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A Stormy Season
Author: BobR    Date: 09/12/2008 12:32:05

With our quadrennial presidential election just weeks away, the candidates have been at the eye of the storm, while campaign advisers, 527s and the media swirl around the periphery. The victims of the destructive hot air have been the truth, common sense, and common decency.

The only interruptions have been the hurricanes which - this year - seem to be coming more frequently and more brutal, almost as if to mimic the maelstrom which is the campaign circus. Hurricane Ike seems to targeting Galveston, TX which was submerged by a hurricane 108 years ago. There are, however, more scientific explanations, and none of them bode well for residents near the Caribbean.

My sister lives in Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans (closer to Baton Rouge). She survived Katrina without much difficulty because it passed about 70 miles to the east of her. Gustav, however, passed about 15 miles to the west of her. As you may know, the eastern side of the hurricane is always worse, because it is being fed by warmer waters. She lost power for 3 days and had some minor structural damage to her house from the wind.

Her husband went to get some supplies that were being handed out to those in need. He only asked for a few items, but they seemed to not listen and tossed all kinds of supplies into his truck (such as bottled water). One might be encouraged by their enthusiasm and the thought that they "got it right" this time after the disastrous relief effort for Katrina, but there's also the realization that the supplies he got which he didn't need were effectively denied to someone that really DID need them.

Relief efforts will likely be a growing concern in this and future seasons. The current studies show that while warmer water may not necessarily create more hurricanes, it can create stronger hurricanes:
Global warming is affecting the intensity of Atlantic hurricanes, according to a new study by a university professor in Florida who says his research provides the first direct link between climate change and storm strength.

James Elsner of Florida State University said he set out to perform a statistical analysis of the two theories in a raging debate within the scientific community: Whether recent intense hurricanes are the result of climate change or natural ocean warming and cooling cycles.

"Is the atmosphere forcing the ocean or the ocean forcing the atmosphere?" Elsner asked.

The issue has a wide-ranging impact on insurance companies, municipal planners, some 50 million residents of hurricane-prone US coastal communities and millions of others in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean islands.
...
Atlantic hurricanes draw their energy from the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

He found that average air temperatures during hurricane season between June and November were useful in predicting sea surface temperatures, but not the other way around.

"It appears that atmospheric warming comes before sea warming," he said, indicating that hurricane damage will be likely to continue increasing because of greenhouse warming.
...
But a growing body of research indicates human-induced global warming -- driven by heat-trapping gases in air pollution from cars and factories -- could be heating sea water, which in turn fuels stronger hurricanes.

Conservatives have selfishly denied that global warming exists or - if it does - is not the result of mankind's actions, nor do we have the power to arrest it. These denials are likely due to their desire to maintain their destructive lifestyles, nor "cave in" to foreign countries' "demands". However, the financial fallout and increased national security risks from these destructive storms may be the key to changing their tune:
A new draft report from the United States' top intelligence analyst forecasts future security threats to the U.S. and other nations from climate change, as well as declining influence of the U.S. on world affairs. The report is intended to brief the new U.S. president early next year on the security outlook for the next 15 years, and parts of the assessment may sound familiar to environmentalists and other climate watchers since the U.S. intelligence community is apparently up on its climate science. The report predicts that climate change will cause drought and food shortages and exacerbate freshwater supplies around the globe; it will also likely cause dustbowl conditions in the U.S. Southwest making the area hostile to agriculture. For developing countries, climate change "could be the straw that breaks the camel's back," leading to political and humanitarian crises and spurring mass migrations, said report author Thomas Fingar. The new report's climate conclusions are in line with three other climate-change security assessments also released this year from the U.S., Britain, and the European Union.

This should amplify the point of just how important it is that we elect a president, vice-president, senators, and congresspeople that understand the environmental crisis we face, and are willing to do something about it. While the hurricane season is a handy metaphor for our political season, the two are entwined in a cause/effect danse macabre. Despite the focus on jobs and the economy, damage due to the effects of global warming will further devastate our economy, illustrating yet another reason why this election is so critical.

Bonus Click: See Gina Gershon satirize Sarah Palin. Warning: some language may not be work-safe (or child-safe).

 

190 comments (Latest Comment: 09/13/2008 06:52:50 by livingonli)
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Comment by BobR on 09/12/2008 12:38:40
btw - the bonus click only contained the environment portion of the Gina Gershon video. You can see the entire thing here.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 12:52:26
morning :hug:

Comment by clintster on 09/12/2008 12:57:41
Morning all!



Mrs. C and I were talking about Milfy a couple of days ago, and her flip-flop on the Bridge to Nowhere. She said it was interesting how she was so adament about these highly unpopular things like the BTN and the Iraq War. I added, "Well, it's only natural; it's a War to Nowhere."



Love y'alls; can't breathe without you.

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:01:05
Good morning!







Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:02:50
MAn... listening to part of Sarah's interview and ... well... just wow.



She doesn't know the bush doctrine?

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:03:55
just heard a clip of that as well, she sounded like she was grasping around for a "right" answer

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:05:09
This guy has no real life. Panel to Review Pants Case

Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2008 13:10:19
Quote by Raine:

MAn... listening to part of Sarah's interview and ... well... just wow.



She doesn't know the bush doctrine?




Shocking isn't it?



BTW morning! First!

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:10:33
did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:27:43
Quote by wickedpam:

did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.
I watched the first 1/ hour... I never got back to watchBarack...



I TRIED to listen to MCCain... but I could not.



Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:29:52
only caught the parts myself loved what he said about helping people to volunteer

Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 13:30:04
Quote by wickedpam:

did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.


Morning all!



I watched most of it. Missed part of McCain, so I didn't miss much. :p



BUT: Did anyone see Rachael last night? Did you see her interview with Chris Matthews?



OH MY GAWD!!! I was only half listening, then I sat up straight, then I fainted!



:thud:

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:30:24
Quote by wickedpam:

just heard a clip of that as well, she sounded like she was grasping around for a "right" answer
anyone who doesn't, in the year 2008, know what the Bush Doctrine is, has no right to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.



I think that when we watch the VP debate, part of the drinking game will be take a shot for everytime Joe Biden gives a *WTF are you talking about look*.



Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:32:17
Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by wickedpam:

did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.


Morning all!



I watched most of it. Missed part of McCain, so I didn't miss much. :p



BUT: Did anyone see Rachael last night? Did you see her interview with Chris Matthews?



OH MY GAWD!!! I was only half listening, then I sat up straight, then I fainted!



:thud:


I didn't. Details? ...



Or shall I scour the interwebs for a video?

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:41:27
Holy CRAP! Katty Kay Rocks. *Clearly She doesn't understand What the Bush Doctrine is*







In what Context, Charlie? The visuals are just stunning, Gibson looked a little stunned that shew did not know what he was tlaking about... and she... well she really looked like she stayed up all night cramming for a verbal test, and I don't think it went so good for her.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:42:00
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

just heard a clip of that as well, she sounded like she was grasping around for a "right" answer
anyone who doesn't, in the year 2008, know what the Bush Doctrine is, has no right to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.



I think that when we watch the VP debate, part of the drinking game will be take a shot for everytime Joe Biden gives a *WTF are you talking about look*.







I'm worried we're getting lulled into a level of low expectation again. Plus when Biden stikes back at her inthe debate they are gonna scream sexism. Which in my eyes is completely sexist it self.



Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:42:35
Quote by Raine:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by wickedpam:

did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.


Morning all!



I watched most of it. Missed part of McCain, so I didn't miss much. :p



BUT: Did anyone see Rachael last night? Did you see her interview with Chris Matthews?



OH MY GAWD!!! I was only half listening, then I sat up straight, then I fainted!



:thud:


I didn't. Details? ...



Or shall I scour the interwebs for a video?




I missed it too.



Comment by HoneyBearKelly on 09/12/2008 13:43:39
Good morning my lovelies!!!





Sarah Palin has a blog.



It might be parody but I'm not sure.

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:44:18
OK... forget KAtty KAy! Exclusive unedited footage!!! :rofl:





Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 13:45:25
I like the Gina Gershon btw, but this one is better:





Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:47:29
Quote by HoneyBearKelly:

Good morning my lovelies!!!





Sarah Palin has a blog.



It might be parody but I'm not sure.
Oh that site is a beauty...



Good Morning!



Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 13:53:32
Quote by Raine:

Quote by velveeta jones:

Quote by wickedpam:

did anyone see the Service Forum on msnbc last night. caught parts of it at the end it sounded like it was interesting.


Morning all!



I watched most of it. Missed part of McCain, so I didn't miss much. :p



BUT: Did anyone see Rachael last night? Did you see her interview with Chris Matthews?



OH MY GAWD!!! I was only half listening, then I sat up straight, then I fainted!



:thud:


I didn't. Details? ...



Or shall I scour the interwebs for a video?


I checked the interwebs this am, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming or having an acid flashback!! Nothing yet.



He STOPPED being a RW tool (lately he's been more tolerable), but he became: Mr. Liberal News Guy. I swear. He must have spit out the phrase "Neo-con's" 3 times; as in "the neo cons led us into this phony war.........it was the Bush's and the Cheney's (pronounced like Thom does it) and the Wolfiwitz's neo-con agenda to drag us into this quagmire".



:O



Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 13:53:33
he OTHER McCain interview yesterday.



Sarah Palin is THE most popular governor in America? (I think Ahnold may disagree)



And his pork answer? She isn't wasteful because she disclosed her per diem charges, and he told the lie againabout the plane.



THIS interview is worth watching.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/12/2008 13:53:57
Good morning everyone!



If I felt Milfy McMooseburger's Moose-in-the-headlights look would cause some of the RW nuts to see the light, I'd be happy. Sadly I'm such a cynic that I don't see that at all and she'll probably get a bump upwards because Charlie was so mean to her to actually expect an answer.

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:57:12
Those were funny :spit:

Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 13:58:51
Quote by Raine:

Holy CRAP! Katty Kay Rocks. *Clearly She doesn't understand What the Bush Doctrine is*







In what Context, Charlie? The visuals are just stunning, Gibson looked a little stunned that shew did not know what he was tlaking about... and she... well she really looked like she stayed up all night cramming for a verbal test, and I don't think it went so good for her.




TJ, you're right. See the above vid. You're not supposed to listen to the words silly! Look at how proper she sits. Look at those legs. Hmmmmm HMMM! After all, she's just the "Vice". McCain will do all the "manly" stuff!



<_<

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 13:59:22
Quote by Raine:

he OTHER McCain interview yesterday.



Sarah Palin is THE most popular governor in America? (I think Ahnold may disagree)



And his pork answer? She isn't wasteful because she disclosed her per diem charges, and he told the lie againabout the plane.



THIS interview is worth watching.






feh - I like my Gov better



Comment by Scoopster on 09/12/2008 13:59:28
Morning all.. Busy busy today! and ugh I'm tired..

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:01:25
Comment by Scoopster on 09/12/2008 14:06:27
Quote by Raine:

She linked Iraq to 9/11.




:rage: She's like Spiro Agnew and Dick Cheney spliced together.. AAAAAARGHRGRHG!

Comment by HoneyBearKelly on 09/12/2008 14:07:06
Ahnuld ratings are not so good.

Californians are having buyers remorse and have started a recall petition.



That karma strikes again.

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:11:00
Who cares about John Kerry?



What the hell does that have to do with anything?

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 14:11:35
just cause you go to a high end college means your smart



Comment by BobR on 09/12/2008 14:11:40
to the caller: stupid is as stupid does.



And Dubya does stupid brilliantly...

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:11:54
Quote by HoneyBearKelly:

Ahnuld ratings are not so good.

Californians are having buyers remorse and have started a recall petition.



That karma strikes again.


Well that is indeed true, I guess I was going more on name recognition among republican governors ...





Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2008 14:19:11
*grunt*



Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 14:20:20
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 14:21:13
Quote by TriSec:

*grunt*



Mornin' Sunshine!!



:D

Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:23:09
Comment by velveeta jones on 09/12/2008 14:23:14
Quote by HoneyBearKelly:

Ahnuld ratings are not so good.

Californians are having buyers remorse and have started a recall petition.



That karma strikes again.




Another recall?



Hey, would it be too late to start a recall petition for bush/cheney?

Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 14:24:39






well that one does kinda say it all :lol:



Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2008 14:25:27
Just another fun-filled day at the mine.



Fucking micromanager.





Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2008 14:29:12
Quote by wickedpam:

Nonverbal communtications




Well, gee. Most of those sound like my weekly meeting. Especially the ones marked "Anger and Disgust".





Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:30:58
Comment by HoneyBearKelly on 09/12/2008 14:33:58
Quote by velveeta jones:





Another recall?



Hey, would it be too late to start a recall petition for bush/cheney?




California politics is all about the drama.



Comment by Raine on 09/12/2008 14:38:45
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2008 14:40:39
a journalism degree is a BA, an English degree is a BA but we are well schooled in BS

Comment by Random on 09/12/2008 14:40:56
Random's Random Update

Comment by Random on 09/12/2008 14:42:37
Quote by wickedpam:

a journalism degree is a BA, an English degree is a BA but we are well schooled in BS


Random's getting a BS.