Bush changing views on global warming?

[dixieflatline]

I don't want this to turn into another argument over human's role in global warming. That said, I think it's interesting what has come out of the g8 summit on global warming. Even though no emission levels were set or tiimetables organized I find this quote to very interesting.

hxxp://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/07/03/g8.bush.ap/

Bush described climate change as "a significant, long-term issue that we've got to deal with" and acknowledged that human activity is "to some extent" to blame.

This is a pretty big shift from previous Bush quotes on global warming. Even though I am not a Bush supporter there are a few issues I do agree with him on. I am more than happy to see him change his stance on this one.

[KWhit]

I guess he's finally warming up to the idea.

/groan/

[Flasch186]

...a move in the left direction. very good news indeed although I would like to see how it is tossed about when he gets back to our soil. Perhaps someone will edit the quote to make it more appropriate.

[HomerJSimpson]

Nothing like lowering approval ratings to start thinking the other side has some good ideas.

[duckman]

Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson

Nothing like lowering approval ratings to start thinking the other side has some good ideas.

The man is a lame duck President. I really doubt that he gives a fuck about approval ratings right now.

[Fonzie]

Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson

Nothing like lowering approval ratings to start thinking the other side has some good ideas.

Plus, Bush owes Tony Blair a few favors. Given Bush's emphasis on loyalty in personal relationships it wouldn't surprise me if he's (slightly) changing his tune for Blair.

[HomerJSimpson]

Originally Posted by duckman

The man is a lame duck President. I really doubt that he gives a fuck about approval ratings right now.

He does if he wants to get anything done. Remember Clinton's last term? It is all about a "legacy" now. No one wants their legacy to be the president with the lowest final term approval rating.

[Arles]

As a conservative, I think that global warming is occuring and that Humans certainly play a part in the process (albeit a very small one, IMO). What Bush has said above isn't big news to me (nor do I necessarily disagree with his stance). The point where I think I start to seperate from the global warming crowd is when we start talking about tying significant aspects in our economy to "reduce global warming". Not only do I not think these type of actions will amount to much in the actual goal of reducing the warming trend, but the economic reprocusions to numerous floundering industries could be very damaging.

So, if people want to keep studying and learning more on the aspect of humans and global warming - I say have at it. Understanding more about what can cause these trends is a good thing. I'm just very skeptical on "kyoto-type" measures.

People love to say the "What if we are right and we are causing significant global warming?". My response to them is "What if you are wrong and you end up doing serious damage to major US industries and have no discernable change in the warming trend?" That's a much bigger fear to me.

[ice4277]

I think we definitely need to do something about the environment, however, treaties like Kyoto, which give developing powers like India and China a free pass, are not the way to go about things. I think we need to give massive, massive tax breaks to the big oil companies to help further the development of alternative energy and fuels.

[Arles]

Not a bad way to go, ice. I definately fall on the side of rewarding companies for increasing research/investment into alt fuels and cleaning up as opposed to the Kyoto "penalize everyone in developed nations" mentality.

[clintl]

Maybe Arnold threatened to beat him up if he didn't change his opinion.

[Flasch186]

Originally Posted by ice4277

I think we definitely need to do something about the environment, however, treaties like Kyoto, which give developing powers like India and China a free pass, are not the way to go about things. I think we need to give massive, massive tax breaks to the big oil companies to help further the development of alternative energy and fuels.

youre assuming that the oil companies would open their books up so that the world can be assured that the actual extra tax break monies are going into R&D? Somehow I doubt that they will be so transparent.

[Desnudo]

You know, right now, as we speak, publicly held companies actually record R&D expenses for everyone to see!

[CraigSca]

That's weird. Aren't all publically held companies the anti-christ? That's what I've learned here.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

You know, right now, as we speak, publicly held companies actually record R&D expenses for everyone to see!

Get right out of town! Are you serious? That's amazing!

[Flasch186]

listen asshats, Im asking a freakin' question you closed minded fools:

If they got extra tax breaks we could be sure that THOSE specific extra dollars went to R&D in full?

If so, **shocker** you closed minded prejudicial fools, I agree that that would be a good thing.


EDIT to point out: I am consistently telling you and acting in a way that shows how open minded I am but some of you are not and simply charge and fight without regard to the fact that it is actually SOME of you that are absolutely closed minded and unwilling to agree with stuff from the other side, EVER, at all.

[Flasch186]

btw, im in a bad mood tonight.

[duckman]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

btw, im in a bad mood tonight.

There is a cure for that........it's called sex.

[Flasch186]

no kiddin'...my rommates mom has been here for a week and is really making things hard to get any kind of privacy, not that im complaining. she at least cooks for us while she's here.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

my rommates mom .

I'd hit it.