Think Progress

White House Blames NASA Chief’s Global Warming Denial On His ‘Wry Sense Of Humor’

Yesterday, NPR asked NASA administrator Michael Griffin, “Are you concerned about global warming?” His answer: “I’m aware that global warming exists” but “[w]hether that is a longterm concern or not, I can’t say.” Griffin added that he is “not sure that it is fair to say that it is a problem we must wrestle with.”

Griffin’s remarks were stunning, coming just days after his own agency released a report warning of the “disastrous effects” of climate change. NASA quickly tried to avert some of the criticism of Griffin’s remarks by lamely blaming NPR for asking questions that were too tough:

NASA spokesman David Mould said the NPR interviewer was trying to push Griffin into saying something about global warming. NASA’s position is that it provides scientific data on the issue, but policymakers decide, he said.

The White House’s science adviser Jack Marburger also tried to dismiss Griffin’s ignorance, insisting the NASA administrator was joking:

“It’s pretty obvious that the NASA administrator was speaking about his own personal views and by no means representing or attempting to represent the administration’s views or broader policy,” Marburger said. “He’s got a very wry sense of humor and is very outspoken.

But scientists are not taking lightly the fact that Griffin, the head of NASA doesn’t understand the seriousness of global warming, with some calling on him to resign. Some reactions:

James Hansen, NASA’s top climate scientist: “It’s an incredibly arrogant and ignorant statement. It indicates a complete ignorance of understanding the implications of climate change.”

Michael Oppenheimer, Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University: “It’s astounding that the head of a major U.S. science agency could hold such attitudes — basically ignorance about the global warming problem. It’s so astonishing that I think he should resign.

Gavin Schmidt, NASA climate scientist: “Griffin’s comments seem surprisingly naive. We are not in a situation where we are shopping around for an ideal climate, but that we have adapted to the climate we have, and that therefore large changes to it are not likely to be beneficial.”

Berrien Moore, Director of the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space at the University of New Hampshire: “I don’t understand it. I’m really stunned he would say something like that. I mean, I just really find it shocking.

On the same day that Griffin, a Bush appointee, made his remarks, the President claimed that his administration “takes this issue [global warming] seriously.”



107 Responses to “White House Blames NASA Chief’s Global Warming Denial On His ‘Wry Sense Of Humor’”

  1. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Leave the comedy to Jon Stewart, clown.


  2. Zooey says:

    That Michael Griffin, he’s frickin’ hilarious! :|


  3. Oversight is a Bitch. says:

    George “The Uniter” Bush has made EVERY appointment a partisan selection. The Republican party, thanks to Karl Rove, has decided there is NO REASON to serve the needs of all Americans but instead only represents its base (”the stupid people,” as they say). These days, with 28% approval ratings, the vast majority of Americans are not being represented by these cronies.

    Bush’s legacy will be that of an INCOMPETENT LEADER, WITHOUT A VISION, WHO DIVIDED THE COUNTRY AND BEGAN THE DOWNFALL OF CONSERVATISM.


  4. narde says:

    He sure looks like booted US Attorney Tim Griffin’s dad!


  5. smafdy says:

    Standard Operating proceedure for Bushco: We’ll be dead and gone before anybody acn get to the bottom of the mess we’ve made. Let’s leave it for the kids to fix.

    It’s all about ME.


  6. Paul Maurice Martin says:

    Yeah… I guess that’s been the problem with this administration – that characteristically wry sense of humor.


  7. toasterhead says:

    The climate is a myth.


  8. oldtree says:

    how much does congress need to impeach the entire EXU? what the hell could restrict all motion from people that are watching as our country goes down the toilet?
    they hire incompetents, they are incompetents. WHAT THE HELL DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOU PEOPLE OFF YOUR ASSES?


  9. Bill Clinton says:

    Oversight is a Bitch I am sure that you were in the front of the line to be united when Bush was Elected , one question , why is it that you people whine the most when you claim a Conservative does the same things that Liberals do ?


  10. angryvietnamvet says:

    If he is fired (unlikely) or resigns (also unlikely from these arrogant idiots), can I have the job? The pay is probably good and I failed science in high school…but I did not think it was a problem I needed to wrestle with…so I avoided any science classes in college…I am polishing up my resume and including my bushie knownothing credentials….I will do a “heckuva job”, I promise… I will even go so far as to claim that the earth is only about 4000 years old and that Noah did exist, etc. Praise Creation and give me my paycheck !!!


  11. Luboš Motl says:

    These people show us very exactly how the public trials against the heliocentric heretics looked like in the Middle Ages. People like Hansen, Oppenheimer, Schmidt, and Moore are blinded bigots who are completely incapable to think and react rationally to an extremely rational statement by a person who holds 7 degrees.

    They are like little children who are told that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and they just want to destroy anyone who tells them so.

    I am deeply troubled by the fact that this intellectual scum has flooded the institutionalized science. We’re heading towards some real problems if irrational bigots like Hansen et al have some much influence.

    Every sane person knows that the “fight against climate change” is a stupidity based on dozens of basic misunderstandings of science, politics, economics, psychology, their interrelationships, and working of the world in general.

    But even if he didn’t know so, he must know that science is not about declaring dogmas and condemning heretics but about confrontation of evidence and theories. The warming bigots don’t have a single glimpse of a rational reaction.


  12. TerrytheTurtle says:

    “how much does congress need to impeach the entire EXU? what the hell could restrict all motion from people that are watching as our country goes down the toilet?
    they hire incompetents, they are incompetents. WHAT THE HELL DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOU PEOPLE OFF YOUR ASSES?

    Comment by oldtree — June 1, 2007 @ 10:49 am”

    I thought they believed in the ‘unitary executive’ – one impeachment for the lot fo them then.


  13. hellinabucket says:

    Blabbering Bill, whaaat? Your post at #9 is beyond the usual dipsh!t comment. This doink is the head of NASA but his head is far up bush’s bung that he can’t even read what his own dept. puts out.

    Where are you on this Billow?


  14. Hector says:

    Let’s burn Griffins home in the name of “local warming”.Tough cases need clear evidences.


  15. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Comment by Luboš Motl — June 1, 2007 @ 10:55 am

    Parody, right?


  16. TripMaster Monkey says:

    “Bill Clinton” sez:

    why is it that you people whine the most when you claim a Conservative does the same things that Liberals do ?

    Your shtick is getting seriously old, “Bill”.

    Take it elsewhere. You’ve become tiresome.


  17. shane says:

    And to think Peggy Noonan accused Bushco of thinking their base is stupid. Doesn’t this show how much respect they have for the intelligence of the people.


  18. Largo says:

    Yeah, hoo boy…that science guy, he’s a little “off” ya know? I think he made his own acid in college. We bought some from him at Yale. Not to take ourselves
    of course, just to dose the pledges………


  19. shane says:

    Oversight is a Bitch I am sure that you were in the front of the line to be united when Bush was Elected , one question , why is it that you people whine the most when you claim a Conservative does the same things that Liberals do ?

    Comment by Bill Clinton

    What?


  20. toasterhead says:

    These people show us very exactly how the public trials against the heliocentric heretics looked like in the Middle Ages. People like Hansen, Oppenheimer, Schmidt, and Moore are blinded bigots who are completely incapable to think and react rationally to an extremely rational statement by a person who holds 7 degrees.

    But even if he didn’t know so, he must know that science is not about declaring dogmas and condemning heretics but about confrontation of evidence and theories. The warming bigots don’t have a single glimpse of a rational reaction.

    Comment by Luboš Motl — June 1, 2007 @ 10:55 am

    Climate change science is all about presenting evidence and theories, not dogma. There is now an overwhelming body of evidence, based on research, observation, and modeling, supporting the theory that climate change is occurring due to anthropoenic sources.

    The only people presenting irrational statements are the skeptics, who present the inherently conflicting arguments that: 1) scientists are pushing climate change just to justify their existence, 2) that there isn’t enough research on climate change and there needs to be more research done, and 3) that climate change will be good for us anyhow so why stop it.

    I have yet to see one argument by the anti-science “heretics” that disproves the current consensus theory on climate change.


  21. old hack says:

    NEW SONG

    “HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE WAR?”

    http://www.myspace.com/oldhack


  22. shane says:

    I am deeply troubled by the fact that this intellectual scum has flooded the institutionalized science. We’re heading towards some real problems if irrational bigots like Hansen et al have some much influence.

    Every sane person knows that the “fight against climate change” is a stupidity based on dozens of basic misunderstandings of science, politics, economics, psychology, their interrelationships, and working of the world in general.

    But even if he didn’t know so, he must know that science is not about declaring dogmas and condemning heretics but about confrontation of evidence and theories. The warming bigots don’t have a single glimpse of a rational reaction.

    Comment by Luboš Motl — June 1, 2007 @ 10:55 am

    Even by troll standards, you’re out of your feakin’ mind. Go back to reading your bible and leave global warming to the rational folks.


  23. Peter says:

    I’m really tired of Republican “humor”. I guess comedy, like reality, has a liberal bias.


  24. Oversight is a Bitch. says:

    #23. The best humor is intelligent. If you want to see Republican humor, take a look at “The Half Hour News Hour” on Fox, or has that already been cancelled. Or, you could listen to some “Larry the Cable Guy” fart jokes.


  25. Jay Randal says:

    No sense of humor in the Bush Regime, just massive stupidity and criminal corruption.


  26. justice says:

    you have to hand it to Boxer, she ripped those global warming deniers to SHREDS in the hearings.

    She called out their “talking points” and wiped the floor with every one of them.

    It was classic

    can’t wait for the next hearings


  27. Curious says:

    I was just wondering what do “right wing blog” says all about every day events like – Global warming.. sorry Climate Change, Dan Bartlet outing etc…


  28. Tundra says:

    Well, in the guys defense he is a geek. If you try to interview a geek (or even really try and carry on a conversation) you will be confused by half of their answers. Being someone who is well versed in geek he said ” Yes there is global warming, We are still having discussions/gathering data on the best course of action (Budget providing) that we can do.”

    His answer: “I’m aware that global warming exists” but “[w]hether that is a longterm concern or not, I can’t say.” Griffin added that he is “not sure that it is fair to say that it is a problem we must wrestle with.”


  29. DitchMitch08 says:

    “Heck-of-a-job Mikey” Hey, your comments are a laugh riot. I’m falling over laughing about global warming.


  30. TripMaster Monkey says:

    Tundra sez:

    Well, in the guys defense he is a geek.

    No, he’s not a geek. He stopped being a geek when he started being a shill for Chimpy.

    All the actual geeks (like the ones quoted in the story) are aghast at Griffin’s statement.


  31. kelley b. says:

    Michael Griffin, in addition to being a Ph.D. astrophysicist, has also headed In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s research subsdiary, and CSC/ DynCorp.

    He represents everything dirty and underhanded but malevolently intelligent about the people behind Bu$hCo- Cheneyburton. He’s a geek. But a really evil geek.

    He not only knows where all the bodies are buried, he helped put a few there, I suspect.


  32. Who killed industrial hemp? says:

    Sure am luvin’ this springtime heatwave…
    (not really)


  33. Zooey says:

    Is Michael Griffin related to Peter Griffin on Family Guy?

    No wonder he’s so funny….


  34. Bob Lewis says:

    Yet another Retard in the Army of Little-minded Miscreants that are part & parcel of IGNORANT ELITE, which I think is a more than Benevolent characterization of George’s cronies. These are truly peolpe with too much money and NO CLUE. If you want to see more of these, Just attend an AMWAY/ Quixtar convention…..They’ll even Invite You, as long as they think they can get you to join thier Economic Sales Slave system…


  35. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    The man has at least 7 academic degrees, so he can’t be that stupid. Liberals love academia, so how could you disagree with him? I mean, he stated, “I’m aware that global warming exists.” Much to this threads dismay, he took a detour around the usual political muffling of the issue and left room for apolitical conjecture.

    Just because it’s left doesn’t always make it right.


  36. Rasta Man says:

    Comment by Who killed industrial hemp?

    My thoughts exactly!


  37. freedomrings says:

    Well I have a question to anyone here: What should he say exactly and why should he say that? Not everyone believes that global warming has the same cause. If the warming is caused by space related things then he would be correct and he may feel that if the warming has human causes then maybe he thinks we are too late?

    I kind of thought that NASA does space stuff and that the EPA and agencies like that do Earth stuff? Am I wrong about that?


  38. toasterhead says:

    I kind of thought that NASA does space stuff and that the EPA and agencies like that do Earth stuff? Am I wrong about that?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 11:51 am

    Yes. You are indeed wrong about that.


  39. freedomrings says:

    Yes. You are indeed wrong about that.

    Comment by toasterhead — June 1, 2007 @ 11:57 am

    OK I read that link and didn’t consider the satellites and such. That being said, what should he say?


  40. margaret says:

    How about if Griffen starts by avoiding saying inane things like this:

    ‘Griffin added that he is “not sure that it is fair to say that it is a problem we must wrestle with.”’

    Scientists normally tend to want to understand everything, not sweep things under the rug.


  41. freedomrings says:

    How about if Griffen starts by avoiding saying inane things like this:

    ‘Griffin added that he is “not sure that it is fair to say that it is a problem we must wrestle with.”’

    Scientists normally tend to want to understand everything, not sweep things under the rug.

    Comment by margaret — June 1, 2007 @ 12:09 pm

    Maybe by wrestle he means that no matter what the cause there is nothing we can do? He could mean that this is due to solar activity and there is nothing we can do?


  42. justice says:

    freedomrings

    he should say what every competent scientist is saying, we need to ACT NOW and establish a plan to do what we can to reduce carbon emmissions instead of playing dumb and saying idiotic things like “well, we dont know ALL the answers so why act now”
    the truck is barreling down the street at us, isn’t that enough evidence we should step out of the way? You think it’s prudent to talk about it more and analyse it further instead and let the truck hit us?
    ANy action we take might be fruitless but resonsible people will at least TRY
    if we get the regulations in place it will escalate and promote action and change!


  43. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by margarent

    Your instructions are merely political speech, or a jumping to conclusions. The administrators statement had an open-ended approach, an inquisitive one, not flat-out denial.


  44. toasterhead says:

    OK I read that link and didn’t consider the satellites and such. That being said, what should he say?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 12:02 pm

    If he wanted to take the pure “NASA Geek” tactic, he could simply have said that it was NASA’s role to provide space-based data for the study of climate change, and not to make recommendations on energy and transportation policy. Period. That would have been fine. I can understand that, narrow-minded as it is.

    The problem is that he didn’t stop there, but instead started to speculate that climate change may not really be a problem, and then threw in a coded version of the climate skeptic industry’s new “climate change might not be so bad” talking point.

    That’s where I draw the line.


  45. margaret says:

    Maybe by wrestle he means that no matter what the cause there is nothing we can do? He could mean that this is due to solar activity and there is nothing we can do?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 12:13 pm

    Then that’s what he should say! He should say “there’s nothing we can do about it”!

    But that would give him away as far as not being a real scientist, because scientists love challenges and always think there’s a solution if you just work at it long enough.


  46. justice says:

    freedomrings

    do yourself a favor and read up on it. here’s a place to start

    http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/research/climate/highlights/


  47. toasterhead says:

    Maybe by wrestle he means that no matter what the cause there is nothing we can do? He could mean that this is due to solar activity and there is nothing we can do?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 12:13 pm

    Your instructions are merely political speech, or a jumping to conclusions. The administrators statement had an open-ended approach, an inquisitive one, not flat-out denial.

    Comment by CompTROLLER V-1 — June 1, 2007 @ 12:17 pm

    Both of these points are also in the ExxonMobil playbook. It is very easy to deny the overwhelming scientific consensus on the anthropogenic origins of climate change without expressly denying them. You simply say “we need more research.”


  48. margaret says:

    To those who may not have read NASA’s report, here’s a clip:

    ‘”The forecast effects include “increasingly rapid sea-level rise, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and increased stress on wildlife and plants due to rapidly shifting climate zones,” according to the NASA announcement.’

    Even scarier than the spectre of our being in Iraq for the rest of my life.


  49. toasterhead says:

    It’s also interesting to contrast Michael “Talking Crap, Lois” Griffin’s comments with Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez’ statement on the release of the IPCC WG1 report: http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/Secretary_Gutierrez/2007_Releases/February/02_Gutierrez_Climate_Change_Report_rls.htm


  50. freedomrings says:

    I appreciate all the links however what it looks like to me is that information from http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/ SOHO indicates that the Sun is extremely active. My bet is that he in a nice way is suggesting that there is nothing that can be done. If the Sun activity decreases than things might cool a little? I think I will stick with the 9-11 and political problems since we have no hope of correcting GW if we caused it. How would you put all of the carbon back it took the Earth and Sun millions of years to make the oil that this is being blamed on?


  51. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by toasterhead

    I’m sorry you believe that the basic tenents of logical cohersion are located in the “ExxonMobil playbook.” Letting your anti-corporate speak takeover for basic logic doesn’t render your argument anymore effective than Mr. Griffin’s perceived denial, by the way. As well, this topic isn’t about ExxonMobil. Please try to stay on topic.


  52. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by toasterhead

    Also, Mr. Toasterhead, research doesn’t have to conclude when the left presents its findings. By all means, allow more information from other educated scientists to enter the fray. Mr. Griffin is one of them.


  53. Zooey says:

    #50 – CompTroll

    The “left” did not present it’s findings, the IPCC gathered many studies together and presented them itself. The IPCC is not “the left.”

    Please don’t feel you have to respond. This is information only.
    Thanks.


  54. justice says:

    freedomrings

    you head in the sand people will do ANYTHING to duck responsibility. What wimps, you throw up your hands and say “oh well, nothing we can do, maybe it’s the sunspots!” and ignore EVERY TOP SCIENTIST ON THE PLANET to support your ridiculous position.

    get out of the way so we can go about the business of establishing regulations to TRY to slow the complete disaster headed towards our planet and our GRANDCHILDREN’S lives brought on by GROSS IRRESPONSIBLE over consumption


  55. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by Zooey

    I believe you made you stated earlier that you were going to ignore my posts, as long as I ignored yours. Why don’t you get to it?

    I believe I am at liberty to respond to whatever I please on the WWW, so finish up with your sarcastic happy-talk. I don’t like to chat with aspiring feminist dictators.


  56. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by Justice

    I don’t think you’re the premier consultant when it comes to pushing for responsiblity and “Justice.” Nobody here is denying the existence of global warming, so quit hurling your insults.


  57. toasterhead says:

    I appreciate all the links however what it looks like to me is that information from http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/ SOHO indicates that the Sun is extremely active. My bet is that he in a nice way is suggesting that there is nothing that can be done. If the Sun activity decreases than things might cool a little?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 12:39 pm

    The Sun is a contributing factor in climate change. This is not disputed. The current scientific consensus, however, says that solar forcing is responsible for only 20% of warming experienced in the last 250 years. That 20% is something we can’t do anything about – you’re right.

    Much of the other 80% is caused by increased atmospheric greenhouse gases, and that we can do something about, by reducing emissions and stopping the destruction of carbon sinks.


  58. freedomrings says:

    you head in the sand people will do ANYTHING to duck responsibility. What wimps, you throw up your hands and say “oh well, nothing we can do, maybe it’s the sunspots!” and ignore EVERY TOP SCIENTIST ON THE PLANET to support your ridiculous position.

    get out of the way so we can go about the business of establishing regulations to TRY to slow the complete disaster headed towards our planet and our GRANDCHILDREN’S lives brought on by GROSS IRRESPONSIBLE over consumption

    Comment by justice — June 1, 2007 @ 12:50 pm

    When you point a finger at me, 3 point back at you. What exactly is it that you are going to do to FIX it? We are not to blame even if it is caused by burning fossil fuel. We were born into the industrial life so try to give it up! You don’t have a choice. You must pay your takes and buy food! Go on fix it and let me know how it goes, though I don’t know how computers add to the global pollution, like your reply!


  59. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Correction to post #53: I believe you stated earlier (delete “you made”)


  60. justice says:

    freedomrings

    what am I doing? I am supporting the people who are working hard to effect change that’s what. I stay informed, read all the pertinent facts and LIVE GREEN. I do not drive my car unless absolutely necessary, I walk. I no longer fly either, if it can be avoided. I do not pollute, I recycle EVERYTHING and always have and I have taught my children to be good stewards of the earth. I built my house using GREEN products and GREEN energy systems.
    And I contribute my $$$ to those who are working towards same goal.


  61. toasterhead says:

    Also, Mr. Toasterhead, research doesn’t have to conclude when the left presents its findings. By all means, allow more information from other educated scientists to enter the fray. Mr. Griffin is one of them.

    Comment by CompTROLLER V-1 — June 1, 2007 @ 12:46 pm

    If Mike Griffin were to actually present more information, it wouldn’t be a problem. Instead, he is presenting speculation and obfuscation. I don’t expect him to agree with every single finding of the IPCC, but I would like to think that he, as a self-described scientist, were rationally evaluating the accumulated findings of thousands of climate scientists. The wry and humorous remarks he made in the NPR interview make me doubt that he has done this.


  62. justice says:

    freedomrings

    you don’t think we are well aware that you clowns will continue to over consume and shit in our collective nest and not take any responsibility? If everyone does SOMETHING it will help.

    I use a computer, so what? Im actively, daily doing as much as I CAN and doing MY PART which is more than I can say for you do nothing avoid responsibility leave it to the grandkids to sort out neocon Rethugs

    you all figure it’s “god’s plan” and use that as an excuse to continue to crap on the world.


  63. justice says:

    and by the way, many of us have been living this way for many years unlike you consumptive jerks

    it’s never too late to jump on the bandwagon but don’t expect us to save the world for ya, k? Try taking some personal responsibility


  64. freedomrings says:

    what am I doing? I am supporting the people who are working hard to effect change that’s what. I stay informed, read all the pertinent facts and LIVE GREEN. I do not drive my car unless absolutely necessary, I walk. I no longer fly either, if it can be avoided. I do not pollute, I recycle EVERYTHING and always have and I have taught my children to be good stewards of the earth. I built my house using GREEN products and GREEN energy systems.
    And I contribute my $$$ to those who are working towards same goal.

    Comment by justice — June 1, 2007 @ 1:05 pm

    I don’t want a rundown on your daily itinerary! Odds are that you support a Carbon Tax and other alternative energy voodoo. You can’t BUY your way out of this since it is bigger than US.

    Don’t go tryin to start a GUILT TRIP since I don’t play that. My head is here on the topic not in the sand.

    How much oil does it take to mass produce that one computer on your desk justice? Do you even know? Do you realize that if consumer goods are not mass produced there will be no global economy, since it would cost over a million dollars to hand make that same computer you’re using? That is just ONE thing. What about food?

    Avoid posting derogatory personal attacks like lumping me in with an ostridge! I didn’t do that to you! What do you think people do all day? We work hard and try to feed our families. Wealthy people can afford to waste so put your oppressive carbon taxes on them!


  65. margaret says:

    I saw a science program where the host held up a chunk of coal about the size of a football and said that was how much coal you have to burn to turn on one computer.

    May I add that I find your capitulation very discouraging ‘freedomrings’. The fact that we were born into the industrial life is irrelevant. If you’ve decided that, no matter what, you simply refuse to alter your lifestyle that’s your decision.

    Our survival, as the human race, depends on our adaptions to our environment. As it always has. To simply refuse to adapt, or at least alter, your lifestyle may not be the wisest course of action. History will judge us on how we react to this challenge.


  66. freedomrings says:

    you don’t think we are well aware that you clowns will continue to over consume and shit in our collective nest and not take any responsibility? If everyone does SOMETHING it will help.

    I use a computer, so what? Im actively, daily doing as much as I CAN and doing MY PART which is more than I can say for you do nothing avoid responsibility leave it to the grandkids to sort out neocon Rethugs

    you all figure it’s “god’s plan” and use that as an excuse to continue to crap on the world.

    Comment by justice — June 1, 2007 @ 1:17 pm

    You happen to speak like a hypocrite and what you “do to help” is bupkis. You claim that it is industrialization when you blame consumption. So you want cake and to eat it too. If it is industrialization than to stop it requires eliminating mass production and that would be impossible based on global population. In other words you want to kill billions so you can keep your PC!


  67. margaret says:

    In other words you want to kill billions so you can keep your PC!

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 1:26 pm

    Sigh. C’mon that’s just dumb! I want to keep my PC and my washing machine for that matter! We have to find energy alternatives that make sense (not ethanol for ex. – causes food prices to go up and has contributed to tortilla shortages in Mexico).

    I saw a new backpack that has a solar cell on it that a hiker can use to power up a laptop. We need more of that…


  68. jayzee says:

    I guess this all proves that 7 degrees makes not an intelligent man.


  69. freedomrings says:

    I saw a new backpack that has a solar cell on it that a hiker can use to power up a laptop. We need more of that…

    Comment by margaret — June 1, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

    So you believe that green house gasses are released from industrial processes like making all of that synthetic material in that back pack and those neat solar cells but you’re going to release less gasses by making these industrial solar cell backpacks loaded with synthetics. Did I get that correct? You seem to have this all thought out so maybe we can learn how they make polyester and nylon? What about the bottom of your shoes? Need a little soul?

    A tax would be unfair to me and would not do anything except make someone rich! Assuming the concept that our use of oil is to blame, than we have to turn everything off yesterday. In 2 days there will be a stink in your kitchen. That would be all of your fresh food rotting. The water gets pumped into your house so your bathroom will have to move to your yard if you have one. No industrial system can remain and we still have all of the methane (GHG) from the farts of the what 6.8 B for billion people.


  70. FJACKIE says:

    Anyone who listened to this as I did yesterday will tell you that this stiff is utterly without any sense of humor. It was painful to listen to this guy trying to figure out what W would approve of him saying as he answered questions.


  71. justice says:

    freedomrings
    typical rethug, change the subject and duck responsibility

    hey dirtforbrains, there is some GREY area between where we are now and the complete dismantling of the industrial age but being a neocon you wouldn’t be able to comprehend that.

    luckily smarter people than you are already fully addressing ways to reinvent the way we do things now towards a more EARTH FRIENDLY production of energy.


  72. Zooey says:

    I believe you made you stated earlier that you were going to ignore my posts, as long as I ignored yours. Why don’t you get to it?
    I believe I am at liberty to respond to whatever I please on the WWW, so finish up with your sarcastic happy-talk. I don’t like to chat with aspiring feminist dictators.
    Comment by CompTROLLER V-1

    Ah yes, that was you. All trolls run together at the end of the day, don’t they?

    Yes, we are at liberty to respond to whatever we please on the WWW, but it’s always nice to oblige a request — or to do what you’re told.

    Toodles,
    Feminist Dictator Z


  73. Karim says:

    so much for personal accountability.


  74. freedomrings says:

    typical rethug, change the subject and duck responsibility

    hey dirtforbrains, there is some GREY area between where we are now and the complete dismantling of the industrial age but being a neocon you wouldn’t be able to comprehend that.

    luckily smarter people than you are already fully addressing ways to reinvent the way we do things now towards a more EARTH FRIENDLY production of energy.

    Comment by justice — June 1, 2007 @ 1:49 pm

    Insults aside…

    Like what?


  75. freedomrings says:

    What is

    EARTH FRIENDLY production of energy.


  76. margaret says:

    a quote from Mr. Griffin:

    “Humans will explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It’s simply a matter of which humans, when, what values they will hold, and what languages they will speak, what cultures they will spread. What the United States gains from a robust program of human space exploration is the opportunity to carry the principles and values of western philosophy and culture along on the absolutely inevitable outward migration of humanity into the solar system and, eventually, beyond.”

    I get the impression sometimes that all they care about is planting the US flag on Mars.

    freedomrings – you seem brainwashed. Have you been listening to FOX “news” a lot lately? It’s making your brain rot. Not one thing that you say has anything to do with anything I’ve said.


  77. muckdog says:

    The amount of man-made CO2 is meaningless. Fractions of a percent.

    All this global warming hype is going to be a joke in 5-years.

    Link

    However, carbon dioxide as a result of man’s activities was only 3.2 per cent of that, hence only 0.12 per cent of the greenhouse gases in total. Human-related methane, nitrogen dioxide and CFCs etc made similarly minuscule contributions to the effect: 0.066, 0.047 and 0.046 per cent respectively.

    “That ought to be the end of the argument, there and then,” he said.

    Thanks for all your concern. But we call all move on now.


  78. Octagon says:

    HEY ALL YOU BIG DUMB STUPID JURKS! WHATS WRONG WITH BUSH?! HE KILLED THE IRAKY TERRARISTS THAT KILLED THAT BUILDING IN NEW YORK! YEAH! THE GLOBAL WARMING, THAT IS ALL DONE WITH COMPUTER SPECIAL EFFECTS IN HOLLYWOOD BY FANCY SCIENCE QUEERS!

    NOW EXCUSE ME, I HAVE TO DO BRODIES IN MY NEIGHBORS YARD WITH MY BRAND NEW AMERICAN SUV!! YEEEEAAAH!!! RUMSFIELD!!!!!

    /seriously if we can try to impeach Clinton for lieing about a blow job why is Bush still on the TV twice a week yammering like a crack head with a speach impediment?


  79. toasterhead says:

    EARTH FRIENDLY production of energy.

    Comment by freedomrings — June 1, 2007 @ 1:57 pm

    Wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and nuclear energy are far better for the environment than burning of fossil fuels.

    The amount of man-made CO2 is meaningless. Fractions of a percent.
    All this global warming hype is going to be a joke in 5-years.

    Link

    However, carbon dioxide as a result of man’s activities was only 3.2 per cent of that, hence only 0.12 per cent of the greenhouse gases in total. Human-related methane, nitrogen dioxide and CFCs etc made similarly minuscule contributions to the effect: 0.066, 0.047 and 0.046 per cent respectively.

    Interesting how he cites no source for his numbers. I can make up numbers too, that doesn’t mean they have any relation to reality.


  80. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    This ‘margaret’ fool, like others, is always quick to invoke the “Fox News” schtick everytime they’re put to the test.

    Really, lady, drop the insults.


  81. freedomrings says:

    typical rethug, change the subject and duck responsibility

    Comment by justice — June 1, 2007 @ 1:49 pm

    Hit and run posting by you. Not a Republican. I’m not responsible for this nor are you.

    Let’s look at it like this…

    We will agree that ice ages occur every now and again! So, let’s say this was the start of one of those ice ages.
    How long till you blame me for that? You age one of those “blame game” people.

    If it is what you say we are screwed since the global population will not fit into a lesser energy dynamic. Everyone knows that it takes all of the energy we use every day to do all that is done in a day and we are short!

    Your hope is that you can buy your way out and you’re afraid of losing your STUFF.


  82. Octagon says:

    Interesting how he cites no source for his numbers. I can make up numbers too, that doesn’t mean they have any relation to reality.

    Yeah if I had to choose between listening to a world wide consortium of the top scientists in the world a dozen or so fridge right wing tools I think I would go with the first, just me.


  83. margaret says:

    a quick review of the author of muckdog’s quotes found this:

    “Augie Auer also made a colossal mistake in the NZ Herald interview inferring that only 3.2% of the CO2 in the athmosphere was human made. Far from it. Since the the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the CO2 content has risen from 280ppb to 380ppb, an increase of over 35%! And in short order we will have doubled the CO2 content to levels double of anything the Earth atmosphere has seen for hundreds of thousands if not millions of years”

    here’s the link for independent-minded readers:

    http://www.te-software.co.nz/blog/augie_auer.htm

    Apparently some people prefer the sweet bliss of ignorance regarding the results of our consumerism.

    Okay everyone, time to jump into your SUVs and go buy more stuff!


  84. TradeWinds says:

    Griffin explained his comments by saying – “I guess I would ask which human beings – where and when – are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right here today, right now is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that’s a rather arrogant position for people to take.”

    He should have said – ‘I guess I would ask which species – where and when – are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right here today, right now is the best climate for all other species. I think that’s a rather arrogant position for humans to take.”

    There is no ’saving the planet’. The planet will long outlive mankind. Griffin is suggesting that keeping the planet comfy for us is mostly arrogance on our part. BTW – I vote for 72.5 degrees.


  85. TripMaster Monkey says:

    CompTROLLER V-1 sez:

    This ‘margaret’ fool, like others, is always quick to invoke the “Fox News” schtick [sic] everytime [sic] they’re put to the test.

    There’s a reason the FOX “News” shtick is a shtick, you know…


  86. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by TripLoser Moron

    There’s this virus again. OOPS! It looks as if I forgot to upload the software this morning. You’ll be blocked in no time.

    And let me tell you again, your input on grammar proficiency doesn’t mean crap. It doesn’t up your credibility, so get lost. I didn’t solicit your input.

    TripMaster Monkey [sic]


  87. freedomrings says:

    Wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and nuclear energy are far better for the environment than burning of fossil fuels.

    Comment by toasterhead — June 1, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

    I had this whole big list for this but then I lost interest as this is too depressing! All of those alternatives release green house gasses. We already use them all and oil and we are still running out of energy. You cannot have industrialization without industrialization. It is impossible! It takes machines to make machines and they all use energy. Steel mill levels of energy are required by steel mills. All of that requires mining. Then the ore needs to get from the mine to the processing center to the mill to the factory to the assembly to you and later to the garbage heap.

    We already use all of the energy we can get and it is not enough. God oh mighty don’t you people realize how everything is connected and dependant in order to have industrialization? Again I submit that in essence you are looking to reinvent the wheel. People you can’t make computers without oil. There is no way to do it. There might be blackouts this summer and gas shortages. How will you make mortgage payments and what happens when you get sick? I’m going to some other topics and I was hoping to not rent space in my head for this GW/PO topic. Thanks for FIXING the warming, if you plan on a carbon tax I need to abstain for financial reasons!


  88. TripMaster Monkey says:

    Comment by CompTROLLER V-1 — June 1, 2007 @ 2:38 pm

    What an idiot! You can’t even stay on one topic from one post to the next, never mind actually sticking to the topic of the thread…

    As I told you before, my corrections are offered pro bono, as you are obviously in dire need of assistance. You needn’t thank me…knowing that I’ve helped out someone less fortunate than myself is all the reward I require. ^_^


  89. CompTROLLER V-1 says:

    Comment by TripMaster Monkey

    Your “corrections” are worth nothing more than pro bono, for starters. It’s good, anyhow, that I’m taking advice about “sticking to the topic of the thread” from someone who mouths off about minor grammar issues on a CASUAL BLOG. Talk about “sticking to the topic.” My writings here are to challenge the insanely false and self-serving statements offered by you loons, not to satisfy your grammatical tastes.

    It looks as if my virus protection software needs yet another update. The ‘TripMaster Monkey’ is herding itself onto my computer.

    Reminder: do not click on any of the monkey’s links. A “wanted” photo of the ScamMaster Monkey is shown below. Have you seen this man?

    ^ ^
    -


  90. TripMaster Monkey says:

    Comment by CompTROLLER V-1 — June 1, 2007 @ 3:05 pm

    You know what’s amusing? Except for your bumbling depiction of my trademark smiley (which I’ll get back to), you’ve committed no errors whatsoever in the last few posts. Looks like my tutelage is helping you after all.

    You’re quite welcome.

    As for “challenging the insanely false and self-serving statements offered by us loons”, that sounds interesting. Let me know when you start doing that.

    As for the smiley, honestly, CT…how difficult is a caret, followed by an underscore, followed by another caret (or 5E, 95, 5E in ASCII)? I’m embarrassed for you. ^_^


  91. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Thanks for all your concern. But we call all move on now.

    Comment by muckdog — June 1, 2007 @ 2:05 pm

    Er, no – Augie is pasted by this discussion:

    http://www.te-software.co.nz/blog/augie_auer.htm


  92. Joel says:

  93. guy2k says:

    The AP story has a NASA spokesman blaming NPR for the flap–apparently it was wrong for them to ask Griffin a question about global warming. . . the audacity of these journalists! Asking questions? Some nerve!


  94. Sean says:

    These asses can’t even predict the weather for the weekend, let alone Climate Change.

    Don’t we have better things to do then keep forking over more of our hard earned money to the giant bloated federal government so they can continue their wildly expensive goosechases?


  95. bill says:

    One of catholicfundamentalism.com points is the spiritual effect of “complex frauds”, of which global warming is the leading example. Rarely have so many lies, exaggerations, and falsehoods been brought together in one giant tax scam. Pray for the lost souls.


  96. Atomic Scrotum says:

    This guy is the head of NASA… he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about global warming. All he cares about is securing funding and launching crap into space.

    Further proof that Americans are douchebags. Suck it, yankees!


  97. kenzrw says:

    To say the science is settled on anything is to be a denier of knowledge or a denier of potential truth. If you global warming alarmists can’t even come up with anything to support your dire warnings except to rake anyone who disagrees over the coals, then there must not be many provable facts to your alarmism. Global warming has become a religion with no descent possible. All you alarmists go ahead and stop flying, stop eating meat, stop cooling and heating your houses, stop driving and stop paving over the country – practice what you preach fellows. Talk is cheap and descent of such cheap talk is a necessity.


  98. freedomrings says:

    Here this will cool things out in the climate!!

    The United States dollar is facing imminent collapse in the face of an unsustainable debt, the United Nations warned today.

    United States debt, which had now deepened to well over $3 trillion, might turn out to be unsustainable in the rest of 2007 or next, putting further downward pressure on the United States dollar, Rob Vos, the Director of the Development Policy and Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference.

    http://pressesc.com/01180629622_dollar_falls

    That is the END, complete, done, blasted, broke, washed up! Depression.


  99. muckdog says:

    Eh, just wait 5 years. All this global warming hype and alarmism will blow over. These crazies will readily move on to the next make-believe crisis. Whatever is being spoon fed to ‘em.

    Maybe we should just respond with platitudes and run out the clock on these fools.

    So lets continue to study the issue and put out an annual report on climate change. Lets keep a close eye on it. LOL.


  100. Diddly Durp De Der says:

    When will we all learn? Just leave the question of climate change v. global warming to well juried professionals like Al Gore.


  101. adam says:

    For now we only have planet Earth to live on. Humans are making plants and animals extinct, i.e. dodo bird for example. There was just a report in the AP about how a rare rhino died at the San Diego Zoo now there are only 14 left in the world and perhaps 5 in the wild. Humans caused this, not natural selection, God, aliens, or lil gnomes from Alaska.

    Then the industrial revolution occurred and we really ramped it up. Cancers and many diseases are attributed to pollution, why do you think there was such a push to remove sulfur and heavy metals from smoke stacks?

    India and China have to get on board anything the fully developed nations do, as well as any other emerging red hot economies. Of course these nations have a right to develop but they with a bit of ingenuity can develop cleanly and avoid mistakes the developed nations have done.

    If we do not take care of the planet we will die off as well.

    Where the f**k do you want to live if the Earth is polluted? Moon colonies? Space Colonies? Alpha Centauri?

    What is the matter with you people?? Why the hell are stupid people allowed to do anything, the moment people with intelligence actually begin to assume position of power believe you me there will be IQ requirements for certain posts, we need to keep the stupid people who lived in meta physical fantasy lands away from the responsibility of running the human civilization.


  102. kenzrw says:

    RE: post 97. What exactly are you doing personally to make the human race better? I assume you don’t use any plastics, don’t drive cars, fly in airplanes, eat only organic veggies, don’t use air conditioners or heaters, never take out a garbage bag, never eat out, never turn on lights at night, etc., etc. Am I right? Then good for you. That would give you a right to criticize everyone else. Open your mind to some realities – we’ll never go back to living like cave men. We can only do our small part, and I’m glad you don’t live as badly as the rest of us do.


  103. adam says:

    Atomic Scrotum just proved how childish and immature his people are. How dare you f**cking accuse me of being a douche bag? I take that personally, in a democracy sometimes you get who you vote for sometimes you don’t and when you don’t policies enacted are not a reflection of everyone, even those who you elect will do things you do not want them to do but no amount of protest or anything will change it, till the next election.

    All Americans are douche bags huh, so my friends in the Peace Corps are douche bags? When our military helped the tsunami victims we are douche bags? When we helped rebuild Europe after World War II we were douche bags? When we used to champion for human rights and freedom we were douche bags? Not to mention how many advances in the human condition were a direct result of the hard work and determination of the American people? My people, my fellow citizens…I am sorry for George Bush and his administration but if you read anything you would see his approval ratings are in the pits which means most Americans do not approve of his policies….


  104. adam says:

    Kenzrw missed the point entirely. I love how you people always come back with what am I doing personally. I do live quite “green” my friend but I am limited by society and of course your ‘reality’ as you so wonderfully put it.


  105. kenzrw says:

    My point was right on the nose. We’ll never go back to living like cave men. Why don’t you try? By the way, I also live relatively ‘green’ – I have a hybrid car at least.


  106. adam says:

    Bio-Diesel Volvo.


  107. Atomic Scrotum says:

    re: posts 103 – 106 by adam the douche.

    You didn’t elect the head of nasa, numbnuts. You are a douchebag, and so are your peace corps pals.

    America barely did shit after the tsunami and Europe rebuilt itself after WWII. Don’t give your disgusting country credit for more than it deserves.

    You are the planet’s biggest polluters, your economy is on the verge of collapse, and over the past 100 years you’ve managed to bully the planet into hating your guts.

    Adam, you are the rectum from which spews forth the most disgusting pro-American fecal clumps I’ve read in the last 5 minutes. You must have to wipe your keyboard off with toilet paper after each post. Nasty.



Jump to Top

About Think Progress | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy (off-site) | RSS | Donate
© 2005-2009 Center for American Progress Action Fund
View Most Popular

Advertisement

What We're About

Featured

image
Subscribe to the Progress Report



imageTopic Cloud


Visit Our Affiliated Sites

image image
Reports


Got a hot tip?
Have a hot news tip? We'd love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us the latest.

Name:
Email:
Tip:
(required)


imageArchives


imageBlog Roll