Meteorologists are among the few people trained in the sciences who are permitted regular access to our living rooms. And in that sense, they owe it to their audience to distinguish between solid, peer-reviewed science and junk political controversy. If a meteorologist can't speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn't give them a Seal of Approval. Clearly, the AMS doesn't agree that global warming can be blamed on cyclical weather patterns. It's like allowing a meteorologist to go on-air and say that hurricanes rotate clockwise and tsunamis are caused by the weather. It's not a political statement...it's just an incorrect statement.
If you really want to have fun (or bang your head against your keyboard -- it depends on your sense of humor), check out the comments to Cullen's blog entry. I should be less surprised at how proud people can be of their ignorance by now, but I'm not. It never ceases to amaze me.
Anyhoo, the Inhofe staffer is one Marc Morano -- the temptation to spell that 'Morono' can't be denied.
US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works :: Press Room:
Broadcast meteorologists (TV weatherman) skeptical of climate alarmism have -- up until now -- been unburdened to speak out on climate issues. Cullen’s call for decertification by the AMS can only serve to intimidate skeptics and further chill free speech in the scientific community. Stripping the "Seal of Approval" from broadcast meteorologists could affect their livelihoods, impact their salaries and prestige. TV weathermen are truly the last of the independent scientists and past surveys have shown many of them to be skeptical of manmade global warming claims. Their independence is being threatened now.
Do I really need to point out that Sen. Inhofe (and, most likely, Mr. Morono) is a creationist? Yeah, he thinks that human and dinosaurs co-existed -- like on The Flintstones. To be lectured about science by an Inhofe staffer is like a witch doctor showing Dr. Christian Barnard how to do open heart surgery. The best answer to it would be, "Screw off."
But here's the fun part. Read Morono's screed, then read the comments on Cullen's blog. Notice anything odd? Yeah, they're the same arguments.
Weird, huh?
Tags: news | politics | science | global warming environment | creationism | James Inhofe | Marc Morano | Heidi Cullen | Weather Channel | bullshit | morons
