Why aren't Dems talking about global warming?

by Populism2008, Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 06:05:42 PM EST

In the aftermath of Katrina I haven't heard one single Democrat speaking in public about the threats of global warming. Why the hell is that?? They should be out there 24/7 informing the public about how global warming is as serious as terrorism and that Bush ignores it because of his Big Oil buddies. I recently read a poll (can't remember the polling firm's name) in which 55% of the respondents thought Bush had signed the Kyoto Treaty... this is a MISERABLE FAILURE of Democrats. The American public is clearly concerned about global warming (according to several polls) and a large majority supports signing the Kyoto Treaty but the Dems do not use this to their, and the world's, advantage. WHY NOT???

This is also a failure of the progressive blogosphere. We are talking too little about environmental issues. Who cares about minimum wage or gay marriage if humanity goes extinct in 100+ years?

(Another thing: I visited Europe this spring, and when talking about the US I noticed that our policy towards global warming was the biggest concern among many Europeans. They hate us for not signing the Kyoto treaty, because the consequences of global warming will leave no future children behind. The Iraq war was unpopular among the America bashing general public but our (read: Bush's) environmental policy was even worse.



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Because it's a boring topic. (none / 0)

Unlike war, gun control, abortion, taxes, or universal health care, global warming has no sex or violence to make it interesting and it is incredibly difficult to connect it to people's everyday lives.

If the Democrats start talking about global warming, John Q. Public is just going to tune them out.

by craverguy on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 07:10:08 PM EST

This whole nation seems to be in denial about what (none / 0)

we do and its implications..

If we ignore it - it definitely won't go away...

Thats a recipe to have the whole world see us as the problem, instead of as part of the solution..

It wouldn't take much.. WHY can't we get a clue?

maybe its time for a new party? I don't know.. But people need to speak up as global climate change could have MAJOR implications..

See this report on 2020... We need to get moving on this or we will be an international pariah...

http://www.mydd.com/images/user/1360/CIA_Report_on_2020.pdf

by ultraworld on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 08:54:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This whole nation seems to be in denial about (none / 0)

I'm not saying that we should ignore it. When the Democrats are back in power, we should move on it immediatley. What I am saying is that it's a lousy campaign issue.

Nobody ever got elected talking about greenhouse gasses.

by craverguy on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 08:58:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

More heat (none / 0)

means more energy.

More energy means bigger storms.

Bigger storms mean more devastation.

More disruption of commerce.

More loss of life.

Climate change is a life-or-death issue. And an economic issue. And a national security issue.

F@ck greenhouse gases.

Yeah, I'm cynical.
by catastrophile on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 09:05:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: More heat (none / 0)

And I recognize that. But nobody in the electorate really gives a shit. They do give a shit about having jobs that pay enough for them to feed, clothe, and care for their families.

That's the issue we should campaign on.

by craverguy on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 09:30:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: More heat (none / 0)

You don't think they care about natural catastrophes and the survival of their grandchildren? Think again.

A couple of Katarinas and a vocal Democratic Party is what it takes.

I don't agree that global warming is a boring issue. Have you seen "The Day After Tomorrow"? If Hollywood can make a film out of it, it's not boring.

The history of the left is a history of purists betraying the progressive movement so that they can feel good about their righteous selves.
by Populism2008 on Wed Sep 07, 2005 at 05:38:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, (none / 0)

they give a $#!+ about having a place to live with a roof on it, that's not underwater, right? RFK2 came out swinging on this, only to be accused of blaming the hurricane on Bush, but it's a fact that needs to be brought up.
Yeah, I'm cynical.
by catastrophile on Wed Sep 07, 2005 at 10:51:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Why aren't Dems talking about global warming? (none / 0)

I am glad you brought up this topic.  You are absolutely right.  I have been expecting to hear a chorus of Dems and environmentalists holding up the recent intense and frequent hurricane activity as examples of the results of global warming.  Where are the voices?
by nytrialman on Tue Sep 06, 2005 at 07:38:53 PM EST


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