The denial machine

By now, many will have seen and read the most recent Newsweek cover story exposing the history of so-called "think tanks" spinning global warming policy options in favor of industry.

Their initial response? What better place to look for it than Alternate Reality Planet! Marlo Lewis (of the CEI, one of the think tanks discussed in the article) writes:

Would Clinton have pushed for Kyoto ratification if groups like CEI had kept mum and policy makers had to depend on Newsweek to learn about the Wigley and EIA studies? We will never know.

This much is—for want of a better word—undeniable: The resources wielded by pro-Kyoto advocacy groups vastly exceed those of pro-market groups like CEI. Newsweek misses the real point of the story: The tail cannot wag the dog unless the merits of the argument favor the tail.

Makes you feel sorry for them, don't it? Maybe they'd have more resources if they did what Greenpeace and the vast enviro-whacko conspiracy have done for years: canvas.

Imagine a hot young college Republican (hippies need not apply) knock on your door at home or approach you on the street saying:

"Excuse me, sir/ma'am, do you have a few moments to help save the oil and coal industries from Al Gore and other zealous greens? These anti-American socialists have taken over public opinion in vast stretches of the world and if we don't stop them now, you might have to wait 50 years to achieve the same living standard as you would in 48 years if we have our way!"

That should make your heart stop right there and then. And while sweat rolls down your brow you're contemplating how much cash you have in your wallet and whether you can skip that cheeseburger for lunch to help this kid, who, while others are frolicking in Europe or Asia, has decided to give up his entire summer holiday to raise awareness of this serious, menacing threat to the very foundation of our society. Before you reach for the cash, however, you want to know more so you ask:

"I've heard that Al Gore and all believers in the church of enviro-fascism are hypocrites, is that true?"

To which the kid replies:

"Indeed it is. Al Gore wants to take away the right of poor people to drive around in SUVs and force them to turn their lights off at night while they sleep. Meanwhile, he drives a car and lives in a house. We, on the other hand, are only looking out for the little guy. That's why you should support us.

Help the poor?!? Your faith in the belief that global warming is the greatest hoax EVAR has been strengthened, you open up your wallet and empty the contents. And while you watch the young think-tanker walk optimistically to his next donor, you wish the bright-eyed idealist luck on his quest knowing you've done something for humanity.