Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Global Warming Debunked
Monday, October 12, 2009
By Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer
Fred Singer, founder and chairman of the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change, holds up a book "Climate Change Reconsidered" that contains hundreds of scientific studies that dispute global warming and CO2 as a pollutant that causes global warming. (CNSNews.com/Penny Starr)
(CNSNews.com) – As the world focused on President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, a small group of determined scientists gathered in a Senate office building to present evidence backing their claim that climate change is caused not by man but by nature, and that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant but the hope for a greener planet.
John Kwapisz, organizer and moderator at the panel discussion, recalled Obama’s speech at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pa., last month as a way of illustrating the dramatic tone used by those who embrace global warming as a dire and eminent threat.
“That so many of us are here today is a recognition that the threat from climate change is serious, it is urgent, and it is growing,” Obama said on Sept. 22 at the summit. “Our generation's response to this challenge will be judged by history, for if we fail to meet it -- boldly, swiftly, and together – we risk consigning future generations to an irreversible catastrophe.”
“No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline,” Obama said. “More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. More frequent droughts and crop failures breed hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive.”
“On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees,” he said. “The security and stability of each nation and all peoples – our prosperity, our health, and our safety – are in jeopardy. And the time we have to reverse this tide is running out.”
The scientists said they were on Capitol Hill to challenge the president’s claims and show that Mother Nature controls climate around the world and that CO2 in the atmosphere benefits people, plants and animals.
“Nature, not human activity rules the planet,” said Fred Singer, an atmospheric and space physicist and research professor at George Mason University and professor emeritus of environmental science at the University of Virginia. “And once you’ve decided that on the basis of evidence, then everything else falls into place.”
“A lot of the problems that President Obama seems to be concerned about are no longer a concern,” Singer said.
H. Leighton Steward holds up his book as he speaks to a crowd on Capitol Hill about the benefits of CO2 to the planet, people, plants and animals. (CNSNews.com/Penny Starr)
“When there’s more carbon dioxide put into the air, the plants respond in an astonishing fashion,” said H. Leighton Steward, geologist, environmentalist, author and founder of the Web site plantsneedco2.org.
Steward said that since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1860, the amount of CO2 put into the air has increased average plant growth by 12 percent and average tree growth by 18 percent around the world.
“So if we want to green the earth,” Steward said, “we need to put more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It’s the earth’s greatest airborne fertilizer.”
“If we want the ecosystems and the habitats to be more robust and hold more animal life, more plant life, we need to put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” Steward said, adding that proponents of man-made global warming have given CO2 a bad name.
“It’s now being looked at and called a pollutant. I can tell you, I’ve asked every scientist that I’ve ever run into, chemical expert,” Steward said. “There is not one, I repeat, not one instance in which carbon dioxide is a pollutant.”
Roy W. Spencer, researcher at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, author, and a former senior scientist at NASA, presented his research on natural global warming and cooling, including the role that cloud cover and the sun play in the changes of the earth’s climate.
In keeping with scientific protocol, much of the presentation consisted of graphs, charts, and other data to make the case that much of climate change is the result of natural phenomenon rather than human activities and that any contribution by humans is miniscule.
The event on Capitol Hill was not without a political twist, with some global warming advocates speaking out during the question-and-answer period. One scientist from NASA claimed he was available after the discussion if anyone was interested in hearing the other side of the issue.
Many in the room laughed at his comment, but the crowd that gathered in the Rose Garden just moments earlier heard Obama use his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech as an opportunity to again issue a warning about the threat of global warming.
“We cannot accept the growing threat posed by climate change, which could forever damage the world that we pass on to our children – sowing conflict and famine; destroying coastlines and emptying cities,” Obama said.
Marc Morano, former congressional staffer and founder of the Web site climatedepot.com, told the crowd that he thinks the tide is turning against what he called global warming alarmists. He cited a call by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to hold a global warming trial.
“The Chamber seeks to have a complete trial ‘complete with witnesses, cross-examinations and a judge who would rule, essentially, on whether humans are warming the planet to dangerous effect,’” Morano wrote in an editorial he distributed at the event.
Submitted by Al Sigman
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama May Regret His Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize
A commentary by Al Sigman
In an article written today by Time’s news analyst, Nancy Gibbs, she explains the problematic dilemma that the President may find himself facing as citizens of the our great country put into perspective his promises that seem to pervade his every speech since his inauguration in January of this year. I have taken the liberty of presenting her entire article as she wrote it for you to read. Your comments are encouraged on this blog.
“The last thing Barack Obama needed at this moment in his presidency and our politics is a prize for a promise.
Inspirational words have brought him a long way - including to the night in Grant Park less than a year ago when he asked that we "join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand." (See pictures of Obama in Grant Park.)
By now there are surely more callouses on his lips than his hands. He, like every new president, has reckoned with both the power and the danger of words, dangers that are especially great for one who wields them as skillfully as he. A promise beautifully made raises hopes especially high: we will revive the economy while we rein in our spending; we will make health care simpler, safer, cheaper, fairer. We will rid the earth of its most lethal weapons. We will turn green and clean. We will all just get along. (See pictures of eight months of Obama's diplomacy.)
So when reality bites, it chomps down hard. The Nobel committee cited "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." His critics fault some of those efforts: those who favor a missile shield for Poland or a troop surge in Afghanistan or a harder line on Iran. But even his fans know that none of the dreams have yet come true, and a prize for even dreaming them can feed the illusion that they have. (See the Top 10 Obama Backlash Moments)
Maybe the prize will give him more power, new muscles to haul unruly nations in line. But peacemaking is more about ingenuity than inspiration, about reading other nations' selfish interests and cynically, strategically exploiting them for the common good. Will it help if fewer countries come to the table hating us? To a point. But it's a starting point, not an end in itself.
At this moment many Americans are longing for a president who is more bully, less pulpit. The president who leased his immense inaugural good will to the hungry appropriators writing the stimulus bill, who has not stopped negotiating health care reform except to say what is non-negotiable, whose solicitude for the wheelers and dealers who drove the financial system into a ditch leaves the rest of us wondering who has our back, has always shown great promise, said the right things, affirmed every time he opens his mouth that he understands the fears we face and the hopes we hold. But he presides over a capital whose day-to-day functioning has become part-travesty, part-tragedy, wasteful, blind, vain, petty, where even the best intentioned reformers measure their progress with teaspoons. There comes a time when a President needs to take a real risk - and putting his prestige on the line to win the Olympics for his home town does not remotely count.
Compare this to Greg Mortenson, nominated for the prize by some members of Congress, who the bookies gave 20-to-1 odds of winning. Son of a missionary, a former army Medic and mountaineer, he has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan - a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress.(See an interactive guide to Obama's first 100 days.)
Sometimes the words come first. Sometimes, it's better to let actions speak for themselves.”
By Nancy Gibbs(See pictures of Obama's European tour.)
See pictures of Barack Obama's college years.
View this article on Time.com
In an article written today by Time’s news analyst, Nancy Gibbs, she explains the problematic dilemma that the President may find himself facing as citizens of the our great country put into perspective his promises that seem to pervade his every speech since his inauguration in January of this year. I have taken the liberty of presenting her entire article as she wrote it for you to read. Your comments are encouraged on this blog.
“The last thing Barack Obama needed at this moment in his presidency and our politics is a prize for a promise.
Inspirational words have brought him a long way - including to the night in Grant Park less than a year ago when he asked that we "join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand." (See pictures of Obama in Grant Park.)
By now there are surely more callouses on his lips than his hands. He, like every new president, has reckoned with both the power and the danger of words, dangers that are especially great for one who wields them as skillfully as he. A promise beautifully made raises hopes especially high: we will revive the economy while we rein in our spending; we will make health care simpler, safer, cheaper, fairer. We will rid the earth of its most lethal weapons. We will turn green and clean. We will all just get along. (See pictures of eight months of Obama's diplomacy.)
So when reality bites, it chomps down hard. The Nobel committee cited "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." His critics fault some of those efforts: those who favor a missile shield for Poland or a troop surge in Afghanistan or a harder line on Iran. But even his fans know that none of the dreams have yet come true, and a prize for even dreaming them can feed the illusion that they have. (See the Top 10 Obama Backlash Moments)
Maybe the prize will give him more power, new muscles to haul unruly nations in line. But peacemaking is more about ingenuity than inspiration, about reading other nations' selfish interests and cynically, strategically exploiting them for the common good. Will it help if fewer countries come to the table hating us? To a point. But it's a starting point, not an end in itself.
At this moment many Americans are longing for a president who is more bully, less pulpit. The president who leased his immense inaugural good will to the hungry appropriators writing the stimulus bill, who has not stopped negotiating health care reform except to say what is non-negotiable, whose solicitude for the wheelers and dealers who drove the financial system into a ditch leaves the rest of us wondering who has our back, has always shown great promise, said the right things, affirmed every time he opens his mouth that he understands the fears we face and the hopes we hold. But he presides over a capital whose day-to-day functioning has become part-travesty, part-tragedy, wasteful, blind, vain, petty, where even the best intentioned reformers measure their progress with teaspoons. There comes a time when a President needs to take a real risk - and putting his prestige on the line to win the Olympics for his home town does not remotely count.
Compare this to Greg Mortenson, nominated for the prize by some members of Congress, who the bookies gave 20-to-1 odds of winning. Son of a missionary, a former army Medic and mountaineer, he has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan - a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress.(See an interactive guide to Obama's first 100 days.)
Sometimes the words come first. Sometimes, it's better to let actions speak for themselves.”
By Nancy Gibbs(See pictures of Obama's European tour.)
See pictures of Barack Obama's college years.
View this article on Time.com
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Seniors For Freedom
Commentary by Al Sigman
Revised October 7, 2009
I don't know about you, but I am frightened. Yes, I am frightened and concerned about what is happening to our country and to our fellow Americans. It seems that we are in a tailspin and where we will land and whether any of us will survive is in serious doubt.
I have agonized for a long while about making public my thoughts and opinions about the dilemmas facing our great country which we all love and call home. These thoughts bring me to consider just why, what, and how does our country qualify to be so honored in a way that is, I believe, hands and shoulders above all countries.
My progenitors came to this country in 1738 because of religious persecutions in their homeland of Germany. They came with very little in terms of worldly goods and with very little money. What they did come with was a sense of hope for a better life and the freedom to enjoy it. Little did they know that in some ways they were jumping from the "frying pan into the fire''. Ahead of them were physical hardships that were not expected and a revolutionary war. But, they preserved through it all and for the better.
Because they were strong people, willing to work for a better life and because they placed God first in their lives, they were willing to sacrifice for that in which they believed. This motivation for coming to America was not so much different from thousands of other immigrants who flooded this country in its early beginnings.
I am proud of my heritage and I give honor and respect to those who preceded me in building American into a great land of opportunity and privilege for all who were willing to work hard and suffer for what they had to gain. It pains me greatly to see it all fade away simply because we have seemingly lost sight of what we have fought so hard to gain.
It appears that we have become a nation of "gimmes". "Gimme" this and "gimme" that, has become the expectation of too many of our citizens. We now call this “gimme” an “entitlement”.
I recognize that entitlements for some are necessary. For those who are aged, disabled in some way or otherwise handicapped beyond their capacity for productive work, entitlements are for their good and benefit. Those who have worked long and hard during their life time and have earned a retirement and have paid into the Social Security program deserve the entitlements they have earned. The key word here is "earned'. For those who simply hold out their hands for help and do not fall into one of the categories previously mentioned, I don't have much empathy.
We must remember that we also had some help along the way. I sincerely believe that it was God's plan to make America great. America, a place where freedom and the right to choose our destinies, was God given. A land where He placed a great trust in those who were stalwarts in the great and continuing battle for freedom and other God given virtues. God needed a place where opportunity was available without needless oppression from government or dictators. America was it!
Well, enough of this as I think you get my meaning by now. If you don't then you can probably stop reading at this point and return to whatever you were doing before you began. If you don't get it now, you probably will not get it later.
Revised October 7, 2009
I don't know about you, but I am frightened. Yes, I am frightened and concerned about what is happening to our country and to our fellow Americans. It seems that we are in a tailspin and where we will land and whether any of us will survive is in serious doubt.
I have agonized for a long while about making public my thoughts and opinions about the dilemmas facing our great country which we all love and call home. These thoughts bring me to consider just why, what, and how does our country qualify to be so honored in a way that is, I believe, hands and shoulders above all countries.
My progenitors came to this country in 1738 because of religious persecutions in their homeland of Germany. They came with very little in terms of worldly goods and with very little money. What they did come with was a sense of hope for a better life and the freedom to enjoy it. Little did they know that in some ways they were jumping from the "frying pan into the fire''. Ahead of them were physical hardships that were not expected and a revolutionary war. But, they preserved through it all and for the better.
Because they were strong people, willing to work for a better life and because they placed God first in their lives, they were willing to sacrifice for that in which they believed. This motivation for coming to America was not so much different from thousands of other immigrants who flooded this country in its early beginnings.
I am proud of my heritage and I give honor and respect to those who preceded me in building American into a great land of opportunity and privilege for all who were willing to work hard and suffer for what they had to gain. It pains me greatly to see it all fade away simply because we have seemingly lost sight of what we have fought so hard to gain.
It appears that we have become a nation of "gimmes". "Gimme" this and "gimme" that, has become the expectation of too many of our citizens. We now call this “gimme” an “entitlement”.
I recognize that entitlements for some are necessary. For those who are aged, disabled in some way or otherwise handicapped beyond their capacity for productive work, entitlements are for their good and benefit. Those who have worked long and hard during their life time and have earned a retirement and have paid into the Social Security program deserve the entitlements they have earned. The key word here is "earned'. For those who simply hold out their hands for help and do not fall into one of the categories previously mentioned, I don't have much empathy.
We must remember that we also had some help along the way. I sincerely believe that it was God's plan to make America great. America, a place where freedom and the right to choose our destinies, was God given. A land where He placed a great trust in those who were stalwarts in the great and continuing battle for freedom and other God given virtues. God needed a place where opportunity was available without needless oppression from government or dictators. America was it!
Well, enough of this as I think you get my meaning by now. If you don't then you can probably stop reading at this point and return to whatever you were doing before you began. If you don't get it now, you probably will not get it later.
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