I am in awe of President Bush. Who else has the power, in 6 short years, to adversely affect the climate and kill off the polar bears. Why is global warming the sole fault of the US? China and Russia produce more polutants than we do. I wonder what stupid thoughts went through the country founders to reject a popular vote for president. Could there possibly be any logic behind this? If you came from a large family, did you vote for dad as the family head? If there would have been a vote, would he have won? As far as "personal business interests" coming before the good of the country, what is this other than a rehash of the allegations that were the stock of the liberal campaigns. How about Clinton releasing oil from the strategic oil reserve ( I believe, twice) back in the mid 90's? Granted it was for cause, but the mutual beneficiaries to the action just happened to be big campaign contributors. Whew!, Unload completed for now.

no, of course not, p2. but maybe we could alter it for the next species in line to possibly go extinct because their climate and seasons are changing.

bobber, only US and australia of major countries didnt sign kyoto. we are largest co2 producer in the world by far. we made electric cars, and let the auto mfr PACs pull them. not our fault, but we arent helping either.

last week i replaced 25 lightbulbs in my home to low energy, lowered my thermostat several degrees, called handyman to reinsulate, switched to 50% wind energy. wish i could afford a hybrid, but cant.

i am not political, but i am environmental if i can.

yeah we could have signed Kyoto and just ignored it like the EU did. Notice that their CO2 emissions are actually UP over the past 5 years???

At least we're dealing in reality -- geeze.

I agree with SJ that each of us should strive to be good stewards of the earth where we can. I have the answer (self-righteous as I am) in case anyone cares to consider it.

http://www.purplethink.com/epinion/PurpleGas.asp

Like it'll ever happen...

Otter, I don't know how realistic most Americans are about the issue. My impression is as long as they get their Happy Meals and their SUV's they're happy.

True law, but even more reason to make it a financial necessity. The Happy Meal and SUV set only like their Happy Meals and SUVs because it's fast and cheap (Happy Meals) or a status symbol (SUVs).

Make it fast, cheap, and trendy to do the right thing and we'll all give a s**t. Am I making it too easy??

Jane, I applaud your committment. If nothing else, it saves you money that can be spent on travel.
Just doing some internet surfing, I see that it is accepted that the US produces 25% of the worlds CO2. Projections are that it will reduce through non-Kyoto means by 25% over the next ten years. I also see that the major greenhouse gas is water vapor (about 70%) I look at the carbon footprint and see that in the next ten years, the developing nations of the world will overtake the US (they are going up, we are coming down)in emmisions comprising the footprints based on an average. Perhaps there may be two sides to the coin? Reduced demand/usage is obviously a good thing, but don't be so fast casting stones regarding Kyoto.

OH, and Al G. spends a lot of time in private jets, going around convincing folk they should reduce their personal carbon footprint.

Sometimes opinions are all we have, this is mine.

Aww,sj, this thread was going so well till ya took that left turn at globullsh** warming! :-)
Anyone for Polar Bear steaks?

Rational 'purple' opinion, O!

Ry, which brings us back to denial and buck-passing helping the nazi's to gain power. if i dont see or admit it, it doesnt' exist?

bobber - you are probably right, but i didnt see the gore thing yet, i read and watch science channel a lot. and, of course there are 2 sides to every coin. the questions are will 25% in 10 years be enuff, and can anyone reign in china (and others) in this respect. unfortunatly, i guess we won't know until we get there.

i am not perfect by any stretch, but i am learning, and trying to change. the wind power will actually cost me a little more for now, but i am trying to do my part...i have children, i want the best for them....

Consider everything you hear, on TV, read or whatever, from whoever (including Al Internet)as coming from someone who has a pony in the race. They will present facts (that support their idea, anyway), will fail to mention anything that contradicts their idea or belief. In general, take everything with a grain of salt. Pretend that all of these people screaming for your attention and support as latent timeshare salespersons ( we used to call them generically, snake oil salesmen).

Bobber, great mental picture of Algore jumping off a golf cart and asking me if I've ever been to Banyan Bay!!