If you’ve thought that President Bush has been skeptical, to say the least, that global warming is real and that human activity is the predominant contributing factor, well, wake up and smell the coffee. It’s all a figment of your imagination.
In a letter released by the White House yesterday, the administration is once again asking the American people to disregard the reality before them and accept the assertion that Bush has been on board with the growing – and now overwhelming – consensus that global warming is real and must be dealt with. In fact, the letter claims, Bush has been a leader on this issue since June of 2001.
What, you didn’t know that? Neither did we. Or, for that matter, neither did Congress. Or even the dozens of scientists that have had the gall to assert the administration has quashed scientific studies in global warming and climate change.
The letter from the White House stands in stark contrast to what Bush has actually been saying:
“I think we have a problem on global warming. I think there is a debate about whether it’s caused by mankind or whether it’s caused naturally, but it’s a worthy debate. It’s a debate, actually, that I’m in the process of solving…” [7/6/06]
“There is a debate over whether it’s manmade or naturally caused.” [6/26/06]
“First of all, the globe is warming. The fundamental debate — is it manmade or natural?” [3/29/06]
Bush is in the “process of solving” the debate? Thank goodness we have George Bush to solve the global warming debate. Who knows what state the world would be in today if it weren’t for George Bush.
But I must ask: if he is so interested in “solving the debate” then why he has pressured scientists to ignore their science when it didn’t add up the way he wanted it to? I guess you’ll solve the debate his way, or you’ll hit the highway.
George Bush is either lying, delusional, or thinks you and I are stupid (possibly all three). In any case, it is unacceptable.
The only reason Bush released his letter is because he is feeling the heat. From Congress (who is generally bipartisan on the issue – with the notable exception of crackers like Senator Imhoff), to scientists, corporate America and the public at large.
But don’t expect his overtly political feigned concern about global warming and climate change to translate into real leadership.
Just because he’s always thought that global warming was a real issue doesn’t mean he’s actually going to do anything about it. Bush has rejected every opportunity to lead, and shows no signs of changing his tune beyond mere political posturing.
The president once again shows his true colors, and it isn’t pretty.
