Comments inline

>SNIP>
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>>LOL. I have a bridge to sell you too... how about snake oil? It amazes how far the left will go to support pur junk science.
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>Let's assume that the whole global warming issue is indeed just a ruse for a whole batch of scientists to get funding for projects, often to exotic places and over nice long periods of time.
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>Isn't it long overdue that we started considering the planet's well-being in business and household decisions and practises?

We have been doing this for decades and the results are showing.
A few examples :
- we have much cleaner air and water than 30 years ago
- there are more trees now than at any time in this country's history
- we've created cleaner ways to burn coal
- we've created ways to trap and recycle the emissions from dumps

There is more to be done, but I do not believe the environmental organizations propose the best way to get the desired results. Industry responds very well to incentives, its better to reward the ingenuity of people and companies rather than restrict rights and impose regulation to force change which ultimately costs the consumer more.

>Isn't it good to have cleaner air around the whole planet?

Yes, but without all countries participating (China, India) its a moot point. Locally, a number of clean air initiatives have been quite successful. The proof is in the skylines that can now be seen in LA, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, etc.

>Isn't it good to view water as the scarce resource that it is?

Yes, see above.

>Isn't it good to try to save plants and animals from unnatural extinction because we are contaminating the planet and ruining their habitats?

Yes, as long as your actually working to help, instead of using them for an ulterior motive. Think spotted owl, elderberry beetles or the current proposal regarding polar bears.

>Isn't it good that we are looking for ways to make smarter use of the energy resources we currently have?

Yes, but are we actually? Where are the new nuclear and clean coal plants? Why are we not looking everywhere for untapped sources of oil and natural gas?

>We've treated the planet like it's a toilet. Changing this attitude is long overdue.

The change in attitude has occurred throughout the west, the east has some catching up to do but they'll come along. The problem is that instead of rewarding innovation, we're punishing after the fact. We need a new model and the entrenched interests in the environmental movement are not interested. Believe me Jim, as a farmer, I've seen the impact of these groups first hand, and they'd rather no one had private property rights. I can provide a number of personal examples if you wish.

Note : I want to be clear. When I refer to the environmental groups/movement/lobby, I am not so much speaking of the individual members who contribute a bit here and there for the cause. I am mainly speaking of the leadership and highly invested interests.