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Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Author: BobR    Date: 02/01/2013 13:53:34

Our bizarre weather over the last few days has once again brought the reality of climate change home. After a searing summer that saw a punishing drought in the midwest, we are seeing a fairly warm winter. I can't remember ever hearing about tornadoes in January. We had 70 degree weather - also very unusual for January in this area. We've only had a handful of days below freezing.

Bejing China is experiencing a constant twilight as pollution hovers heavily over the city, casting a "Blade Runner"-esque pall. One has to wonder if mankind is on a suicide mission? Between global climate change and local environmental pollution and destruction, we are cooking ourselves in our own filth.

For some reason, however, politics have gotten involved. Where once Republicans embraced conserving the environment (Nixon), they now seem to have this paranoid delusion that environmental protection is some sort of left-wing "plot", and they do everything they can to prevent Big Government from "impeding" Big Business with regulations. Never mind that the businesses they are protecting are Big Oil, Big Coal, and other polluting industries. They seem to be actively averse to anything that resembles good environmental stewarding (They brought back styrofoam cups to the House cafeteria after regaining power - really??). Do they think only "pussies" protect the environment, and Real Men pour used motor oil down the toilet?

It seems, though, that they've acquiesced somewhat, and conceded that the planet is warming up. What they WON'T agree to is that mankind is the cause. They argue that it's happening naturally. That argument may be a losing one now that a new study shows that man-made and natural warming are different:
Human-triggered climate warming appears to leave a unique fingerprint on global rainfall rates compared with natural warming, according to a new study.

While rainfall rates increase whether the long-term warming trend is natural or not, the rate of increase appears to be higher during natural warming trends.

The result might help resolve a long-standing discrepancy between changes in rainfall projected in global climate models and changes projected by studying the historical record, researchers say.

The study suggests that "carbon dioxide has a fundamentally different mode of warming than natural climate change" – one that leaves a unique signature on rainfall rates

Will Republicans listen to the science and agree they were wrong? Not likely. Being dismissive of environmental science is just emblematic of their greater aversion to science. Once again, they are pushing for creationism to be taught as science (rather than religion) in 4 states. This was attempted in Cobb County, GA in 2004, and was tossed out by the court when some parents sued. Due to the sloppiness of the trial, the settlement was vacated, and the parents ultimately settled out of court in their favor. Therefore, there is no standing court precedent.

The sad upshot of all this is that our kids will be the ones to suffer. They will have to live on a planet that's polluted and overheating. They will get shoddy educations in science, when they are already trailing in math and science scores. You can't even blame that on red -vs- blue states; there's no real pattern. It's just a problem overall.

One has to wonder what chance they have when the website for an ostensibly science-news company has a story about cheerleading and Beyonce on their front page. Will America always be the dumb jock in the global classroom holding everyone else back? Time will only tell.
 

86 comments (Latest Comment: 02/02/2013 01:48:25 by Raine)
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Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 14:08:11
Morning

you know what I don't get. Most of these denyers are supposed to be good Christians - thought the Bible spelled out that we are to be good stewards of the planet. So how can you call yourself a good Christian and not take care of the earth?

oh wait, I forgot........................these are Repubs were talking about.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:09:24
Bobber, there are several cases that sent precedent about teaching intelligent design as "science." The most famous of the would be Kitzmiller v Dover.

Since wingnuts never learn, they still keep trying. And they will keep being smacked down in court, all the while complaining about activist judges.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 14:22:42
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning

you know what I don't get. Most of these denyers are supposed to be good Christians - thought the Bible spelled out that we are to be good stewards of the planet. So how can you call yourself a good Christian and not take care of the earth?

oh wait, I forgot........................these are Repubs were talking about.


Because the earth is ours to do with as we please, and besides the Rapture is coming and there's no need for the earth to be around after that. Pass the Lord and praise the ammunition. Forward.....into the past.

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 14:23:30
Good morning.

I woke up to sad news, Former Mayor Ed Koch has passed away.

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 14:23:34
I almost wish a freakin' asteroid would just end it all for good.




Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 14:24:54
Quote by TriSec:
I almost wish a freakin' asteroid would just end it all for good.



I was wishing for a meteor strike over the Superdome. Obviously you think on a larger scale.

/although a massive power failure Sunday night would be VERY amusing.

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 14:26:12
Oh, speaking of the Clan Koch (I suppose it's a fairly common name)

Did you know that David Koch survived a plane crash?

Considering that most of the first-class passengers died, that begs the question...."What the hell was he doing in coach on a commercial airliner?"



Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 14:28:55
I thought if I went to bed early last night (like 7:30), I'd be a bit more alert tonight when I join my co-workers on a trip to Foxwoods tonight (bachelor party). Judging by how I "woke up" this morning, I think I feel worse.

I can't drink anything al-co-hol-ic. At least the new meds have lowered my blood sugar by 30%.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:30:44
Quote by Raine:
Good morning.

I woke up to sad news, Former Mayor Ed Koch has passed away.



I think we can answer that famous question he would ask. Not well, Mr Mayor.

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 14:31:50
I'm feeling pretty good today. I even feel a hair bit more stable on my feet. But that tends to leave me as the day progresses. I have my trusty hiking staff, but I haven't used it this morning around the office.


Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 14:33:18
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning

you know what I don't get. Most of these denyers are supposed to be good Christians - thought the Bible spelled out that we are to be good stewards of the planet. So how can you call yourself a good Christian and not take care of the earth?

oh wait, I forgot........................these are Repubs were talking about.


Because the earth is ours to do with as we please, and besides the Rapture is coming and there's no need for the earth to be around after that. Pass the Lord and praise the ammunition. Forward.....into the past.


see now, that's not what I was taught, since the earth was entrusted to us, we are to take care of it because God gave it to us or he/she/it? would be pissed.

so maybe its that these people are trying to bring about Rapturey type shenanigans.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 14:33:19
OMG. WTF?!. Go ahead Geraldo. DO IT!

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:35:17
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, speaking of the Clan Koch (I suppose it's a fairly common name)

Did you know that David Koch survived a plane crash?

Considering that most of the first-class passengers died, that begs the question...."What the hell was he doing in coach on a commercial airliner?"




Maybe he's cheap?

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:37:38
Quote by trojanrabbit:
OMG. WTF?!. Go ahead Geraldo. DO IT!



Please yes! I want to see in slow-mo, you being hit in the face with a folding chair by the skinhead for weeks! I want all of your buffoonery dredged up and used against you.

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 14:38:16
But, I've read the Bible and the Koran.....we're not supposed to worry about this transient life. Our reward is Gardens beneath which rivers flow. (BTW, there is no mention of 29 virgins anywhere in the Koran, or however many I'm supposed to get.)

I must say I am disappointed - I converted specifically for those damn virgins, and now I don't get any.




Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:44:08
The link I used for the post I made Kitzmiller v Dover has a list of related cases, all of which the creationist side was ruthlessly smacked down. Very interesting stuff. Selmann v Cobb County is mentioned as well.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 14:54:59
Quote by TriSec:
But, I've read the Bible and the Koran.....we're not supposed to worry about this transient life. Our reward is Gardens beneath which rivers flow. (BTW, there is no mention of 29 virgins anywhere in the Koran, or however many I'm supposed to get.)

I must say I am disappointed - I converted specifically for those damn virgins, and now I don't get any.




That is very Gnostic of you, Tri. In the Bible, there is something about man given dominion over the earth and all the critters. How do you want to define dominion? Does it mean you can take a massive shit on the earth by over fishing, strip mining etc? Or, does it mean you are wise steward of those God given resources?

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 15:08:05
Ah, that's what it comes down to.

I suppose our evangelical and literal friends see that "dominion" as absolute control over the Earth and it's resources. (which explains that industrial-sized dump previously mentioned.)

I might define it differently.

Comment by Scoopster on 02/01/2013 15:08:17
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
OMG. WTF?!. Go ahead Geraldo. DO IT!

Please yes! I want to see in slow-mo, you being hit in the face with a folding chair by the skinhead for weeks! I want all of your buffoonery dredged up and used against you.

I could deal with that. It's the campaign ad with him in assless chaps that has me scared.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 15:10:01
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
OMG. WTF?!. Go ahead Geraldo. DO IT!

Please yes! I want to see in slow-mo, you being hit in the face with a folding chair by the skinhead for weeks! I want all of your buffoonery dredged up and used against you.

I could deal with that. It's the campaign ad with him in assless chaps that has me scared.



That would be a thing of wonderment!

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 15:10:11
Oh, and speaking of overfishing, if you like Cod, buy it now.

The George's Bank quota was recently reduced by about 75%, which is expected to kill the port of Gloucester.

Damn Russkies. ('tis true - factory ships from Eastern Europe fishing in international waters decimated the fishery in the 70s...it's been in decline ever since.)


Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 15:15:50
Oy.



Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 15:18:10
caller's an idiot

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 15:20:02
Quote by wickedpam:
caller's an idiot
Chris nailed him -- that was a thing of beauty.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 15:22:34
Looks like a group of butt-hurt conservatives are starting a Facebook ripoff site a-la Conservapedia.

No, I didn't venture to go in there.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 15:27:03
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, and speaking of overfishing, if you like Cod, buy it now.

The George's Bank quota was recently reduced by about 75%, which is expected to kill the port of Gloucester.

Damn Russkies. ('tis true - factory ships from Eastern Europe fishing in international waters decimated the fishery in the 70s...it's been in decline ever since.)



Yeah I saw that. It's not just the Russians. It's the Brits and the Icelanders.

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 15:28:25
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Looks like a group of butt-hurt conservatives are starting a Facebook ripoff site a-la Conservapedia.

No, I didn't venture to go in there.
Who needs succession when they want to self segregate?


Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 15:30:58
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Looks like a group of butt-hurt conservatives are starting a Facebook ripoff site a-la Conservapedia.

No, I didn't venture to go in there.



They went with that layout? They are going to be getting a letter from a high powered law firm representing Facebook saying change the look of the site or you will be smoking crater in the ground. What doesn't the right wing get about intellectual property rights? Seriously.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 15:31:45
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
caller's an idiot
Chris nailed him -- that was a thing of beauty.



that was pretty great

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 15:32:39
SCENE: A generic, multi-occupant office cubicle.

Action: TriSec stands up without the aide of a walking stick.

"Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!!!"

*Blank stares from other occupants*

TriSec stalks off, miffed.

And CUT!


Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 15:33:19
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Looks like a group of butt-hurt conservatives are starting a Facebook ripoff site a-la Conservapedia.

No, I didn't venture to go in there.



They went with that layout? They are going to be getting a letter from a high powered law firm representing Facebook saying change the look of the site or you will be smoking crater in the ground. What doesn't the right wing get about intellectual property rights? Seriously.



the intellectual part

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 15:47:07
Quote by TriSec:
SCENE: A generic, multi-occupant office cubicle.

Action: TriSec stands up without the aide of a walking stick.

"Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!!!"

*Blank stares from other occupants*

TriSec stalks off, miffed.

And CUT!



Bravo! Bravo! :throws bouquet of roses on the stage:

Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 15:59:33
Listening to TRMS's ongoing coverage of the national abortion crackdown.

It seems kinda surreal, doesn't it? (Not the activity - that makes me mad.) I mean more from a 10,000 foot view. It feels like I'm on the outside looking in on the United States, only it isn't the United States.

This is more like the Federation of Jesus-controlled semi-autonomous areas of America.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 16:11:22
Off to lunch in a few to start off my co-worker's "bachelor party"

I'm going to be home late enough this morning to feed my cats their breakfast.



Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/01/2013 16:13:04
Damn, this stupid person......er....laptop double posted again.....please clean up for idiot poster...er...laptop.

Comment by clintster on 02/01/2013 16:19:10
Morning everybody! Spent an interesting week with the boy and the semi-ex-Mrs. Got back here to NC and I woke up this morning to 12 degree weather. I think I might just nest today.

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:19:24
I'm going to miss having Ms. Clinton in public service.

"There are some people in politics and in the press who can't be confused by the facts," she said. "They just will not live in an evidence-based world. And that's regrettable. It's regrettable for our political system and for the people who serve our government in very dangerous, difficult circumstances."

At the same time, Clinton said she refused to be "discouraged by the fact that they are never going to accept the facts and the limitations of the facts." She added that "you have to get up every day and work to do best you can and communicate that to the vast majority of fair-minded Americans whether they're in Congress, in the press or in the public."


Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:20:34
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Damn, this stupid person......er....laptop double posted again.....please clean up for idiot poster...er...laptop.
No prop. will do!


Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:21:40
Quote by clintster:
Morning everybody! Spent an interesting week with the boy and the semi-ex-Mrs. Got back here to NC and I woke up this morning to 12 degree weather. I think I might just nest today.
Hi Clint! ::tosses crocheted blanket::


Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:26:41
This is an amazing graphic. Steve Benen was an amazing catch for TRMS

http://m.static.newsvine.com/servista/imagesizer?file=steve-benenE935DF19-935F-042B-893D-5C7B0CDD9B71.jpg


Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2013 16:44:42
Ah, I love the RWLMs.

Every discussion I've seen about the BSA changing their policy is...

GAYS!

PEDO FILES! (seriously.)

GLAD I QUIT!! (and so am I.)

Sheesh.



Comment by livingonli on 02/01/2013 16:51:36
Good morning, folks. I think I need another vacation where I am not packing and moving things.

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:57:15
http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/19291000/ngbbs4a271bd872553.jpg




Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 16:58:09
Quote by TriSec:
Ah, I love the RWLMs.

Every discussion I've seen about the BSA changing their policy is...

GAYS!

PEDO FILES! (seriously.)

GLAD I QUIT!! (and so am I.)

Sheesh.

You missed one of those very calls on the show today.


Comment by Scoopster on 02/01/2013 17:07:36
Comment by livingonli on 02/01/2013 17:20:39
Last night I worked the Devils telecast of the Islanders-Devils game. Third Devils game in a row that went to overtime, and strangely enough the Islanders (of all times) and Devils are now tied for first in the conference while the Rangers despite all of their talent have been struggling.

Comment by Raine on 02/01/2013 17:25:40
Quote by livingonli:
Last night I worked the Devils telecast of the Islanders-Devils game. Third Devils game in a row that went to overtime, and strangely enough the Islanders (of all times) and Devils are now tied for first in the conference while the Rangers despite all of their talent have been struggling.
Sister and BIL being Devils fans are quite happy about this....

The Caps are blowing -- as Mondo says -- goat balls so far.

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 17:37:02
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Looks like a group of butt-hurt conservatives are starting a Facebook ripoff site a-la Conservapedia.

No, I didn't venture to go in there.



They went with that layout? They are going to be getting a letter from a high powered law firm representing Facebook saying change the look of the site or you will be smoking crater in the ground. What doesn't the right wing get about intellectual property rights? Seriously.



the intellectual part


it baffles me that for a group that spends a lot of time and energy on property (real estate) is completely clueless about intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks and patents)

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/01/2013 17:37:47
Quote by Raine:
http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/19291000/ngbbs4a271bd872553.jpg





That is fucking AWESOME!


=))

Comment by wickedpam on 02/01/2013 17:49:53
The saddest bunny

http://data.whicdn.com/images/16117045/enhanced-buzz-19372-1318540216-93_large.jpg