There's no way that ANY politician is unaware of global warming...

[CoffeeCat]

I do believe that there are good Democratic politicians. I also believe that President Obama is a decent man who is battling forces that we can only imagine. I believe the number of "good guys" in politics is shrinking, but they are there--and frankly, they are our only hope...

Most of our politicians live in a universe that is closed off to "We The People." They clink cocktail glasses with the richest people in the world, forge back-door deals with corporate magnates and protect moneyed interests as a thank you for campaign contributions and other favors.

In this closed-off universe, it is imperative that these corrupted individuals play to "We The People." We must believe that democracy thrives. In order to deflect from the corporate and political corruption that decides most policy *for us*, many of our politicians keep the partisan rhetoric flowing--in order to divide us and to pacify us into believing that there are major difference between the two parties.

While there *are* major differences in the parties--I don't believe that most Republicans actually believe many of the stances they hold. I think they hold them in order to kow tow to the radical faction of their party. They throw religion around, but most of them hold views that slap Christianity and basic morality in the face. Starving the poor, stepping on the downtrodden, propping up the rich, ignoring poverty, empowering corporate greed and fueling hate and division--are generally not the actions of decent, moral people.

Oh, these Republicans will rally against abortion, but at the end of the day Rick Santorum and his wife chose abortion while many Republicans make the same choice. They just lie about it. "Oh those innocent babies!" they decry to their base. It's just good politics, but it's not how they live their lives. They enjoy it when their base is incited. They like that these issues keep our nation divided, but when it comes down to it--these Republican politicians aren't really invested in these issues. They don't believe in them. The rhetoric is for the masses and keeps their base rabid believing that if they don't head to the polls--that the evil on "the other side" will destroy this nation.

And what about global warming? Nearly all of our politicians understand that it is real. Sometimes we forget that our politicians are powerful, rich people who have advanced degrees from the most elite schools. It's easy to get a lemming tea partier to buy into the gobbledygook that global warming is a hoax. They're either ignorant or so partisan that they refuse to see the truth. However, what these politicians are selling--is propaganda that is funneled down from their corporate buddies who demand that their precious profits are protected at all cost. Republicans toe the line, but they don't believe the lines. How could they?

But our politicians and the corporate leaders (including the energy companies that are destroying our environment) absolutely understand that global warming is real, that it is man made and that the consequences are happening--and at this point--unavoidable. Most of the higher-ups in the energy companies and those who lobby for them--have advanced degrees in geology, soil science, engineering and other highly specialized scientific areas. No way in hell they don't know.

I guess its easier to assume that these people just need to be educated; they need to just read the latest science and look at the charts and graphs. Then they'd understand!

In the universe where corrupt politics meets corrupt corporation--and at the cocktail parties and in the board rooms--they discuss how they *do* know. But they don't talk about solutions or how to protect the billions on board this planet. They discuss how to continue deluding us. They form talking points, they coordinate with talk radio and they ensure that the ignorant masses who listen to Beck and Limbaugh--are on point.

If we ignore this reality--that we're being marketed to and propagandized by people who *do* believe in global warming--then we can't begin to solve the problem. We just fall into their trap. We need to fully accept the harsh reality--that we're dealing with sociopaths who have no regard for future generations. They understand that global warming is real. They know that they are causing untold future death, destruction and suffering--but they don't care. They would have to admit that they lied to everyone and that they need to sacrifice profit for the good of the planet. How likely is that?

Bottom line--they would rather ignore a devastating future for billions because today--they want to have a love affair with their wealth, yachts and private jets. It's just that simple. It's not ignorance, it's not that the science is too complicated for them. They would rather be rich and comfortable now--than help anyone in the future. Not even their own grandchildren.

Until we realize that we're dealing with people who *do* believe in global warming--and they just don't care--we can begin to have a real dialog.

When someone says that they don't believe in global warming, refuse to believe them. Don't argue this two-sided pseudo fight. Tell them that you understand that they are full of it and only protecting corporate interests. Ask them..."Why are you spewing talking points and lies and why are you protecting corporate profits and not the planet and the people they are supposed to represent?"

I am exhausted. I am tired of terrible people in power--with their games and their profit motives. I am sick of fighting arguments that only spin our wheels and deflect from the fact that most of our politicians are in bed with corporate mucky mucks who have no regard for our safety, well being or even our existence.

[randome]

1. It's even more mystifying when you realize how close we are to greatly increased lifespans.

Maybe that's a way to frame the debate? Save the planet and you may live to be 500.

[former9thward]

13. And retire when you are 480!

[Speck Tater]

2. The politicians aren't excited about it because...

...the scientists aren't excited about it. Or if they are, they are not communicating that sense of urgency very well with statements like: ( http://news.yahoo.com/us-summer-global-warming-looks-064915370.html )

These are the kinds of extremes climate scientists have predicted will come with climate change, although it's far too early to say that is the cause. Nor will they say global warming is the reason 3,215 daily high temperature records were set in the month of June.

Scientifically linking individual weather events to climate change takes intensive study, complicated mathematics, computer models and lots of time. Sometimes it isn't caused by global warming. Weather is always variable; freak things happen.

Good science requires caution and avoiding making statements that one is not very, very certain about. But that makes for terrible P.R. The public does NOT understand how science works and all they hear is "well, even the scientists aren't sure, so why should I worry?"

That waffling and equivocation is why the human race is doomed to extinction. Too many scientists put perceived risks to their careers and reputation above the survival of the human species. They are failing to make the case to the public, and they, and every other human alive, will pay for that failure.

[flamingdem]

3. Great point

It IS difficult to understand why more people aren't jumping up and down and grabbing the media spotlight on this.

I mean what could be more important than DOOM ?

[turtlerescue1]

11. The preference to live in Da-Nile.

Discount the idea of cause and effect. Must be so, because there sure is not a major priority of concerns by the masses.

[Curtis]

4. I'd bet every penny I had that if

there was a way to tie climate change acceptance and willingness to do something about it to making your penis bigger the world would be close to being an ice box right now.

[Uncle Joe]

5. An outstanding and powerful OP!

And what about global warming? Nearly all of our politicians understand that it is real. Sometimes we forget that our politicians are powerful, rich people who have advanced degrees from the most elite schools. It's easy to get a lemming tea partier to buy into the gobbledygook that global warming is a hoax. They're either ignorant or so partisan that they refuse to see the truth. However, what these politicians are selling--is propaganda that is funneled down from their corporate buddies who demand that their precious profits are protected at all cost. Republicans toe the line, but they don't believe the lines. How could they?

But our politicians and the corporate leaders (including the energy companies that are destroying our environment) absolutely understand that global warming is real, that it is man made and that the consequences are happening--and at this point--unavoidable. Most of the higher-ups in the energy companies and those who lobby for them--have advanced degrees in geology, soil science, engineering and other highly specialized scientific areas. No way in hell they don't know.

(snip)

In the universe where corrupt politics meets corrupt corporation--and at the cocktail parties and in the board rooms--they discuss how they *do* know. But they don't talk about solutions or how to protect the billions on board this planet. They discuss how to continue deluding us. They form talking points, they coordinate with talk radio and they ensure that the ignorant masses who listen to Beck and Limbaugh--are on point.

If we ignore this reality--that we're being marketed to and propagandized by people who *do* believe in global warming--then we can't begin to solve the problem. We just fall into their trap. We need to fully accept the harsh reality--that we're dealing with sociopaths who have no regard for future generations. They understand that global warming is real. They know that they are causing untold future death, destruction and suffering--but they don't care. They would have to admit that they lied to everyone and that they need to sacrifice profit for the good of the planet. How likely is that?

I hate overusing the term but I believe you absolutely nailed the situation, they simply couldn't be that stupid but I believe they could be that corrupt and no doubt sociopaths run strong in their midst.

I believe they believe their wealth and power will garner them a seat on some lifeboat while the rest of humanity goes down with the ship, they don't even want to make an attempt at saving the ship.

Their; opinion and regard for humanity could not be lower which is logical if you're a sociopath.

Thanks for the thread, CoffeeCat.

[Gregorian]

6. It's not a DOING solution. Fixing the symptoms will not fix the problem.

There is no way to solve this problem by fixing the symptoms. Futhermore, there is no way to solve this problem while sustaining our present lifestyle.

The problem is that we grew too large. And our present problem is that we are continuing to grow. And even worse, more people are starting to live a modern lifestyle. And who can blame them. Warm showers, easy living (at the expense of the ecosystem), better health through modern medicine, global communications.

And no one is going back. This is worse than trying to kick the nicotine habit. This is luxury that people would rather kill the planet for than do without.

So here we are. 7 billion, all using resources. We can engineer it so we use half as many resources. But that really can't be done. Between food, water, mining, logging and a number of things that cannot be made more efficient, we're overtaxing the planet. And regarding the things which can be made more efficient, the fractional improvements will be eaten by even more new babies in the next few decades. Engineering improvements are attempts to solve the problem by working on the symptoms.

It's a two part problem. Number of users, and what they're using. But only one of the factors has the ability to change the situation in a real way.

There's a Zinn quote about how the individual holds the true power. Not the politicians, nor the corporations. They do what we let them do. And by we I mean both those opposed to their acts, and those who are deluded into thinking their bad actions are in their best interest.

We are looking for answers outside of ourselves. You won't find them out there. The answer is you. The solution is your use, and my use. And the use of the billions now living the modern lifestyle.

[Uncle Joe]

7. We call them "leaders" for a reason,

yes individuals hold power but no individual holds the power of neither those elected to lead, or the corporations.

Leading in my book means making the hard choices, "with great power comes great responsibility."

We're not talking about only masking the symptoms while the disease of global warming ravages on, humanity must become more harmonious with nature at every level.

On thing is for sure, if we wait for every "individual" to wake up, there is no doubt it will be too late.

[Gregorian]

14. No doubt about it.

I'm a purist in the sense that I want to believe that people are good. And that people are willing to work, and be responsible. I am a minority.

I've had this conversation with my now 90 year old dad for at least forty years. We both agree that a good leader needs to instill the notion of limits. I guess growing up in a highly educated neighborhood has it's benefits. I imagine there are many people who don't know what goes on on the other side of the wall plates where they plug their toasters in.

I suppose we're wasting our breath since people mostly do not change until there is a crisis. I'm thinking of lung cancer from nicotine addiction as an example. But by then it's too late. And with global warming, it's too late before symptoms even begin to arise.

I have to say I'm infuriated by the idiocy. Living in America is difficult for those with this sensitivity. Our per capita energy consumption is literally neurotic. I would love to share my feelings regarding a context of this situation, but it would take a book, and I can't even express it well. I can just say that people were never intended to wield this kind of power. Nor was life meant to be this easy. We're making the planet do the work we should be doing. And it goes beyond that. By doing so, the quality of our lives, our communities suffer in ways that make the luxury not worth enjoying.

[randome]

8. People will not voluntarily do better to save the planet.

Any more than they will pay taxes voluntarily. I agree with Uncle Joe -we need to lean on our leaders to take action.

[raouldukelives]

9. Bookmarking! Thank you coffeecat!

This really eloquently puts into words what I feel every day. You are 100% correct IMHO.

[Roy Rolling]

10. belief in a higher profit

"You cannot make a person understand something when their salary depends on them not understanding it"

[stuntcat]

12. "realize that we're dealing with people who *do* believe in global warming-and they just don't care"

like Uncle Joe said- "sociopaths"

I know too many people who do not mind what's happening or what a mess we WILL have by the end of this century.