Senator Inhofe: Dazed and Confused When It Comes To Science
Senator Inhofe and CNN Anchor in Heated Exchange over Global Warming Coverage, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
“O’BRIEN: The concern, of course, is ice that goes into the water, because ultimately that is what leads to — from the land to the water — leads to a rise in sea levels. And that’s the big concern. And that’s what they’re talking about here. You dont discount that?
INHOFE: Well, yes, I do discount that, because in some areas you might find that the sea level is rising, not in other areas.”
Editor’s note: HUH? Perhaps the Senator can explain how sea levels rise in some areas but not others given that all the world’s oceans are actually one large body of water. This is Physics 101. When you add more water to the sea the mean sea level rises. The ancient Greeks had this all figured out thousands of years ago.
I have seen a lot of silly things in this town in the past 20 years – but I have never seen an elected official offer such vapid, contradictory, and evasive responses – responses that evidence a complete lack of knowledge about the topic he is trying to argue – than does Sen. Inhofe in this series of exchanges and rants.
Editor’s note: One reader writes: “Sealevel” is not the same around the world…So while Senator Inhofe wasn’t quite right, neither was your critique…for full explanation, consult http://www.pol.ac.uk/psmsl/puscience/#3
My response: “If you increase the total amount of water the levels will rise everywhere. It may rise more in some areas than others due to the factors cited on this page – but it will rise everywhere. Imhof said it might not rise in some locations.”
If you look at Imhof’s responses he dodges many of them by trying to disparage people’s political viewpoints or motives (i.e. McCain, Boehlert etc.) – and not by using facts. Here is one example:
“U.S. REPRESENTATIVE SHERWOOD BOEHLERT (R-NY): I think there’s no doubt about it: The broad scientific consensus on global climate change is for real. Moreover, it’s acknowledged that man has contributed significantly to the problem. And we’ve got to do something about it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(CROSSTALK)
O’BRIEN: It’s not just Chris Shays we’re talking about.
INHOFE: No. Let me respond. Well, you’ve picked out Sherry. He’s number two in the most liberal.
But as far as John McCain’s concerned, he’s a good friend of mine. I’ve served with him. However, John McCain is running for president and this is a huge, popular issue. Seventy percent of the people have been duped by the media.”
