60 Minutes and Jim Hansen NAIL Bush (minorly updated)

(Front Paged at My Left Wing with a handful of additions based on the comments herein) My wife works at GISS, the agency that Jim Hansen heads. She is a climatologist and she describes to me the increasing dread among climate scientists as it becomes clear that global warming not only is happening, but it is ACCELERATING faster than we had previously imagined. "Danger" and "tipping points" are words that Jim Hansen claims he has been told by the Bush Administration not to use. Tonight on 60 minutes he used them.

Jim Hansen is one of the top Global Warming scientists. He spent the entire first term of Bush's administration trying to work with Bush on global warming. My wife heard him defend Bush in the first year, expressing his hope that Bush will keep his promises.

This relationship came to an end when Hansen came out in favor of Kerry and attacked Bush's environmental record. Since then Bush has been censoring Jim Hansen, limiting what he could say and who he could say it to.

Tonight, on 60 Minutes, Jim Hansen fought back big time. The gist of teh segment was that Bush's administration listens only to lawyers and oil interests when it comes to warming, has those lawyers EDIT SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, and censors anyone who disagrees with the administration's party line. Nothing was held back. Bush was given no quarter. It was made clear that we are in grave danger from global warming, the danger is accelerating, and Bush has been PREVENTING anything from being done about it.

This goes along with my recent diary covering the fact that America CAN face global warming and be the stronger for it, but it will take leadership. And leadership is exactly what the Bush administration is incapable of giving America on any front.

Jim Hansen has come out fighting and 60 Minutes has found its spine again. America...we know the danger, we know what we have to do. We have been warned by scientists for more than a decade what we face. No one can say that we couldn't do anything about it.

America: you have been warned. What are you going to do about it? UPDATE: For those interested in "striking while the iron is hot" (to use Congressman Miller's phrase), please see this follow up diary which deals with how we can amplify the impact of this 60 Minutes interview and Congressman Miller's diary which is aiming to formally compile evidence for scientific censorship.

•  Thanks

  ty for posting this

  by RumsfeldResign on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:32:46 PM PDT

  •  Thank you so much.

    Please tell your wife to ask him to come and READ this diary so we can thank him personally.  I'm sitting here with tears dripping down my cheeks.  This is the kind of effort it's going to take to save this world and to STOP the Bush cabal from destroying us.

    I hope some of our R-friends will listen to what he says and BEAT DOWN these oil companies.  Let's FORCE them to pay for GLOBAL WARMING by increasing their taxes and making them pay!  I'm sick of these bastards.

    Bush lied
    People died
    And the planet will be destroyed
    If he is allowed to ignore science...

    Thank you Dr. Hansen

    by victoria2dc on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:27:14 PM PDT

    •  Front Paged...

      
      
      at My Left Wing
      
      

      by Maryscott OConnor on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:21:07 PM PDT

•  Now when Bush fires him we should jump all over

  it to point out that he won't fire crooks and traitors in his own office, but he will fire those who criticize him personally.

  by mvr on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:35:32 PM PDT

  •  Hard to do

    If he fires Jim Hansen he will have 100 more top scientists jumping forward to denounce Bush. Hansen has been criticized for not standing up enough, in the past. His colleagues are getting both scared and pissed.

    My wife at first thought that Hansen was ready to retire and hence wanted to go out with a bang...in essence DARING Bush to fire him. But apparantly he has no intention of retiring and has dozens of research ideas.

    I also don't know if he can be fired that easily. GISS is part NASA part Columbia University. I don't know if people can be fired by only one end or not.

    by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:41:43 PM PDT

    •  Let's get him onto DailyKos

      That way, even if they muzzle 60 Minutes, he'll have a forum.

      by Phoenix Woman on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:48:31 PM PDT

      •  Hmmm...

        I will run it by my wife. She knows him, though not well. She can pass along the idea.

        But Hansen is old fashioned. He will probably not have a clue what we are about.

        However, for everyone who is interested, you can play with the top climate scientists, including GISS folks, on Real Climate, a blog run by the nation's top climate scientists. Maybe some of them would be open to this suggestion.

        by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:04:21 PM PDT

        •  an excellent suggestion

          I'm not a climate specialist, but Real Climate is the real deal (to quote a bank card Dem, Joe Biden).  Very well researched, and contributed to by fine scientists.

          by billlaurelMD on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:20:52 PM PDT

        •  Hansen

          knows what Dkos is all about, he's even read some of the global warming articles posted here, just FYI ;).

          by DarkSyde on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 10:26:16 PM PDT

          •  you sneaky lil..

            :-)

            by roboton on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 11:14:05 PM PDT

          •  You know...

            I've never seen Dark Syde and Hansen in the same room....then again, I've never seen Dark Syde or Hansen.

            But, still, based on Republican logic, Dark Syde is Hansen!!!!

            by chuckles1 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:43:10 AM PDT

            •  hmmm...

              and darksyde did recently post about global warming...including the hansen appearance over at C & L...hmm...

              by Cedwyn on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 11:41:30 AM PDT

      •  he said he calls himself an independent

        he might shy away from us....

        by jm taylor on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:16:22 PM PDT

        •  Hell, I'd call myself a 'Zen Libertarian,'

          but I'm here. There aren't a lot of other options at this point. Who argues the details when you're trying to stop madmen? Oh, that's right, we do. Never mind.

          by John West on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 03:18:50 AM PDT

          •  Crazy

            They're all crazy but me and thee, and thee's a little weird.

            Look, the DLC-types don't want to play to the "base," they want to play to the "independents." So if we want them to play to us we just declare ourselves independents.

            See, that was easy.

            by wytcld on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 06:50:23 AM PDT

            •  Brilliant! I salute you. Have a recommend.

              But don't spend it all on ice cream.

              by John West on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 07:56:08 AM PDT

          •  Zen Libertarian

            I like the sound of that

            by Mat in IL on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:21:34 AM PDT

          •  'Zen libertarian'

            That's like 'enlightened adolescent'?
            Sorry couldn't resist.

            by BMarshall on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 10:28:29 AM PDT

            •  No problem. I like that even better.

              by John West on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 11:02:08 AM PDT

              •  A sense of humor is vital. N/T

                by BMarshall on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:13:54 PM PDT

          •  Zulu Lima

            "Z.L."...not good...it means "I need help...stop immediately"...u need another moniker

            by pere on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 01:41:08 PM PDT

      •  How about YearlyKos?

        by Little Red Hen on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:17:19 AM PDT

    •  I hope your wife

      will be safe -

      Isn't it beyond scary that in the country where freedom of speech in paramount - (or was supposed to be)

      That people now has to be very careful what they say - or they are apt to be fired.

      by sara seattle on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:36:54 PM PDT

      •  My wife

        She is a grad student working for a well funded top scientist who is more than willing to keep her on as a post-doc. She is as safe as any scientist is in these days of massive budget cuts.

        I already lost a job due to budget cuts and my current job is a tad tenuous for the same reason. And my work doesn't have any kind of real political significance. I was a cell biologist working, roughly, on cancer research. Now I am a developmental biologist working on insulin signaling. It's money drying up that is the big problem.

        by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:40:03 PM PDT

        •  Have you ever tried to apply at

          Fred Hutchison Cancer institute in Seattle -- they have lots of research going on.

          As a matter of fact Seattle has a ton of bio-companies/research companies here.

          by sara seattle on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:50:01 PM PDT

          •  Yes

            Eight years ago I was offered a position at the Hutch in AIDS research and the cancer-related job in NYC. I took the NYC job.

            I am not, for various reasons, stuck in NYC. So I am stuck with he NYC bio research scene...which is not horrible, but not big.

            by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:58:59 PM PDT

            •  zymogenetics in Seattle also

              I believe the do insulin research too

              by sara seattle on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:46:42 PM PDT

              •  Gotta be NYC

                I have roots in NYC now. Due to child custody issues for my wife we can't move. Plus my wife has a few years of end of grad school then post doc to finish here. Finally, we have a good, prime apartment. Of course if we sold it we could buy a better place elsewhere, but it is the kind of place that always goes up in value, so probably should hang on.

                I do love Seattle, though. Have many friends there.

                by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:50:54 PM PDT

        •  how 'bout Merck? They've got LOTS of $$$

          I hear they're working on another Acid-blocker (snark)

          by sooner on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:45:45 PM PDT

          •  Jersey

            I think they are in Jersey. Pretty far from me on public transport.

            by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:51:44 PM PDT

            •  Damn-it man! TUMMIES ARE BURNING!

              by sooner on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:10:06 PM PDT

        •  OT, but insulin signaling?

          I worked on that before my latest job.  Any chance it's aging-related?

          Small world.

          by MTgirl on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:57:32 PM PDT

          •  Hmmm,.. are you refering to Type-II Diabetis?

            adult onset diabetes is clearly related to insulin signaling.  One major problem in America is obesity, which is directly correllated to the rise in type II diabetis.

            Like mole333, I'm also a cell molecular biologist.  Generally, my graduate thesis investigated how ROIs could accelerate the aging process.  One aspect of this is how free radicals (ROIs) play a contributary role in the aging process through the cummulative oxidative damage to cells and tissue, such as the pancreas, but in general, as well.

            Although my work did not focus on diabetes, a high carbohydrate-rich diet(ie sugar-based) does lead to a what's called a "respiratory burst" of ROI production, which overtime promotes oxidative damage to average (non-athletic) indviduals.

            Politically, this ties into the all-mighty Food Lobby adverse influence in health policy. All the cookies, cereal, candy, french fries, soda etc that we consume is big business. Therefore, any legislation or health policy initiative that promotes health and regulates the industry based on these kinds of studies would clearly undercut industry profits,

            Note that the Bush Administration's anti-health intiative is now seeking to eliminate food labels in packaging,.. .ie calories/serving

            by Knightrider on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 10:54:42 PM PDT

            •  More about that labeling change

              and why it must be fought intensively, senator by senator:

              CONGRESS BLINDFOLDS CONSUMERS-
              REMOVING RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR FOOD

              On March 8, despite massive public opposition, including 50,000 calls and letters from supporters of the Organic Consumers Association, the House of Representatives passed the controversial "national food uniformity" labeling law, which would eliminate over 200 state food safety labeling laws.

              The law basically takes away local government and states' power to require food safety labels such as those required in California and other states on foods or beverages that are likely to cause cancer, birth defects, allergic reactions, or mercury poisoning.

              The bill would also prevent local municipalities and states from passing laws requiring that genetically engineered foods and ingredients be labeled. Under the bill, hundreds of state laws and regulations would be eliminated, including those relating to the safety of milk, fish, and shellfish.

              In order to become law, the bill will now have to go to the Senate for a vote. Because of the enormous public backlash against the bill, Washington analysts believe the bill will have great difficulty passing in the Senate. OCA and other public interest organizations have vowed to go "all out" to stop this anti-democratic, anti-consumer bill in the Senate.

              Take action here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/...

              by Creosote on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 12:06:01 AM PDT

            •  I'm no cell molecular biologist.

              Just a lowly lab tech, but I have worked on the insulin-signaling pathway in Drosophila.  It's likely related to diabetes, but there are at least 4 insulin pathways in flies that do different things so it's difficult to tease apart.  
              The lab works on aging and has published several times in Nature and Science.  From my understanding, there are any number of issues that affect aging in flies--whether it's oxidative damage (we didn't study that) or insulin pathways and regulation, etc.
              It's interesting stuff, but I have to admit I didn't understand the half of it.  I was too busy setting up extremely large experiments and taking care of the flies.  Never learned the whole pathway, only bits and pieces necessary to complete my work.  Only so many hours in a day...

              by MTgirl on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:41:33 AM PDT

              •  Lab Techs are valuable resources, as 'scientists'

                I was a tech for 4 years before I decided to get a PhD. You're an incredibly valuable resource and scientist;  ...you just don't have to apply for the grants ;).   I'm sure that you've formulated hypothesis and tested it experimentally, and interpretate it as well.

                What's intriguing is that lowly Drosophila flies and highly Humans genetically share an insulin-signalling components, one of perhaps thousands of genes that are evolutionarily conserved between the 2 species.

                ...I doubt that the ID RR groups would care to acknowledge this, including those in government.
                Actually, I'd like to know if you've observe any adverse impact on young scientists, like yourself, in pursueing careers in research with a PHD or MD(?)

                by Knightrider on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 12:05:02 PM PDT

                •  Hard for me to say.

                  I think there's been an impact, but since most of the recent PhDs I know are evolutionary biologists of one form or another, they are particularly aware of ID and the RR.
                  I guess I'm not sure what question you are asking.  Impacted in what way?  Trouble finding work?  Dropping out of science?  Becoming politically active?  I've seen all of these responses and then some.
                  Funding seems harder to come by, but I don't know if that's a function of political pressure, less money or too many competitors.  I think what's really making things tough for young researchers is the difficulty of getting that first solid grant.  It reminds me of getting awards in high school or college.  The kid who gets the first one seems to get all the rest because she has a feather in her cap for the next application.
                  What's been your experience?

                  by MTgirl on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:27:34 PM PDT

                  •  Yes,.. all of the above :)

                    Several weeks ago I attend a special conference at the New School in NYC on Science and Politics,. Dr. Hansen was the main attractions, but fmr Sen. and New School President Bob Kerrey hosted a session with President Clinton's Science Advisor, Neil Lane, as keynote speaker.  

                    It was a very frank and intimate discussion between the two about what the public, science community and government can do to depoliticise the science policy-making process.  Although Lane recognised that science has been highly distorted in umprecedented ways under the GOP and Bush Administration, Lane argued that process will always be subject to the political realities, under the best of times.

                    One of those realities, he argued, was the national debt and the cost of war, cost for HS and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast.   He believed  that the war, above the rhetoric, will especially commit US funding for many years to come (ie $10's of billions/year).  So when asked what scientific fields may benefit the most and may be adversely  affected the most, Lane argued that the biological fields would likely suffer the most in the next few years, actually becoming "globalized", in which Asia (China, India, Singapore) would become principle research centers. He even recommended that young scientists who are eager in these fields should be encouraged to take these opportunities abroad. I was a bit shocked by it, and hoped he would further explain his reasoning, but there was no Q&A session afterwards. ..

                    by Knightrider on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:30:54 PM PDT

                    •  Opportunities abroad?

                      I find this hard to swallow.  Perhaps I don't have enough information yet, but when my husband (a newly minted PhD in Evol Bio) looked at opportunities abroad, there were a few in Europe and there sure weren't any in Asia for him.  Getting funding outside the US is even harder than getting it inside!  At least that's been our experience.  I just don't see a lot of opportunity for US students/researchers in other countries.  Unfortunately, that gravy train seems to be a one way street.
                      As a matter of fact, in order to get permission to view some specimens in Beijing, he had to contact someone who knew someone already in China, apply for a number of permits, list explicitly which specimens, etc., etc., before he could even bother with his passport.
                      Once he had arrived, the situation was problematic as some of the specimens he requested weren't even available to see.  If it's that difficult just to view some specimens and take notes, I can't imagine getting permission to study permanently or ever receiving a job...
                      Of course, I may be misinterpreting Mr. Lane's response, but I think his assessment is a bit too optimistic.
                      I hope my bitterness isn't too obvious:)

                      by MTgirl on Tue Mar 21, 2006 at 02:58:03 PM PDT

                      •  Japan

                        Don't know 'bout Evol. Bio, but I found (with Biochem/Cell Bio) that the Japanese government was EAGER to fund foreign post docs at a good level. Check out the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science. Most professors are happy to get a fully funded post-doc for a year to two or three.

                        I worked and lived in Kyoto for a year, at Kyoto University and even was able to save up some money. It was WONDERFUL. Great lab (publishes mostly in Nature!) and great city. I HIGHLY reccomend it! This WAS 10 years ago, but I have kept in touch with the program and the lab and I think it all still applies.

                        To ANYONE, I recommend spending a couple of years in Kyoto funded by the Japanese government.

                        by mole333 on Tue Mar 21, 2006 at 04:36:27 PM PDT

                        •  Right, Lane shared the same enthusiasm

                          That's ok, if as scientist and post-docs, we are prepared for this option during our training.

                          However, the disappointment lies in how it conveys our commitment to science educational programs, which would not only promote enthusiasm for those interested in biomedical science research, but also secure our global competitiveness and our lead in research and biotechnology.

                          by Knightrider on Tue Mar 21, 2006 at 05:01:32 PM PDT

                          •  We certainly seem to be shooting ourselves in the

                            foot with respect to science education and commitment to R&D and funding for scientific inquiry.  Biology, particularly molecular bio topics, are going to be the meat and potatoes of future industry.  At least in my opinion...
                            Computer tech is great, but what is that compared to extending lifespan, curing many diseases (or at least managing them), and cleaning up the biological messes we've made?  
                            Thanks very much for your comments.  I really enjoyed hijacking the thread.  Sorry mole333!

                            by MTgirl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 08:00:32 AM PDT

                        •  Glad to hear I'm wrong!

                          However, I still have one question--could you get a job in Japan?  Not just a postdoc, but a full-fledged, tenure-track position or whatever they have that is equivalent to that?
                          IMO, taking postdocs is great, but what do you do when the postdoc is over?  The nice thing for outside researchers in the US is that they can get a lifelong position at a US institution.  It doesn't seem to go both ways.  Any thoughts?

                          by MTgirl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:54:34 AM PDT

                          •  A few comments

                            First off, it is getting harder for foreigners to get lifelong positions in the US. Certainly it still happens and I know many who do. But it is harder now.

                            I did not look into staying permanently. The JSPS funding certainly is only post-doc, though that can be a few years. However, I did see some people working there permanently both at Kyoto University and Osaka University. So it certainly CAN be done. What it involves I don't know.

                            Most gaijin with permanent jobs are, of course, English teachers. But there are some scientists as well.

                            by mole333 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 08:23:00 AM PDT

                          •  yep, mostly post-docs opportunities abroad

                            for biologists, esp in Japan. I understand there's a very "political" scientific heirarchy there. I've had 3 Japanese colleagues (Visiting Profs), all with MD/PhD combos, and they said it's highly competitive even among them to secure a faculty post at a University or Institute.

                            However, Singapore is positioning itself as the major biomedical/biotech researcher in Asia. Many of its citizens can speak/understand english to some extent.  They also have actively been recruiting internationally for scientists, esp from Johns Hopkins, for example, which has an active collaboration and program with over there.  In fact some who were recruited here, are appointed as Hopkins faculty and have research labs there.

                            My only gripe is the climate, ... if you like a super hot and humid, then it's for you.

                            by Knightrider on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 01:23:32 PM PDT

          •  Not quite

            But related

            The age related stuff is mostly in C elegans. I am also working in the C. elegans system, but looking at gonad development. There is evidence that there is a reciprocal relationship between fertility and aging--the organism kind of has a choice between reproducing or living a long time. Insulin seems to be the link. These worms are strange in that they have 39 insulin genes!

            We are looking at gonad development per se and it is clear that WNT and insulin signaling are involved in the mitosis/meiosis decision in the gonad. Only started on this last Sept. and already are getting the bare bones outline of a paper.

            What did you work on.

            by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 03:41:07 AM PDT

            •  Rockefeller

              I had a friend that worked for Shai, I think, but that was years ago and maybe I should say acquaintance because right now I can only remember the name "David" and that might not even be right.  Embryology, WH, 1996.

              by chuckles1 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:47:43 AM PDT

              •  Rockefeller

                Had an offer there. It was suddenly withdrawn with no explanation. The lab was a great one with solid funding, so I doubt it was a funding issue. I may never know.

                I will be keeping my eyes open. For now I am focusing on getting a paper as soon as possible from my current work. That and two papers still pending from my last job should boost my CV.

                by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 06:08:20 AM PDT

            •  Drosophila.

              The pathway in flies seems to be decoupled from fertility, but the research is still being conducted.  There are some mutant flies that can still produce eggs like there's no tomorrow, but live longer than other lines.  
              My old lab is also looking at gonadal cells and the relationship to fertility and longevity.  Are you working with Kenyon?  She rocks.  I can't say much because it's not yet published and my previous PI would kill me for spilling the beans as they are working feverishly to develop the model and explain the mechanism.

              by MTgirl on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:34:06 AM PDT

              •  Work with Hubbard at NYU

                My previous work was with Mark Philips at NYU Med Center on Ras and Rho proteins. Now I work with Jane Hubbard at NYU downtown.

                Never could work with Drosophila...don't like flies!

                by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:55:06 AM PDT

        •  I was a developmental biologist

          working on gastrulation funded by a DoD grant.  After Sept. 11th that money was yanked and I had six months to find a job.  Two jobs later I am finally happy and doing something meaningful.

          by chuckles1 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:44:31 AM PDT

    •  He may not be able to fire him from his

      post at Columbia, but he can sure sic the IRS on his ass.

      by tazz on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:40:52 PM PDT

      •  or declare

        him to be:

        • a terrorist sympathizer
          
        • a person of interest
          
        • a liberal
          
        • a fringe lunatic

        by Tamifah on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:55:48 PM PDT

    •  Front Paged...

      
      
      at My Left Wing.
      
      

      by Maryscott OConnor on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:12:26 PM PDT

    •  Uh...where is he gonna get

      hundreds of scientists to say whatever he wants?

      Dem scientist folk are are a leetle miffed with 'ol Chimpy right now as you can see here. The science establishment is mad as hell at Bush and his Fundie Fucktards who want us all to go back to the 1600's. Anybody for digging coal out of the ground with their bare hands?

      Didn't think so.

      A recent issue of the New Yorker has an article which, if you were trained in science as I was, will have you wondering what the fuck people in this benighted nation can be thinking.

      Without science and engineering that works we will all quickly starve to to death.

      Without some recognition by all the sheeple that science education is a very important function of the public schools they are all gonna be delivering pizza as that job and those like it will be the only ones available.

      But who will buy the pizza?

      Oh, that's right.

      Rich tourists from China and India...

      by Nestor Makhnow on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:25:22 PM PDT

    •  I watched this segment..

      It was astounding-really. I never thought CBS would find its voice after the Rather incident. I hope Hansen doesn't lose his job, but personally I think they're going to fuck him big time.

      by SteveLCo on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:18:37 PM PDT

      •  when i watched the segment...

        what was really chilling was the fact that the damn government had a lawyer sitting there to make sure that hansen watched what he said. i thought government 'handlers' are only necessary in china or the old ussr, not in a democracy. i guess freedom of speech is a thing of the past.

        by nonnie9999 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:22:19 PM PDT

        •  I agree

          I would expected the interviewer (when pointing out there was a NASA representative there), mention that Hansen was assigned a "HANDLER". That would have helped even more with the impact of the piece.

          by bgrenn on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 08:44:34 AM PDT

    •  If they fire him he'll be picked-up right away

      and then he can really speak out!  I feel like things are changing.

      We need a NEW president and NOW!

      by victoria2dc on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:29:37 PM PDT

    •  Well said.

      In your diary your said:

      "It was made clear that we are in grave danger from global warming, the danger is accelerating, and Bush has been PREVENTING anything from being done about it."

      Just how many issues could we swap with "global warming" to describe one of the many problems with this administration.

      by DWCG on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 11:32:13 PM PDT

      •  Yes, but

        What other issue, aside from global thermonuclear war, is a graver danger than global warming? The Iraq war is trivia compared to it, and "saving social security" should hardly even register.

        Fighting an antiwar battle is, frankly, "fighting the last war." Yeah, we know how to do that from the '60s. Cool. We've turned popular opinion around much faster this time. And we've stalled the social security rape. And we've done jack shit to effectively stall global warming.

        This is the issue Bush should be impeached over. His base is deeply motivated by their End Time fantasies, silly as they are, while we're ignoring a very real End Time scenario, well-based in science ... or maybe not ignoring it, but not giving it the absolute first priority it deserves.

        by wytcld on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 07:01:07 AM PDT

    •  Hansen's federal

      Hansen is a federal employee (SES) in a federal institution.  GISS has a cooperative agreement (or equivalent document) with Columbia, but Columbia would have no say in Hansen's employment status.  Any personnel action would be a strictly federal issue.

      by hebrooks on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 04:44:21 AM PDT

      •  Thanks

        My wife is at GISS but the opposite arrangement. She is Columbia with NASA having little say. I wasn't sure how variable things were.

        by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:01:07 AM PDT

    •  Scientific respect

      Unfortunately, Bush's know-nothing supporters would think fewer scientists a good thing.

      Science has drawn back the curtain on many religious and corporate practices that are harmful to humans, the planet, or to religious power.  This cannot continue if this unholy Republican union is to maintain its hold over people.

      Therefore, fire the scientists!  We don't need to know any facts!  We have received wisdom and wisdom driven by profit.  What else do you need to know?

      by djt on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 07:24:55 AM PDT

•  I'm Going to Watch it When it Runs

  in 80 minutes, left coast time.

  A friend of mine used to work in a climate research office with people working on melting glaciers. This has been known for a generation.

  by Gooserock on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:35:55 PM PDT

  •  Excellent idea!

    Let's see if we can get him onto DailyKos.

    by Phoenix Woman on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:46:50 PM PDT

    •  Arrgh!

      I was trying to reply to another post... sorry!

      by Phoenix Woman on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:47:41 PM PDT

•  There just isn'tanything left to say. Recommend.

  Can you give us some ideas what to do with this information?

  Is there a plan?  Some specific action we can take?

  by vgebert on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:37:08 PM PDT

  •  See the diary I wrote earlier

    The diary I cite in this diary discusses things in more detail. I refer you to that. The only thing I would add to that previous diary (which focuses on energy policy) is we need to preserve our forests and plant trees. Sounds silly, but trees are our buffer and reforestation, coupled with sound energy policies, are what we need.

    by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:43:30 PM PDT

    •  You know that the story of the doctored

      report appeared this past summer in the NY Times I believe.  Someone did a diary about it and it went to the Rec list.  I don't have a clue how to find it at this point but I think it was July when it broke.  I think.  It has been 8 months if I remember it correctly since they first discovered the edited report and that lawyer left to go work for Exxon.

      The one thing that disappointed me about the story is that unless I missed it somehow, they didn't detail some of the key effects of the global warming.  They didn't talk about what the first things that we would lose would be.  Didn't you find it weird that Scott Pelly didn't read the entire sentences that he cited as being edited?  They also shot the document in such a way that you really couldn't read the sentence yourself.

      I'd like to see that edited copy.

      by inclusiveheart on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:32:10 PM PDT

      •  Bet they were forced to do that

        By the other person in the room that was the censor. I'm surprised they let them show any of it.

        by splashy on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:23:41 PM PDT

      •  I'm sure they had to do that

        Remember that NASA was looking over their shoulder all the time...so I bet they had to do that to show it at all.

        All of this has been talked about before in NY Times, here and I diaried on it elsewhere as well. What we are seeing is the story getting legs...finally. I have a reader in Tennessee who thinks THIS is the issue that will bring Bush down because it affects everyone. She got excited about my previous warming diary (which I also used in my newsletter) and forwarded to everyone she knew because she felt it pegged the situation in a way that would matter to many.

        by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 03:46:17 AM PDT

        •  It was the Government Accountacility

          Office who I believe released it.  That was CBS' source for the document, but as I recall they were mentioned in the Times story as well.

          by inclusiveheart on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:08:28 AM PDT

    •  That and a profound emphasis

      on energy-efficient technology, population control, and a complete cessation of warfare.

      by Black Maned Pensator on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:31:29 PM PDT

    •  Trees for free...or low prices...

      ...we need to preserve our forests and plant trees. Sounds silly, but trees are our buffer and reforestation, coupled with sound energy policies, are what we need.

      If you are serious about tree planting--and we all should be if we have any ground to put them in--then go to The Arbor Day Foundation site and check them out. Just for joining, you recieve ten free trees (little bitty baby ones, but they grow fast!).

      It's an awesome site for tree lovers.

      Also, FWIW, they also sell rainforest-grown coffee that protects the rainforest where it is shade grown. It makes a damned good cup o' joe!

      Q.

      "Long-time Arbor Day Member"

      by Quotefiend on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 04:40:43 AM PDT

      •  MANY ways to act on forests

        See this diary. The Arbor Day Foundation is a good suggestion. Again, sounds silly to talk arbor day in the cotext of global disaster...but it's SOMETHING we all can do. I also will note that my wife did some earlier research (undergrad) showing the mitigating effect of urban trees on the "heat island" effect of urban centers. Trees make cities more pleasant in ways beyond simple visual aesthetics.

        by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 05:04:52 AM PDT

  •  Forests

    Here is an essay I wrote some time ago on the forests end of the equation. That, coupled with what I discuss  here on energy policy gives an outline of what can be done. I want to emphasize on energy policy, that a 1995 Scientific American article described that with the current technology the Great Plains could export energy at a profit using only wind. That is the kind of opportunities we have been missing for a long time.

    by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:58:14 PM PDT

    •  I bookmarked

      your site, and I thank you for it. Great site!

      by kpardue on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:44:02 PM PDT

      •  Thanks!

        I work hard on it. Pretty much every week I put it out with only a few times I missed it.

        I also have an email version that goes out to about 180 people nationwide. Finally was convinced to turn it into a blog as well, but some folks still want the personal email version.

        I'm glad you like it and feel free to email me if you ever have any comments.

        by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:48:53 PM PDT

    •  Hey mole...

      we need to do the hook-up between these people and the new governor in Montana!  This guy is unbelievable, and if we could put him with Dr. Hanson and the forest people (Ha! Can you tell I'm not a scientist - grin)  

      Let's use the resources here to do everything we can to make connections and grow our sphere of influence.  I feel a new sense of hope tonight... and earlier I was going to run away to Argentina and forget this damn country.  

      Thanks for the diary... and thanks for all of you wonderful people!

      by victoria2dc on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:38:15 PM PDT

      •  Montana Gov.

        I know Montana is interested in warming because it affects them in terms of fire seasons and ski seasons.

        If the Montana gov contacted Jim Hansen I am sure Jim would be interested. Anyone have influence in Montana? I'm a New Yorker. We KNOWN people in Montana, including the governor, lofe to hate New Yorkers.

        by mole333 on Mon Mar 20, 2006 at 03:48:20 AM PDT

  •  How about

    Gore 08

    by TXsharon on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:30:34 PM PDT

    •  I wish!

      But I think he likes being a beared guru of the left. I have heard him speak twice since 2000 and he ROCKS. I think he likes the freedom to speak his mind and doesn't want to give it up.

      But if he chooses to run, he has my support. After all, he DID win in 2000.

      by mole333 on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:34:50 PM PDT

      •  Ya think

        he just doesn't want to give up the beard? Great look for him,
        and hey, it didn't hurt Lincoln any.

        I would love to see him inaugurated--finally. He deserves it,
        not only because he should have won in 2000, but because he
        has every qualification for the job. Most important of all, I think he
        has a great passion for this country.

        He would be a great president. Sigh. Run, Al. And keep the beard.

        by kpardue on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:11:57 PM PDT

    •  I am with you

      I definitely would vote for Gore because I trust him and because I know he can fix this mess.  

      by victoria2dc on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 08:39:12 PM PDT

      •  Gore...

        ...will actually care to do something about it! We're talking ten years until the tipping point?! What the fuck are we waiting for?

        by MichaelPH on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 09:23:08 PM PDT

•  I wish I had watched it.

  This is a very brave thing that Jim Hansen is doing.  Taking on the Bush administration can be very dangerous.

  by Naniboujou on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:38:42 PM PDT

•  I can almost hear Rove cursing from here ...

  ... in the Midwest. The segment was awesome. The edited manuscript was damning. And the audience is massive. Go, Hansen, go. So cool!

  by highfive on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:45:32 PM PDT

•  Thanks....

  Wish I had seen it.  I turned on cbs at 6:30 and basketball was on, so I guess I thought it wasn't happening tonight.

  by lrhoke on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:46:34 PM PDT

•  Oh? Like an unusual Cat5 cyclone...

  in Australia?

  Tropical Cyclone Lashes Australia

  ...."It's the worst cyclone we've had in decades," Beattie told the Nine television network Monday.

  The Bureau of Meteorology on Monday upgraded the cyclone to a category five — the strongest category possible — shortly before it crossed the coast, but then lowered it to a category four after the storm hit land....

  The world has every right to be pissed at the deniers.

  by mem from somerville on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 05:48:25 PM PDT

  •  Or the first ever recorded cyclone in BRAZIL

    last year?

    And the first time in recorded history that the Great Lakes Regions DID NOT freeze over.

    The facts are in our face and yet some choose not to see them.

    by Esjaydee on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:27:17 PM PDT

    •  Great Lakes

      Do you have a link for that information?

      by Hollywood Liberal on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:36:50 PM PDT

      •  This from Tom Skilling the Chicago Tribune

        weatherguy. The hard copy version had a nice graphic showing ice formation just around the coastlines of the lakes:

        Warm January temperatures hindered Great Lakes ice formation

        Published March 18, 2006

        Seasonal ice formation this winter has been erratic. Chilly December temperatures brought early ice formation to the lakes, but very warm January temperatures allowed ice melt at the height of winter. Colder weather in February brought a surge in ice formation, which reached peak extent in the first week of March, about normal...but for the 2005-2006 winter season, maximum ice cover was well below normal, while water temperatures remained above to much-above normal. As a result of the open water, increased evaporation caused water levels to fall below normal on the Upper Lakes.

        by Bluebirder on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:43:26 PM PDT

        •  thanks

          but that's not the same as saying that it's the first time ever that they have not frozen over.

          by Hollywood Liberal on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:45:59 PM PDT

          •  I've lived near Michigan for years

            I don't think it ever "freezes over."

            There is more or less ice bordering shore in different years, but there is always some open water.

            That said, the last five years seem to be much, much milder than years past.

            by cathy b on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:50:57 PM PDT

            •  yeah

              I just think it's important for us to stick to facts we can back up, especially given the kind of attacks that real science is under. This might be a true report, but I haven't seen it or heard about it, and you'd think I would since I live on the Great Lakes. But, of course, I could be wrong, which is why I'm asking for the link.

              by Hollywood Liberal on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 06:53:37 PM PDT

              •  'Freezes' just a poor word choice

                Warm January temperatures hindered Great Lakes ice formation

                This description sounds about right--it doesn't say the Lakes normally "freeze over." Probably "ice formation" refers to the percentage of icy chunks and frozen shore to open water, and that this year was far behind the normal ratio? Someone not used to the lakes might mistake that to mean it didn't freeze over and repeat it like that.  

                by cathy b on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:15:26 PM PDT

                •  actually

                  I think the poor choice of words would be "first time in recorded history."

                  by Hollywood Liberal on Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 07:26:46 PM PDT

                  •  Yeah, that too

                    by cathy b