Does Jon Stewart expose willful or real ignorance?
Last night Jon Stewart exposed a dirty BIG secret in Congress. This is really an embarrassment not only in the US but abroad.
Jon Stewart starts his skit by playfully mocking the amateurish coverage of the climate change march in New York. He then went to the meat of the skit.
“You may be thinking,” John Stewart said. “Do we really need a march to raise awareness about global climate change? I mean it is an accepted scientific phenomena pretty much everywhere. Here is why you need the march. It is accepted pretty much everywhere but there is one place called The United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This is true.”
Jon Stewart then went on to excoriate the ignorance of congressmen at a hearing in that committee that occurred last week. They were discussing the President’s plan to shrink carbon emission by 30% by 2030. Presidential science advisor John Holdren was responsible for attempting to put some science and intellect into the discussion.
Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) attempted to challenge climate research by introducing global wobbling, something that any middle school student would know has no effect on climate in the near term. John Holdren immediately dismissed him with facts.
Rep, Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) then asked at what level CO2 becomes harmful to humans. It is a red herring because the concern is the effects of CO2 on warming and not breathing. The scientist appropriately dismissed the disingenuousness of the congressman.
Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) claimed the question has been asked and answered and the answer is no. The scientist, John Holdren dismissed the congressman. “You should look at the scientific literature rather than the public comments.” Jon Stewart points out that Bucshon’s 3 major contributors are Murray Energy Corporation, KOCH, and Peabody Energy which may explain his willful ignorance.
The coupe de grace was likely the most ignorant statement yet by a congressman. Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) stated that when ice melts in a glass of water it does not overflow. He failed to realize that much of the ice on the planet is on land and would run into the ocean. Every elementary school student is supposed to learn that reality.
These are the men leading a committee on science. These are the men setting US policy. These are the men that are supposed to ensure America’s well-being into the future. If anyone doubts who you vote for matter, this is a classic example of why one should attempt at getting people elected with a modicum of intellect. These congressmen are an embarrassment to America and a danger to our kids. They are a clear and present danger to America as their ignorance materially affects us all.