 20th century average of 13.8°C (56.9°F)—the warmest June–August on record, surpassing the previous June–August record anomaly of 0.92°C (1.66°F) set in 1998.
* The worldwide ocean surface temperature was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average of 16.4°C (61.5°F) and was the fifth warmest June–August on record.
* For January–August 2010, the global combined land and ocean surface temperature of 14.7°C (58.5°F) tied with 1998 as the warmest January–August period on record. This value is 0.67°C (1.21°F) above the 20th century average.
Meanwhile, out in California, the Sacramento Bee reports:
An oil company headed by conservative billionaires David and Charles Koch has contributed $1 million to the campaign to suspend the state’s landmark climate change law.
Flint Hills Resources does not have any oil interests in California but is a big opponent of climate change legislation around the country.
On Thursday, the Kansas-based refining and chemicals manufacturer threw its weight behind Proposition 23, the ballot initiative that seeks to suspend California’s greenhouse gas reduction law until the economy improves.
“This is a significant game changer,” said Craig Holman, a campaign finance expert at Public Citizen, a Washington, D.C.-based consumer advocacy group. “They want to stop the state that’s well known for leading the way when it comes to climate change legislation.”
California secretary of state’s office records show that Flint Hills is now the third largest backer of Proposition 23, behind Texas-based oil companies Valero Energy Corp. and Tesoro Corp.
On Thursday, Tesoro also donated $1 million to the Yes on 23 Committee, bringing its total contributions to about $1.5 million. Overall, the committee has raised more than $8.2 million, with nearly half, or about $4 million, coming from Valero.
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278 comments Add your comment
Scout
September 21st, 2010
11:32 am
Granny @ 7:53 :
You first while we still have some Tobasco sauce. I think we will need it for you like the “Ham & Lima’s) in Nam.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
11:33 am
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
11:28 am
AWWWh how cute big, bad taxpayer does not want to debate if the other person debating has conflicting science to his.
Remember it was you who wanted to discuss these things my apologies if you did not approve of the science I displayed.
But why take the arrogant approach that you are correct and simply dismiss me? Can’t argue the science?
Typical!
To be so old you sure do act like a spoiled child at times.
Scout
September 21st, 2010
11:35 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O6SZYXnMmM&feature=related
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
11:35 am
The reason we have huge deficits, massive numbers of government employees, and entitlement spending is because we have become a nation of slackers. People (many of them) don’t take responsibility for themselves anymore.
What do you expect out of an aging populace. Ditch digging ’til the day they die. And what of the younger generation. What motivation have we given them. They know that their wealth lies in such ventures as reality TV or sports or the lottery. What reason do they have to toil for a wage that will not even pay for their healthcare should they become sick. And those stuck in the middle. What up! This is just something to fill a little slither of time between doses of reality for me.
Pennsylvanian
September 21st, 2010
11:35 am
JKL2 @11:29 – I thought you knew – GWB and his oil buddies planted the oil under Alaska to confuse the libs.
Joseph Pinto
September 21st, 2010
11:37 am
Good Job with the Copy and Past Jay! Excellent work
From the Mike Huckabee-Man of God, files
September 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Gonna kill off them folks with them pre-existing conditions. Right quick like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvAv0vdxMgQ
Pennsylvanian
September 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Jay – Refresh my memory please. When will Obama close Gitmo?
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Typical!
(Sigh) How so?
Quota met for this month
September 21st, 2010
11:39 am
Come on guys! Lighten up on Jay. He’s got a Global Warming quota to keep.
Doggone/GA
September 21st, 2010
11:39 am
“Jay – Refresh my memory please. When will Obama close Gitmo?”
When Congress allocates the money to do it.
Brad
September 21st, 2010
11:40 am
I wish I knew, JDW. Persistence, I hope. Keep up the fight.
RambleOn84
September 21st, 2010
11:41 am
Interesting that no one will respond to the question of what to DO about global warming/climate change/whatever it will be called next week…
No one who is typing here actually KNOWS one way or the other the exact impact burning fossil fuels has had on the environment.
The question is, what do we do about it?
Why is the government’s solution always to tax it?
Why do certain people always support that solution?
This is a money grab, plain and simple. There are more constructive solutions to the problem (if we assume it is actually a problem) than just taxing people.
Why do the Big Oil companies support the carbon tax?
Quota met for this month
September 21st, 2010
11:42 am
You don’t need money to open the door and say C-YA, wouldn’t want to be ya!
RambleOn84
September 21st, 2010
11:43 am
In case you guys haven’t noticed, Obama has plenty in common with the evil Republicans and Bush had plenty in common with the evil Democrats.
Both have pretty much the exact same policies, right down the line.
Normal
September 21st, 2010
11:44 am
Remember this…
The universe never did make sense; I suspect it was built on government contract.
Robert A. Heinlein
RambleOn84
September 21st, 2010
11:45 am
Additionally…
The “Tea Party,” since it has become co-opted by Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck, looks just like the Republican Party.
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
11:47 am
thomas,
Argue what science with you? That plant life helps sustain human life. What is there to argue. The topic is man’s contribution to climate change. Burning of fossil fuels. Now, quit with your silly claims, please, thomas.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
11:48 am
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
11:38 am
(sigh) go back and read through the exchange.
Pennsylvanian
September 21st, 2010
11:48 am
Doggone @ 11:39 – “When Congress allocates the money to do it.”
They couldn’t hide that in a $800B porkulus bill? Congratulations Doggone. I am nominating you for Star Dingleberry of the Day.
Doggone/GA
September 21st, 2010
11:49 am
“They couldn’t hide that in a $800B porkulus bill? ”
Apparently not…since they didn’t.
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
11:51 am
(sigh) go back and read through the exchange.
No need to.
I saw it in real time.
The question remains–how is it “typical?”
RB from Gwinnett
September 21st, 2010
11:51 am
“They can only respond with anger, insult and denial, Amvet ….”
Who is “They”, Jay? You mean the majority of the AJC’s customers? Is that who you’re insulting with your hyper-partisan drivel? Pretty much anybody and everybody who doesn’t agree with your daily assault on everything and everybody conservative?
Twice the national average, Jay. Own it!
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2010
11:53 am
Good thing RB never responds with anger, insult and denial.
MAC
September 21st, 2010
11:54 am
Good for the Koch Brothers. They are merely providing a counter balance to George Soros, Peter Lewis (founder of “Progressive” Insurance), Podesta and other similar big lib donors to moveon, thinkprogress, center for amrican progress, acorn, etc. who donate big dollars for far left causes and to influence legislation with not a peep of protest from the like-minded press.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
11:54 am
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
11:47 am
So we can only discuss man’s contribution….
Nice and if i don’t agree with the amount of man’s contribution you claim it would not be discussing the topic to show evidence by scientist that what you claim could be incorrect?
Or should we assume you are always correct…..
Seems as if you didn’t even read my post to you….. but you sure did dismiss them without even reading them…. how open minded and humble of you.
dylandawg
September 21st, 2010
11:57 am
8000 of the world’s leading scientists agree with man-made climate change. But wait here at Fox News we have a scientist from NorthWest/SouthEast Communnity College that says it is not true. Now you kow the facts. Fair and balanced as always.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
11:57 am
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
11:51 am
My experience with that poster is that when confronted with another opinion the poster usually dismisses the other person. Does not dismiss their claim or show how it is incorrect, simply dismisses it….
That is typical of this particular poster. Not just that poster but in fact on this blog typical of many who share his political persuasion.
Atleast that has been my experience and from seeing how the poster and others treat others who they disagree with i would say my assretion of typical is accurate.
But i understand if you disagree with me.
RambleOn84
September 21st, 2010
11:59 am
Some people respond with “anger, insult, and denial.”
Some people respond with deflection or don’t respond at all.
Jay and his liberal dittohead cronies fall into the second category. Still no response from my question on what to DO about crisis (assuming it is real and man-made, which I admit could be true).
“Cap and trade,” which is what Jay is trying to push here, is a classic bait and switch tactic from the government.
They put so much fear into you about a situation that you will be willing to accept ANYTHING to avoid it. The “anything” in this instance is a carbon tax, which won’t actually do anything to fix the “problem.”
The good old government strikes again, creating a problem then offering a solution that only helps them out.
Abrazos
September 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
The one indisputable fact is that America is either going to lead or follow in green energy industrial technology. We will reap the profits or we will let China soar ahead of us and take them. The “global warming debate” is both self-defeating and pathetic. And when we are buying what we could have been selling, I wonder what the “debate” will be then. Not now. Then.
Normal
September 21st, 2010
12:04 pm
Totall off topic, but I can’t resist. Calvin Trillin, the Deadline Poet, wrote a fitting poem about Bush’s war…
“The United States Ends Combat Missions in Iraq”
We’ve gotten out-well, not exactly out.
So now we wonder, what was it all about?
We lost a lot-a lot in lives and treasure.
So could it be that there’s a way measure
The end result? Well, yes, I think I can:
We made the world safer…for Iran.
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
12:06 pm
Atleast[sic] that has been my experience and from seeing how the poster and others treat others who they disagree with i would say my assretion[sic] of typical is accurate.
Of the exchanges that I have witnessed between you two, he has given you every chance to explain what you mean, and when it becomes obvious to him (and me) that you aren’t capable of being on the same page, he determines that it’s no longer feasible to continue.
RB from Gwinnett
September 21st, 2010
12:07 pm
Just more crying and whining from the SAME PEOPLE who were screaming “ice age” in the mid 70’s. We were to blame for that too and somehow continuing to do the exact same things has now made it reverse course and become warm. Sounds like some really solid scientific deduction work there to me.
And the sheep continue to follow….
RambleOn84
September 21st, 2010
12:07 pm
Abrazos,
More awful logic. “We have to do SOMETHING, or someone else will win!”
Why not base our decisions on logic and reason rather than fear of falling behind?
Quota met for this month
September 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
We think the same about you Kamchak. Responding to you is a complete waste of time. In through your eyes and then it hits dead matter.
Matti
September 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
Abrazos at 12:02,
Post of the day! May I repost this in case the others were too busy insulting each other and taking offense to read it?
The one indisputable fact is that America is either going to lead or follow in green energy industrial technology. We will reap the profits or we will let China soar ahead of us and take them. The “global warming debate” is both self-defeating and pathetic. And when we are buying what we could have been selling, I wonder what the “debate” will be then. Not now. Then.
Thank you for breaking this down so succinctly!
Normal
September 21st, 2010
12:15 pm
Matti,
Everybody knows that when it does happen the naysayers will be screaming “Why didn’t the Government do something about it?”
Sadly true…
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
“would serve as an early indicator of the ecological distress on the planet caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases.”
Are you insinuating that humas are doing this? Is this the same results that 3000 scientist agree to but 33,000 disagree. Are we going there again? Your input for this is tainted just like your bias reporting. Anyway since we are turning into a muslim country, muslims know how to survive in a desert. You should be moving to Europe as soon as possible.
mystified
September 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
I sure am glad Christopher Columbus didn’t blindly agree with all the leading scientists of the time.!!
Somebody please help. I’ve looked and cannot fine an explanation of why this warming period differs than every other warming period the earth has gone through. I mean who are they blaming for the last ice age? All I hear is I’m putting my head in the sand and something about 8000 scientists (who work at liberal universities and receive research grants based on their findings). If the data were that conclusive, why would they have to collaborate to hide exculpatory data, or artificially inflate temps in certain areas? Why would they fail to address the fact that global warming is occurring on Mars at about the same rate as on Earth, or why the sun is hotter now than 100 years ago?
I know, I know… this thinking for one’s self and challenging scientific theory with legitimate questions doesn’t quite line up with liberal philosophy.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
12:18 pm
Kamchak
September 21st, 2010
12:06 pm
Yes Kamchak so much time that he had dismissed my opinion and comment before I even posted a source.
So since you seem to be his/her public defense attorney would you like a chance to modify your last claim?
Granted he may have disagreed with my position, eventhough that is not my position, (psst had you read and understood you would have seen my point, ***hint** it had to do with science and who is right and which science is final answer) but the poster did not state a case for disagreeing simple dismissed it.
Seems as if many here have a problem with debating and being able to present their facts and counterpoints. But apparently all of you are soooo much smarter than the rest of us that you know with out any doubt we are wrong. Hell even before the information is posted.
Again Typical, only this time for a different reason.
paleo-neo-Carlinist
September 21st, 2010
12:19 pm
normal, did you see George Will’s current screed in Newsweek? It’s entitled “The Earth Doesn’t Care”. now I know George Will ain’t no fancy pants, pointed-head scientist, but Robert Laughlin (1998 Nobel Prize, when Al Gore was shining Clinton’s shoes)is. and you, Laughlin, like my lord and savior George Carlin observed (go to YouTube and key in George Carlin, save the planet); we’re just kinda “renters” and ultimately, Mother Earth “doesn’t care” if we drive SUVs, kill coral reefs or use pesticides. I do not own a car. I compost nearly all of my waste (for use in my veggie garden). I keep my themostat at 82 degrees in the summer and 62 in winter. and guess what? the coral reefs are still dying, other people are driving cars, and others set their summer thermostat at 62 and winter thermonstat at 82. environmentalism (as a social excerise) is as arrogant, baseless and pointless as worship any deity (including Mother Earth, when as stated, worshipped en masse – via public policy (see: Al Gore/Cap n Trade), as opposed to individually/privately). it is; to borrow a phrase, the “opiate of some of the masses” (de facto religion).
Abrazos
September 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
“More awful logic. ‘We have to do SOMETHING, or someone else will win!’ Why not base our decisions on logic and reason rather than fear of falling behind?”
Wow, that had to have come from someone who has never worked for an American company with global sales. The concern with “falling behind” is the cornerstone of business innovation and it is based on logic and reason going back to the Industrial Revolution. America will either be the producers or the consumers. Sellers or buyers.
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
12:21 pm
thomas,
the only “science” you offered was a precursor to a discussion of plant life with your comments about CO2 and H2O earlier. As I said, that is hardly something to argue about, now is it.
jm
September 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
Republican bipartisanship. Myth or oxymoron?
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
mystified
September 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
roger that! Remember it must fit their agenda for more government control and more loss of our property rights.
Soames
September 21st, 2010
12:27 pm
Normal: see downstairs.
Anybody who is open-minded: Cap & trade definitely won’t help our employment situation. Just some more ‘futures’ for trading and more jobs going to China and India because we won’t hold them to the same environmental standards. Mercantilists like China do not follow WTO rules so why should I expect the government to hold them accountable for environmental rules? Welcome to the utopian plantation….
Normal
September 21st, 2010
12:28 pm
Since this topic has just about played out and everyone has picked their favorite side, I’m offering my “off topic#2″. This IS an interesting read and I suggest everyone give it a try….
http://www.thenation.com/blog/154856/poverty-nation-washington-built
Normal
September 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
Soames,
Back at cha…and thanks for offering your opion and caring about your employees.
Scout
September 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
Headline: “Jimmy Carter Says US More Polarized Than During Civil War”
Well, well …………. some of you may remember I have said this several times over the past year ………….. and it’s true.
Abrazos
September 21st, 2010
12:39 pm
Matti @12:11
I appreciate the kind words. When the emotion and politics is stripped out of the discussion, it really comes down to whether America still has “the right stuff” to lead the world in innovation. I believe we do, but we need to step up fast.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
12:21 pm
See again you are caught in a lie!
You dismissed me before I ever produced any sources to go along with my claims, therefore the science had not been introduced yet!
To refresh your memory…. See you never addressed the scientific data, you simply concluded it was wrong without ever seeing it? How do you have the ability to know and comprehend what something says without ever having read it?
I notice still nothing on the changing climates and currents of the Pacific?
Oh yeah not good science!
How closed minded are you?
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
10:40 am
Well, thomas, did any of that education focus on math and science because I sure would like to pick the brains of one of those educated folks about such things as increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increased heating of the planet and how the two might be correlated and how that increase in carbon dioxide might be due to our burning of fossil fuels and such.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
10:52 am
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
10:40 am
What about those would you like to discuss?
Carbon Dioxide? Seems there are SCIENTIFIC studies that show more Carbon Dioxide comes in and out of the enviroment through water and water vapor. Is that not the right kind of science?
As far as heating of the planet i would agree thaqt humans have had an impact on the climate how can we not if we are living off of the natural resources, we will have an impact on climate. However since science seems to be the key and in the parameters of what you want to discuss…… there are Australian scientist who have shown through Science how the increase in global temp. was started in 1976 by a shift in the Pacific ocean and the way its El Nino patterns worked.
Link Report this comment
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
10:55 am
What about those would you like to discuss?
Carbon Dioxide? Seems there are SCIENTIFIC studies that show more Carbon Dioxide comes in and out of the enviroment through water and water vapor. Is that not the right kind of science?
No offense, thomas, but I see no need to further this discussion.
thomas
September 21st, 2010
11:10 am
Doggone/GA
September 21st, 2010
11:03 am
I’m am sorry for that how rude and inconsiderate of me.
Will this be OK? They were only the 1st 2 that came up after typing “causes for global warming not man” without the quotation marks.
http://www.climatedepot.com/a/2117/PeerReviewed-Study-Rocks-Climate-Debate-Nature-not-man-responsible-for-recent-global-warminglittle-or-none-of-late-20th-century-warming-and-cooling-can-be-attributed-to-humans
http://scienceray.com/earth-sciences/physical-geography/global-warming-not-caused-by-man/
BADA BING
September 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Pick your cause du jour……the cause of all the problems is over population. Crime, pollution, famine, disease, et al. Any honest discussion that doesn’t start with that is a waste of time. You simply cannot keep increasing the amount of people on this planet. Address that issue first, and then everything else falls into plave.
jconservative
September 21st, 2010
12:47 pm
The observatory at Mauna Loa, Hawaii has been measuring carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere since 1959. It floats up and down but continues to edge up and hangs out at about 2.0% now.
1959 – 0.95%…2009 – 1.98%. The highest on record was the 1998 of 2.93%.
This from Jay’s column, is it a coincidence? “Scientists are holding out hope that this year will not be as bad, over all, as 1998, the hottest year in the historical record, when an estimated 16 percent of the world’s shallow-water reefs died.”
CO2 is a greenhouse gas. Without it one would be able to live on planet earth. Too much CO2 and no one will be able to live on planet earth.
There are three questions on the table: 1. Re CO2 levels, how high is too high? 2. Can we, a planet of 238 countries and thousands of religions, do anything about it? 3. Do we, as a species, even want to do anything about it?
The answer to question 1 is, we do not know, but 2.98% is obviously to high.
The answer to question 2 is, NO.
The answer to question 3 is, just going by the comments on this blog, probably not.
Alas, Babylon?
Just asking.
Gator Joe
September 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
Jay,
As a native Floridian, who spent considerable amounts of time on and under the ocean there, the dying reefs are a reality. I am one who has seen the decline first hand, and I accept the science. Also, man-made pollution in the form of run-off is also harming Florida reefs. The problem which is more troubling than Global warming itself, is the denial of man-caused climate change by some. Understanding the problem and it’s cause is fundamental to a solution. Alas Jay, we are living in an intellectual wasteland where people will not think critically, or for themselves.
TGT
September 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
Didn’t you libs get the memo? It’s not “Global Warming”–I mean “Climate Change”–anymore. It’s now “Global Climate Disruption.”
If the “science” is so sound, why do you guys have to keep repackaging your message?
np
September 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
The Chinese have invented solar air conditioning. See various news reports today. They are the largest producers and consumers of solar energy on earth. We have been left in their dust–because the oil & gas & coal & auto & utility ndustries want us to remain in bondage to their products. And the bigwigs at GA Power want us to think the sunny south ain’t sunny enough for solar power. Wow, are we ever brain-washed.
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
thomas,
clearly your superior education has left me dumbfounded. I regretfully acknowledge that my hastiness in dismissing you has only resulted in a loss, on my part, of your vast stores of science, that you have yet to divulge, and it is a burden that I alone should bear. Perhaps, you will forgive me at some point in time and share your insights into my questions regarding the origins of all things globally warmed and mankind’s impact on said warming. Until such time, I bid you adieu.
JDW
September 21st, 2010
12:58 pm
@Abrazos 12:02
By George I think you have it!
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
TGT
September 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
Their message is brought to you by incantations!
Mike
September 21st, 2010
1:04 pm
Jay, this claim, like so many other claims of climate change doom, depend on fallacious reasoning. While it’s *possible* that climate change is responsible for reef failures, it’s similarly possible that another cause or or packet of causes is responsible for such issues. It may also be that reef destruction is a natural feature of the oceans. The world is a big complicated place that we don’t yet fully understand, and to assume that a single thing is the cause seems foolhardy to me.
I think most people, liberal and conservative, agree that protecting the planet is a good idea, if only as a consequence of self-interest. But blindly following science, especially a field of science that has proven to be susceptible to politicization and has a reputation for stifling non-conforming science, is no better than blindly following a religious faith. It is, in fact, its own sort of amoral religious faith that gives no heed to the impact on the people it effects but only seeks to serve scientific truth.
By all means, let’s work towards a world in which we don’t emit pollutants into the air, the water and the ground. Let’s encourage waste reduction and reuse. Let’s de-emphasize consumerism for the sake of consumerism. Let’s learn to use less water and energy and let’s all realize this is the only planet we’ve got.
But let’s be realistic and cautious about what we’re doing.
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
1:07 pm
Well, we’ll eventually quit burning fossil fuels for one or more reason — too expensive, too much pollution, etc. I certainly hope that it happens sooner rather than later though because some of the prospects of continuing along our current trajectory are just not that appealing to me. Then again, maybe I’ll be dead and gone before anything really bad hits and clearly future generations will have more important things to be concerned about such as how to pay down that debt. Wow, that’s a real killer. A show stopper.
TaxPayer
September 21st, 2010
1:12 pm
If the “science” is so sound, why do you guys have to keep repackaging your message?
Darned those scientists and their futile efforts to discover the language of the conservative Republican. What’s the point anyway. Communication would still not be possible.
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
1:13 pm
“By all means, let’s work towards a world in which we don’t emit pollutants into the air, the water and the ground.”
Not if it means taking away my property rights!!! Do you have a place to park your car? Or do you use a rent-a-garage!
Interesting Observation
September 21st, 2010
1:14 pm
Prior to the Reagan Revolution Democrats with moderate Republicans controlled Congress for virtually fifty years. Since the Reagan Revolution power in Congress has shifted back and forth between Republicans(conservative)and Democrats and we see boom and bust more frequently coupled with a middle class losing ground while public wealth increasingly shifts upwards. Is it just me, or can anyone else see a pattern here? When tax rates for high income earners were at an unbelievable 90% our bills were payed and prosperity flowed. If tax cuts for the wealthy were the panacea for job growth and ecnomic growth in general we would have had people living hand to mouth in masse during the years of Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. Imagine that. The fifties, the years that grandma and grandpa yearn for and hope to see ressurected before they say goodbye has been promised to them by the very people whoose policies make it impossible for their posterity to achieve. They detract us by trotting out “Muslims”, “socialist”, “sharia law”, “marxist” “terrorist sympathiser”, “secret Muslim,” “anti-American”, “amnesty for illegals”, “ACORN” or whatever disparaging, catchy slogan or phrase happen to be the slogan du jour. Wake up people. After Jan 2011 and we begin to see absolute gridlock in Congress and the people’s business is held hostage by political upsmanship don’t wonder why.
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
1:17 pm
Just explain to me how the affects of World War II had on the planet? We put more pollutions in the environment since the beginning of the formations of the continents. We detonated nuclear war heads. We sunk ships full of mecury capsules. What can we do today that can be near to what was done during World War II. Really, I can not burn trash in the backyard because it would pollute the air. I detest liberals and all they stand for.
williebkind
September 21st, 2010
1:19 pm
Interesting Observation
September 21st, 2010
1:14 pm
What is a moderate republican? I am interested in hearing your definition.
chuck
September 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
The best thing that could happen in this country is to shut the government down for a couple of months so that the democrats will have to do what is right. Cap and Tax will be DOA. Obamacare will be defunded or repealed. The massive entitlement programs will be reduced and some will be eliminated. The truth is that left unchecked, government will ALWAYS get bigger and more expensive. This is a funny story, but it sounds about right:
Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said, “Someone may steal from it at night.”
So they created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job.
Then Congress said, “How does the watchman do his job without instruction?” So they created a planning department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies.
Then Congress said, “How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?” So they created a Quality Control department and hired two people, One to do the studies and one to write the reports.
Then Congress said, “How are these people going to get paid?” So they created two positions: a time keeper and a payroll officer, then hired two people.
Then Congress said, “Who will be accountable for all of these people?” So they created an administrative section and hired three people, an Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal Secretary.
Then Congress said, “We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $918,000 over budget, we must cut back.” So they laid off the night watchman.
Mary Elizabeth
September 21st, 2010
1:28 pm
Per the Wyld Byll and MAC posts earlier -
Yes, there are big money interests from right and left. The Koch Brothers have been secretive and stealthy in their intent of making America more libertarian. It is now out in the open, thanks in large part to the Jane Mayer article. The name of Rupert Murdoch, owner of FOX News, should not be left out here.
Americans are going to have to make an ideological choice (and a spiritual choice) in how they vote in the next decade. Do you, as one voice, want an America where it is “dog eat dog” and every man and woman for him/herself – a true “survival of the fittest” jungle mentality. Or do you want an America that realizes that we are all interconnected and what effects one, effects all, eventually, as in the example
of the globe’s warming? The second choice is a spiritual one in that none of us wishes to be little gods, but we know that – together – we can all survive and become more humane, in the process. In that sense, we are all our brother’s keepers – and he, ours.
Paulo977, You are so correct, from yesterday, that even the least significant job held by an American (i.e. garbage collector) is to be valued as worthy because it serves us all. The wise will recognize this. And thanks for the “dog eat dog” reference (in education), which I used above. BTW, in education, though I support standardized testing for all the reasons I gave, I believe the tests must not be used to intimidate or to make teachers fearful of job security. They must be used in a nurturing environment and that includes nurturing to teachers as well as to students. Teachers must be educated in how to use them effectively. If teachers are unduly stressed and fearful, they will communicate that to students nonverbally. Students deserve love, respect, and nurturing where they live in their schools.
AmVet
September 21st, 2010
1:50 pm
“I detest liberals and all they stand for.”
That must be the reason you are so lonely and bitter.
And almost certainly will die that way.
JDW
September 21st, 2010
1:54 pm
“I detest liberals and all they stand for.”
I think what you really mean is you are closed minded and can’t fathom the thought that someone else might be right for a “change”.
md
September 21st, 2010
2:04 pm
Good ole Jay – still as partisan as ever………….
Too bad the guy does not know the difference between an effect and the cause. One is a given, the other….not so much, but things never change when one tries to brainwash others that their religion is the right religion.
JKL2
September 21st, 2010
2:47 pm
Chuck- Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard…
Are you sure this isn’t Jimmy Carter’s famous Department of Energy? You know, the one created to end our country’s dependence on foreign oil. (a big “how’s that working out for you” to the Demwits ROFLMFAO)
Good thing their annual budget is only $24 Billion…
JKL2
September 21st, 2010
2:50 pm
AmVet- That must be the reason you are so lonely and bitter.
Haven’t you seen any of the Tea Party rallies on TV? All the anger and hatred is on the Left side of aisle my friend.
Don't Forget
September 21st, 2010
3:04 pm
JKL2
September 21st, 2010
2:50 pm
“I detest liberals and all they stand for.”
AmVet- That must be the reason you are so lonely and bitter.
Haven’t you seen any of the Tea Party rallies on TV? All the anger and hatred is on the Left side of aisle my friend.
——————————————————————-
Apparently, McConnel got it backwards. Seems scientists have been breeding humans with fully functional mouse brains. How else could someone say they “detest liberals and all they stand for” and then follow that by a ridiculous claim that angry tea partiers are liberal and all the hate is on their side.
buck@gon
September 21st, 2010
9:49 pm
Jay,
The myth to which you are referring might be the assumption that warming is caused by humans. The second definite myth to which you might be referring is the myth Obama sells every day: namely, if there is something wrong in the world, it is America’s fault–and more particularly the fault of “fat-cat” rich Americans that anything in the human or natural world is amiss. The whole tea party movement, in fact, is a repudiation of this myth.
A bigger story still–promoted by Al Gore–is that climate change legislation would have saved the coral reefs, and an even huger one might be that the earth has never been so warm as it is (or was) in August 2010. Of course, all of this doesn’t compare to the great Obasm, and the campaign of his exhalted adolescence: “let THIS be the hour that people say the sea levels dropped and we SAVED the planet.” Such Messianic BS was always a myth, and now 70% of the country knows it, African Americans and dumb newspaper collaborator-pundits notwithstanding.
buck@gon
September 21st, 2010
9:56 pm
myths….
Yes we can…
Yes we can…
Yes we can…
fishonareef
September 22nd, 2010
2:48 am
In science (as opposed to lay terminology), a ‘theory’ is something that has been tested repeatedly and found to be true, like the theory of gravity. Climate change theory is the culmination of many many sources of measurable data. Cherry picking for your ideology is transparent.
Guy Incognito
September 22nd, 2010
11:43 am
“Bill Patzert said it’s one of the coolest summers in decades.
Jamie Meier, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard, said that LAX tied the coldest average temperature for August on record, going back to 1944. The Santa Barbara airport also broke a record for coolest August, she said.”
Yep, the sky is falling! The sky is falling! Man-made GW is a FACT……..right?