Prior to releasing the prelimanary results of this study, Muller has been one of the most quoted academics by climate skeptics. Typically, those same skeptics are now distancing themselves as fast as they can. In his Wall Street Journal op-ed piece on Friday, Muller spends most of his time reinforcing the basis for his previous “skepticism”. Eventually, he concludes:

“We think that means that those groups had truly been very careful in their work, despite their inability to convince some skeptics of that. They managed to avoid bias in their data selection, homogenization and other corrections. Global warming is real.”

Can we PLEASE focus on solutions

Skeptics, petroleum industry pawns, Republican leaders and right-wing fanatics will continue to argue, obstruct, and lie. They have no interest in science, truth, their fellow humans or the future. It’s time we accept that. We will not change their views. We will not convince them with logic, research or planning.

These people, bought and paid for by big oil, have absolutely no interest in changing the way we do business or the way we live. They have no interest in what is best for our country, our children or our world. It’s time we say, loud and clear, fuck ‘em. We’re moving on.

It’s time to draw a line in the sand. If you’re still denying global warming, you need to be on the sidelines. Make it a litmus test. If ANY politician is unwilling to support a comprehensive approach to environmental policy, if they deny the science, if they parrot the big oil lies, if they make excuses for continuing the policies of extinction, they must be voted out of office.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature Project
WSJ: The Case Against Global-Warming Skepticism
Skeptical Science: The BEST Kind of Skepticism
Talking Points Memo: Climate Change Deniers Abandon ‘Befuddled Warmist’ Physicist Who Came Around On Global Warming
The Economist: The Heat is On
The Register: Massive study concludes: ‘Global warming is real’

A recent post by Jamie L. Vernon, Ph.D. on Chris Mooney’s Discover Magazine blog, The Intersection, highlights a recent report from the National Research Council. The report outlines various policy methods to reduce CO2 emissions, but Vernon stresses the importance of an effective marketing campaign to convey the importance of personal accountability in offsetting anthropomorphic climate change. Since 1944, Smokey the Bear has been an effective “spokesperson” on forest fire prevention. Vernon advocates a new campaign of a similar vein for global warming and we heartily concur!

Sewage Dumping image from Reef Rescue.

The Gulf’s $20 billion tourism industry and the muliti-billion dollar fishing industry are often the first to come to mind when thinking of the Gulf. Many of us quickly realized the large percentage of shrimp and oysters that came from the Gulf after we started seeing the affects of the BP Horizon Oil Spill. Gulf beach tourism was affected. We saw photos of oily birds and fish, and then more and more dead birds, turtles, fish, and even dolphins. The entire U.S. has felt the discomfort of rising gas prices in our pocketbooks.

Much of the pain and suffering still continues now even a year after the dreadful oil disaster. Many of us had hoped that the attention from this tragedy would help our country’s leaders, citizens, corporations, and friends begin to realize and appreciate the paramount role our waters play in our lives and our futures. Unfortunately, the Gulf of Mexico is continually threatened by legislation.

On a national level, and fueled by the rising prices of gasoline, the Republican-controlled House easily passed the last of three bills to expedite and expand oil and gas drilling today in a 243-179 vote.

In the State of Florida, the Legislature reduced money for the Everglades, approved a proposal that would make it difficult for the public to challenge development and environmental permits, and passed a bill that prohibits local governments from passing ordinances that ban sales of fertilizer.

Hypoxia graphic from longislandsoundstudy.net.

The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world, but it contains one of the largest dead zones. The dead zone is caused by nutrient enrichment, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous that enter through runoff of fertilizers, animal wastes, and sewage. Algae growth increases, the food chain is altered, and dissolved oxygen in the area is depleted. The hypoxic water has been linked to massive fish kills. Studies are still being done to determine how much more dead zone has been created by the BP Horizon spill.

To address this issue, we need to lessen the amount of unhealthy runoff from fertilizers, animal wastes, septic systems, sewage treatment facilities, and irresponsible disasters caused by industry – including those of a catastrophic nature such as the BP Horizon Oil Disaster. We, as citizens need to be aware of the issues and how they affect the environment, our health, and our futures. Our current political climate favors the rights of corporations over the individual rights of citizens and the environment.

Let’s speak up against dumping fertilizers, sewage, and oil into our precious waters. Our oceans are paramount to our existence – and we are increasingly more and more important to theirs.

They have held hostage America’s long-term unemployed workers, successfully threatening to filibuster any extension of emergency unemployment benefits for the millions reeling from this economic catastrophe. The Number 1 priority of GOP leadership is extending the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy. Not jobs. Not the deficit. Not earmarks. GOP Job # 1 is making the wealthy wealthier. And it looks like they’ve succeeded.

Today, show your support for America’s embattled middle class and unemployed in every way that you can. Make sure your congressional representatives know that you do not support any “compromise” that extends tax breaks for millionaires for two years as a condition for extending emergency unemployment benefits for one year.

Noah's Ark, 1846 oil painting by Edward Hicks

“As you sow, so shall you reap.” This Biblical verse seems to be particularly pertinent in today’s world. Unfortunately, a lot of our soon to be congressional “leadership” seems to ignore that particular warning.

Republican Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois officially announced his intention to seek the House Energy and Commerce Committee chair earlier this month. Four Republicans have announced interest in the Energy and Commerce Committee chair: Shimkus, BP-apologist Joe Barton, Tea-Partier Cliff Stearns and Fred Upton–who is being hammered by the others as not being “conservative” enough.

Shimkus is perhaps best know for quoting the Book of Genesis in a House committee meeting in 2009:

“Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though all inclinations of his heart are evil from childhood and never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done.

As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.”

In a recent Politico.com interview, Shimkus stood by his belief that Genesis is proof positive that we don’t have to worry about climate change:

“I do believe in the Bible as the final word of God and I do believe that God said the Earth would not be destroyed by a flood.”

Perhaps a better Biblical verse for Rep. Shimkus to consider is Isaiah 24:4-6 …

“The earth dries up and withers, the world languished and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth lies under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt.”

The Bible’s a thick book and somewhere in there you can find a passage to support just about anything that you want. But a recurring theme throughout is the importance of stewardship–for the land, for the creatures, and for our brothers. We hope that is the message that our leaders understand.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Juan Cole–Informed Comment: Energy Committee Chairman Candidate Says God Promised
Politico: John Shimkus cites Genesis on climate change
Salon.com: And God said to Noah: Don’t fret about global warming
Rep. John Shimkus

New GOP congressman from Maryland Andy Harris, M.D. was in D.C. with other incoming members for orientation. One of the main issues of the Harris campaign was repealing “ObamaCare”.

So what issue does Mr. Harris get upset about during orientation? According to Politico, quoting a congressional staffer,

“He stood up and asked the two ladies who were answering questions why it had to take so long, what he would do without 28 days of health care.”

No, it wasn’t a misquote or a phony liberal socialist lie. According to a Harris spokesperson,

Harris also told the audience, “This is the only employer I’ve ever worked for where you don’t get coverage the first day you are employed.”

According to the new congressman’s own website, AndyHarris.com:

“As a physician, I know that our health insurance system is in need of repair. However, the answer to the ever-rising cost of insurance is not the expansion of government-run or government-mandated insurance but, instead, common-sense market based solutions that ensure decisions are made by patients and their doctors.”

But, it looks like Harris and the rest of the GOP congressional delegation are quite happy to accept the taxpayer funded, government run insurance plan that congress gets. If you, like us, find this incredibly hypocritical, please support the CREDO Action Repeal Your Own Health Care campaign. This campaign is supporting an effort by Democratic members of Congress to gather signatures for a letter to GOP leaders:

Four members — Joe Crowley (NY), Linda Sanchez (CA), Donna Edwards (MD), and Tim Ryan (OH) — are rounding up signatures for a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Speaker-to-be John Boehner, encouraging them to press their members to refuse their federal health benefits based on the same principles underlying their opposition to health care reform.

“It is amazing that your members would complain about not having health care coverage for a few weeks, even after campaigning to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which will help provide coverage to millions of Americans who find themselves without health insurance for months or even years,” the letter reads. “It begs the question: how many members of the Republican conference will be forgoing the employer-subsidized FEHBP coverage and experiencing what so many Americans find themselves forced to face? If your conference wants to deny millions of Americans affordable health care, your members should walk that walk.”

Lets make sure that the GOP is held accountable.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CREDO Action Petition
Politico: GOP frosh: Where’s my health care?
Talking Points Memo: Freshman GOPer: Hey, Where’s My Health Care?

Earl Feagans,
I think you have done a great job and will vote again, get tough, just coz you are the first black president, speak louder, to everyone, you are so intelligent that most don’t even get it. Thats how the Rep’s are winning, they play on our stupidity and lack of patience. BRAVO!

chris,
I still believe the future is what we make it …
“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in a final sense a theft from those who are hungry and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.”
-Dwight Eisenhower

Tim Valentine,

Carol Smouse,
Please do not back down on the tax cut extension. It is irresponsible to add further burden to our children’s future to satisfy the greedy now. You cannot make everyone happy, but keep your promise to bring CHANGE, not the same old story.

Ernest Daniel,
Greed cannot be legislated because it is an emotion, but ethics can, Don’t compromise. Not everything must go through Congress to be enacted as George Bush well knew. Don’t compromise. Stop trying to please everyone. Your detractors will not stop and the Republican Party is out to get the black president. Don’t compromise.

John J. Kamis,
Please don’t let the NeoConArtists win…

xxxxxxxx,
You have been doing a great job and you have kept your promises. You have great integrity and that is what matters most to me and your supporters. Aloha to you and your beautiful family

Terrie McManaman,
Pretend you’re FDR. Don’t be afraid to be hated.

Khandie Johnson,
I will compromise on increasing the middle class to 1 million annual income. Thats reasonable considering what things cost these days. But thats it. Let the rest expire. We can’t afford it.

doris Mccoy,

Sarah Goldston,
Only you can really be our voice, we were there for you so please be there for us.

Cheryl Kelly,

G. Maek Vogel,
70% supported single payer
60% support letting tax cuts for wealthy expire
Now is not the time to blink.

Kelley Gardner,
President Obama, it’s your turn. Your turn to listen to your supporters. Your turn to be moved by OUR vision. Because we still believe in YOU and the Change you campaigned for. You can find your strength in us as we have in you. We believe our country can be great again.

Please don’t compromise.

marina lawson,
Please do not give in to Republican demands – the time for partisan cooperation has come and gone.

vivian drean,

Wayne Jackson,
Mr. Obama to get this economy under control we need to stablelized the Home industries. Your administration need to do something about the foreclosure crisis.

Jason Coopman,
Eliminate tax cuts for the wealthy and keep them for the middle and lower classes. At the same time, work to keep to keep the middle class in America.
–Keep looking out for the majority of Americans.
–Know that the Tea Party is not the majority of America, and even if they don’t support you, work to make sure those that need the help get it.
–I still support you, Barack Obama!

FRANCES ROGERS,
Please President Obama fight for us and we will rally behind you like you could never imagine.

Chuck Warriner,
We’re counting on you, Mr. President. The future of our nation depends on your actions like never before in our history.

Carlton and Charlotta Cummings,
FULL SUPPORT Pres. Obama! Civics taught the Senate holds more POWER than the HOR! DEMOCRATS are NOW still in charge along w Presidential EXECUTIVE POWER! Please Pass the 200-400 bills on the table NOW. ACTION and Hardwork will start motion! U do not FIGHT ALONE. We pray for u everyday; NO WEAPON FORMED SHALL PROSPER! Please don’t cave and UNDERSTAND you aren’t standing ALONE! FULL SUPPORT!!!!

billy clark,
follow your heart Mr. President

Jane burnes leverenz,
Start thinking planetary change….God speed My Friend!

Terry Cook,
Please stop compromising with those who have no problem destroying this planet and the people living on it. Don’t believe some angel will come and fix it. We are the angels! Stand up to the destroyers!

Felencia Darius,
Like Tom Petty said; “”You can stand me up at the gates of hell, I won’t back down………in a world that keeps on pushing me around, I will stand my ground.”
You showed them your “audacity” by being a bold leader; now show your tenacity giving no quarter Mr. President. You have our support. ALL41.

Don Johnson,

patricia williams,
Don’t forget those who really believe in freedom and peace. Don’t allow the fascist far right to take us back into the religious dark ages. Where none are free. I trust my President to do the right thing.

K Amber Miller,
We voted on the basis of Hope. Now we want that Change we can believe in. I still believe: GO GET ‘EM!

If you haven’t added your comments and signature to the letter of support for Pres. Obama please click the link to do so now.

Tera Jones,

”I still have faith in you and what you are doing for this country and the world. Please stay your course and don’t compromise to those who want failure.”

Dee,


Ruth E Benjamin,

“I listened when you said We are the change we’ve been waiting for .. we’re here, but we need some direction. Let’s get fired up! One Love ♥”

randy,


Tanya Garrett,


Mike McCoy,

“This is my pledge of allegience. Thank you”

xxxxxxxx,

“MR. PRESIDENT OBAMA, I STILL BELIVE IN YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU FAMILY.”

Sandra TETNOWSKI,


xxxxxxxx,

“I think that because you, Mr President have come from a position of community organizing, which requires compromise, support, etc to get things done, you may think that it could work in Washington if you try hard enough…The fact is that you can only get your largest priorities accomplished by coming from a position of strength with little room for compromise…Please DO NOT compromise on the most vital interests of the middle class, we are shrinking fast, and the poor are getting poorer while the wealthy are piling on the wealth. I support you all the way and you and your family are the most refreshing and beautiful family I have even seen in that White House during my lifetime. Thank you for all you do…”

Laura Hansen,

”I still believe in you, and that God Almighty has chosen you to be our helper. To get out of this mess. You can do it. Please don’t back down from the Righties. You are a great man and I know you care about us. Love and Blessings to you and your beautiful family.( Some say you are as great a man as Mandela.”

JULIO V RODRIGUEZ,

”iwill definitely vote for you again and I have seen the beginning of change.”

xxxxxxxx,


Christopher Rose,

“Yes We Can !”

Betsy J Burdette,

“I support you !”

Lee York,

”Please be the person we voted for.”

Paulette Collier,


Patti Miller,


Karen Stevens,


Johnathan L Abbinett,

”We know the V.A. can be fully funded and the estimated 1 Million back-logged V.A. Claims can be handled fairly, and in a timely manner – so, PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE!”

Judy Vendsel,

Jeff Schaefer,
”Climate change through reconciliation.”

Jerry Blackburn,

“My Republican Father and I are very much both behind you. We are not tired of defending you from the baseless attacks of FOX news and the Republican Tea Party created by Charles and David Koch. We know, we believe, andwe are active! Whatever we can do, we want to help! “

Chris Gardner,


Sondra Ward,


Anthony Bridgeforth,

“YES WE CAN..!!!
DOUBLE DOWN MR. PRESIDENT”

Lindsay Schutz,


Roger Nehring,


Kym Snow,


Susan M Gile,

”Just wanted to add that, you passed a “”No Bullying Law”", now stand up to the Bully Republicans and do the right thing, Please! We stand with you don’t be afraid to do what is right.”

Debra Gross,


If you haven’t added your comments and signature to the letter of support for Pres. Obama please click the link to do so now.

The Huffington Post reports that:

GOP Wants To Strip Fed Of Power To Combat Joblessness

WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans are pushing to strip the Federal Reserve of its authority to address unemployment, leaving it with the lone responsibility to combat inflation. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), a key member of the Senate Banking Committee, became on Monday the latest Republican to propose that the central bank stop worrying itself with the jobless crisis.

“It is time that we work to clarify the mandate of the Federal Reserve,” Corker said in a statement. “Providing our central bank with a clear and explicit focus on keeping inflation low will serve America better than the broader mandate approach we have today.”

Congress, meanwhile, has not made a major attempt to address the unemployment crisis since passing the stimulus in early 2009, leaving the Fed as the policymaker of last resort for the jobless. An emergency extension of unemployment insurance is set to expire if Congress doesn’t act shortly, prematurely costing two million people their benefits by the end of the year.

Also today, The Wall Street Journal reported:

Spending Worries Put Jobless Benefits at Risk

Congress is unlikely to agree to extend jobless benefits for two million unemployed workers by the time the program begins to lapse in two weeks, as lawmakers struggle with a packed lame-duck session and voter antipathy toward government spending.

But cutting off benefits could drag on a fragile economic recovery by reducing consumer spending, economists say, and Democrats are looking for a compromise that could put the program back on track before Christmas.

Republicans seem to hate extending benefits for America’s long-term unemployed so much that Tea Party fave Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that she would not support a temporary extension of tax cuts to all Americans if it is tied to an extension of federal unemployment benefits.

That “voter antipathy” that the WSJ mentions? A Hart Research Poll released yesterday showed overwhelming voter support for unemployment benefit extensions:

• 60% support Congress continuing unemployment benefits for workers who have exhausted their state unemployment benefits
• 73% say that unemployment rate at 9.6% and millions still out of work, it is too early to cut back benefits because of deficit concerns
• 67% say they want the government to provide benefits until the unemployment rate comes down substantially

So, let’s recap: we have economists, The Wall Street Journal, The Labor Department and American voters … all agreeing that unemployment benefits are critically important to millions of Americans. And, critically important to the U.S. economy: for every $1 spent in benefits, there is a $2 positive impact on our economy.

Oh, and we have one more piece of the puzzle: Republicans doing everything they can to make sure that those unemployment benefits are not extended. Why? Yes, we know what they’re going to say. THE DEFICIT!

The Economic Policy Institute estimates that reauthorizing the benefits for another full year will cost $65 billion as it creates more than 700,000 jobs. But, Republicans are adamant on adding more than 10 times that amount to the deficit–$700 billion with the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. So, the deficit can’t be that important to them.

Rationally, it just doesn’t add up. Unless you approach it a little cynically. Republican leadership already knows that as economic inequality rises, the poor turn more conservative. So, rationally, what’s better for the GOP than two more years of economic turmoil and an ever widening gap between the “haves” and the “have nots”?

Absolutely nothing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Huffington Post: GOP Wants To Strip Fed Of Power To Combat Joblessness
The Wall Street Journal: Spending Worries Put Jobless Benefits at Risk
Hart Research Poll
LA Times: Majority of Americans support unemployment insurance extension
The Labor Department
Economic Policy Institute
Paul Krugman: Doing It Again