Three times in the last two days I've run into commenters who indicated they were "single issue" voters. They only cared about global warming. It seems appropriate to take a few minutes this morning exposing the illogic of such decisions--using the "man of the hour," John McCain as the textbook example.
Among the Republicans, McCain is considered to have an outstanding environmental record. That's not saying much! No matter what he says, everything he does proves he has no credentials in the area at all. Consider these positions:
McCain says he's for clean air and water. He wants to:
Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto
He voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy, opposes support for mass transit, and NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025.
Beyond that, McCain is about as schizophrenic with respect to the environment as a candidate can be:
YES on defunding renewable and solar energy
YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
But then he votes:
YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling
Probably more importantly, the environmental implications of our international policies can't be separated from our other international policies. McCain is a total "free trader"--almost religiously so:
No environmental provisions in trade agreements
When oil was discovered on the border between Ecuador and Peru about a decade ago, and the Ecuadorian indigenous peoples rose to defend their environment, we sent the CIA in to "advise" the Peruvians, who were more likely to grant the contracts to American oil companies. Peru's reward? CAFTA. McCain's positions on free trade across-the-board ignore all mention of environmental or labor rights:
YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam
YES on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly
YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore:
YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile:
YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade:
YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly
Closely interwoven with the environmental implications of the McCain world view, of course, are the human rights issues. When NAFTA allowed American companies to buy up small Mexican farms at bargain prices, displacing the workers and prompting the rush of illegals into this country, it was easy for Republicans to blame "liberals." But in fact, whether it's the farm worker using pesticides without training or the fisherman struggling through "creeping dead zones" caused by big Agra, the Republican world view can't be reconciled with environmental stewardship. When our products are filled with parts that are made in countries without environmental or human rights restrictions, we all share the same air and water.
Single issue voter? A candidate like John McCain may clearly say: "I love Mother Nature" but he can't wash his hands of the filth his free trade and imperialistic policies cause.
Don't be deceived: There is no "single issue" upon which a candidacy can rise or fall.