These ignorant statements are a clear and present danger to our society
Politicians that are either willfully ignorant or grossly unqualified for the commentary they provide to their constituents are everywhere in Washington. This statement by one such politician is probative.
“The last thing I asked him which I can’t get answers to,” said Rep Steve Stockman (R-TX). “How long will it take for the sea level to rise two feet? Think about it. If your ice cube melts in your glass it doesn’t overflow. It’s displacement. … Some of the things that they are talking about mathematically and scientifically don’t make sense.”
Rep Steve Stockman (R-TX) seems ignorant to the fact that the melting ice causing the rise in the ocean is on land. As such when it flows into the ocean the sea level will rise. The entire hearing can be found here. Many other Congress people showed similar ignorance. Jon Stewart did a skit on them a few days ago that is worth watching.
Anti-intellectualism in the media is rampant as well. This host made a statement that likely had the blood of many 6th graders boiling.
“Bob, isn’t fossil fuel the ultimate renewable energy,” Fox News Host Greg Gutfeld said. “It’s renewed once. It used to be a dinosaur. Now it’s fuel. How is that not renewable?”
Fox News Host Greg Gutfeld shows a proud ignorance. He does not realize renewable implies that in the short term the consumption of the energy source must create net zero carbon emissions.
It should be noted that many of those who believe climate change is either a hoax or that humans have nothing to do with it are the same ones who believe the Earth is 6000 years old.
Americans have allowed our politicians and media to misinform. This has led to wars. This has led us to take our eyes of real dangers others would prefer we forget. Bill Maher’s New Rule on ISIS vs Monsanto is a great example. How many die from terrorism vs disease, environmental decay, climate, guns, etc.?
Until the undeserved platform of bad media and politicians is extricated, the anti-intellectual wave that is now vogue will continue to make a significant portion of America ignorant. Specifically those that consume information from sources like detailed above. This is a clear and present danger for us all.