SEE UPDATE BELOW FROM MONCKTON
I’m out of the political loop, and have no way of judging the merit of the claim, so I’m just going to link to this story. If it is true, it shows just how bad the treatment of different viewpoints has become in Washington. Perhaps Lord Monckton can give a comment or two here to either bolster or refute this story.
Report: Democrats Refuse to Allow Skeptic to Testify Alongside Gore At Congressional Hearing
Thursday, April 23, 2009 By Marc Morano
‘House Democrats don’t want Gore humiliated’
Climate Depot Exclusive
Washington DC — UK’s Lord Christopher Monckton, a former science advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, claimed House Democrats have refused to allow him to appear alongside former Vice President Al Gore at high profile global warming hearing on Friday April 24, 2009 at 10am in Washington. Monckton told Climate Depot that the Democrats rescinded his scheduled joint appearance at the House Energy and Commerce hearing on Friday. Monckton said he was informed that he would not be allowed to testify alongside Gore when his plane landed from England Thursday afternoon.
“The House Democrats don’t want Gore humiliated, so they slammed the door of the Capitol in my face,” Monckton told Climate Depot in an exclusive interview. “They are cowards.”
UPDATE 8:30PM PST Lord Monckton weighed in on this story in comments. I thank hi for his candor and for telling his story firsthand here. He writes:
Once again I’m most grateful to Anthony Watts and his hard-working team for their kindness in exposing the less than democratic tactics of the Obama Democrats. The story circulated by the indefatigable Marc Morano is – as one would expect – accurate in every particular.
Early this week the Democrats told the Republicans they would have a “celebrity witness” for this morning’s hearing on the Waxman/Markey Bill, but they would not say who. The Republicans immediately contacted me and asked if they could tell the Dems they too were putting forward an undisclosed celebrity witness – me.
When the Dems eventually revealed that their “celebrity” was Al Gore, the Republicans told them I was to testify at the same time. The Dems immediately refused to allow the Republicans their first choice of witness. By the time they had refused, my jet was already in the air from London and I did not get the message till I landed in the US.
At first the Dems tried to refuse the Republicans the chance to replace me with a witness more congenial to them, but eventually – after quite a shouting-match – they agreed to let Newt Gingrich testify. The former Speaker of the House gave one of his best performances.
I attended the session anyway, as a member of the public, and tried to shake hands with Gore when he arrived, but his cloud of staffers surrounded him and he visibly flinched when I called out a friendly “Hello” to him.
His testimony was as inaccurate as ever. He repeated many of the errors identified by the High Court in the UK. He appeared ill at ease and very tired – perhaps reflecting on the Rasmussen poll that shows a massive 13.5% swing against the bedwetters’ point of view in just one year.
My draft testimony will be posted at http://www.scienceandpublicpolicy.org shortly, together with a brief refutation of Gore’s latest errors.
Finally, I have never said what one of your less polite correspondents has said I said about HIV. However, in 1987, at the request of the earliest researchers into the disease, I wrote articles in journals on both sides of the Atlantic recommending that AIDS should be treated as a notifiable disease, just like any other fatal, incurable infection. Had that standard public-health measure been taken – immediate, compulsory, permanent, but humane isolation of the then rather few carriers – many of the 25 million (UNAIDS figures) who have died and the 40 million who are currently infected and heading for death would have been spared. Sometimes, unfashionable points of view are right, and sometimes ignoring them can be a matter of life and death.
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It seems that only litigation will be able to slow down, or possibly stop, the cap-and-trade juggernaut. The whole exercise is borderline-rigged like a Venezuelan election.
The question about Obama and AGW is: naive or dishonest?
starzmom (06:55:24) : “I forgot to add the committee’s phone number if anyone else wants to call. It’s 202-225-2927.”
I just called this number and asked the receptionist if Al Gore was testifying as an expert witness or a lobbyist. She said she believed it was as an expert witness. I then asked what credentials he had that made him an expert witness and she transferred me to another person. I asked that person (a man) if Al Gore was testifying as an expert witness or as a lobbyist and he said he didn’t understand the question. So I asked was Al Gore’s testimony being taken as expert or just opinion. He than stated that Al Gore was testifying as a former Vice President. I then asked what his scientific credentials were and he said that all witnesses submitted a current CV to the committee and the committee was aware of his credentials. He asked me if I had a statement to make and I responded that Al Gore’s credentials should be declared by the committee. I also asked why Lord Moncton wasn’t there and was told “he already testified”. I assume that meant sometime in the past not earlier today. I asked if it was true that he was cancelled and the man said “good day” and hung up. My impression was that he was getting frustrated by a lot of similar calls.
If you haven’t done so already, may I suggest readers call the number.
We must recognize the high nobility shown by Lord Monckton to willfully dive into the deepest and most low realms as to reach and face the base prophet of the dark and dare to invite this most excecrable creature, the denier of all laws of creation, to nothing less but to debate with him and try to convince this horrendous being, the utterer of lies, or making him change his mind, if any.
The planets and stars which circle the sky above, and which are suspected of controlling the affairs of men and beasts down here on the earth, will surely either appease the ferocity of the evil ones or make them disappear so to let the good people who peacefully inhabit this world live accordingly.
BernardP (07:54:10) : The question about Obama and AGW is: naive or dishonest?
IMO, naive. Along with most politicians’ views on both sides. I’m sure most of them haven’t really tried to understand the science (or lack there of) of the AGW theory. Many wouldn’t be able to even if they tried. I’m sure I have a much more solid scientific and mathmatical background than them and I have problems with many of the details. They are either biased to believe in one side or the other based on their other beliefs and/or are following the party line.
One would think that the people running this blog by now would know that Monckton is not the best partner to have in the fight against AGW alarmism. Not every enemy of your enemy is your friend, and this particular enemy of your enemy has lost it quite some time ago. Come on, this blog is moving in the right direction, don’t spoil it all by mentioning Monckton in your articles. That man has made a fool himself on numerous accounts. A lying fool, at that.
As for Morano: If it would be in Morano’s interest to support AGW he’d be offering his services to Al Gore faster than lightning. He’s in it for the political and/or financial gain, just like Gore. Please go beyond being Morano’s errand boy. You’ve got something going here.
Wouldn´t it be that you will suffer the consequences in your pockets and in your way of life, this issue is really funny. Have you noticed how convinced he is, how absolutely he feels he says the truth?, and how he scares the kids and the fools?
Really funny this prophet of doom.
John Egan (04:16:38) :
“Monckton is a ~snip~ – and not even an American one. The Dems have no intention of creating a political theater. There are plenty of other persons that Barton could have chosen – Americans, scientists. Stupid political move”.
John Egan,
You must be living in the smallest Global Village on earth, not to be found on any map. And you must be living in a hen house.
I come to this conclusion because you talk and think like a chicken.
The AGW doctrine is part of a masterplan to create a Global Empire.
Control over CO2 not only provides control over emission, but also over people, governments and countries.
This Global Empire will not know real democracy and people will be treated like assets instead of individuals.
If any debate has to be done, we send in the best people.
Moncton happens to be one of the best.
You think it was a strategic mistake not to send in an American?
We all know Gore does not debate!
Gore is known for his presentations and monologues, wining about people attacking him. He called the Marc Moreno Website Climate Depot the Gettysburg of AGW.
The US Government can decide what they want but they are not representing the wishes of the majority of Americans.
Everybody knows what happens if the will of the American people is not respected, especially if they must pay the bill for it.
1. Opposition is build, Tea Parties or whatever.
2. People go to the streets and into the courts.
3. The politicians involved will not be elected the next time.
According to Moncton the USA is the most resilient democracy in the world.
He also said that we can’t afford to lose the US Leadership and her strong economy in the world.
What more can you ask for?
Moncton is more American than many of the cheats and free loaders that currently populate the US Senate and the Congress, including Al Gore.
It could be that we lose a battle, but we have not lost the war.
It’s odd that I just heard about this on the news at the top of the hour, but there is very little detected yet by Google News. How did it pop up on the radio already? It is on Canada Free Press… but in a story which is also by Morano (and perhaps typed as a breaking news story, including a typo in Climate Depot). There is a headline on Drudge Report… linked to the Climate Depot story. Yup, Climate Depot has an exclusive interview, but the mass media isn’t reporting much on the alteration of the committee schedule.
Though, like Anthony Watts, we may be out of the political loop (and consider ourselves fortunate!), politics-as-usual surely is in play.
There has already been an Obama administration pattern of ‘humiliating’ Great Britain. When Prime Minister Brown visited Washington D.C., our President presented his counterpart with the formal gift of a stack of DVDs … judged to be the sort of present that Junior High School Best Friends might exchange on a weekly basis, and setting off a fuming fuss in the British media & circles. etc.
So now Lord Monckton has supposedly been allowed to salivate all down the front of his shirt, thinking he will get the opportunity to eat Al Gore alive in a pivotal climate debate telecast to the whole world from the very Capitol Chambers of the United States of America … whereupon all will know the naked truth about the ruse of Anthropogenic Global Warming.
Doubtful, on all counts. Gore doesn’t debate anyone on climate, and everyone knows that. Least of all a figure like Monckton, with his William F. Buckley, Jr.-esque meat-grinder reputation to maintain. [Arthur Glass (04:33:07)] 😉
So firstly, to abuse the perspicuous Clauswitz, politics remains but war by other means.
Secondly, there are the standing (glaring) indications that Mr. Gore’s reticence to debate climate themes isn’t a reflection of the indefensibility of his positions, but arises instead from his lack of the necessary personal characteristics to make a good debater. This is just a weak area for him.
After all, we all know that a good debater can & will argue either side of any dispute – and often prevail over a stronger case! Al Gore was never a psychologically & emotionally agile & clever figure in debate … and appears to be getting worse with age.
That’s why Gore doesn’t debate climate – because he’s an abysmal debater.
And thirdly, Al Gore’s poor debating skills & traits may explain the AGW’s community’s costly & irrational decision & attempt to deny that there is any debate, at all, to declare the topic closed, and to simply use the Internet to “broadcast” (unidirectional) their arguments as classic (antiquated) mid-20th C. nationalistic propaganda (which even they understand to be a weakness). The root explanation could be merely that the community is emulating & affirming their leader (in his constitutional weaknesses).
‘What’s up with that’ – the Monckton drama – is mainly that the U.S. & UK appear to be playing good-cop, bad-cop in hopes to help the UK government successful execute policies upon their populace to which it is strongly opposed.
So when will we see real debate? When the audience (the public) begins to laugh openly, stand up from their seats and walk out on the performance. When will that be? The first best-chance will be late this summer, if the Arctic ice fails to melt sufficiently.
Drudge Report highlights “Dems Refuse to Allow Skeptic to Testify Alongside Gore At Congressional Hearing… “
Neven,
You’re suffering from psychological projection. Marc Morano clearly believes in what he’s saying. He is very passionate about it. What proof do you have that he’s only doing it for the money? And how much is he being paid? Do you even know?
OTOH, Al Gore fits what you’re trying to sell perfectly. His net worth was given as $1 – $5 million when he ran for president. Now it greatly exceeds $100 million.
And the reason that Christopher Monckton was not allowed to debate is obvious: he has won every global warming debate he’s been in. Gore is terrified of debating him.
Finally, since when does the opposition get the right to select their opponent’s debate team?
Made it to the Drudge Report at least: Dems Refuse to Allow Skeptic to Testify Alongside Gore At Congressional Hearing…
link to Climate Depot.
Better than no mention of it in the news.
Method: Those who can, do. Those who can’t avoid potentially embarassing confrontations with those who can.
Conclusion: Warmists are on the run.
“He has never seen a science course he couldn’t run away from. In college, he majored in his native language ”
Wow, I didn’t realise that you can do a degree in bol**cks over there!
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND , 2125 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515, (202) 225-2927. The committee receptionist, a member of the Democrat staff, confirmed Lord Monckton was invited to participate in today’s hearing until the invitation was canceled. When asked why the invitation was canceled, she said the committee had already heard Lord Monckton’s March 25th testimony and did not need to hear the same testimony today. She then transferred the call to the committee’s minority staff (Republicans). The Republican minority staff member confirmed the cancellation of the invitation. He then noted how the Democrats on the committee were not canceling the invitations for their own witnesses who had also testified before.
ICECAP said “FLOOD THE OFFICE WITH PHONE CALLS EARLY TODAY (202) 225-2927 INSISTING THEY ALLOW MONCKTON TO TESTIFY”
Why is Al Gore even testifying? Honorary Degrees aside, he only has a Bachelor of Arts degree. Shouldn’t the government be listening to scientists, on scientific matters? Who do they listen to for legal matters, Graduates of ‘General Studies’?
.
Quote:
“Congress’ refusal to expose Al Gore’s sci-fi comedy-horror testimony to proper, independent scrutiny by the House minority reeks of naked fear,” Monckton said…
End quote
Yup, that’s nub of the matter. They are running scared because so much political capital, image and reputation has been invested in Global Warming, that its failure may precipitate the downfall of governments.
Tony Blair just about hung on to power with his ‘dodgy dossier’ over Iraq, but if governments across the world are all faced with ‘dodgy climate dossiers’, there could be political carnage. The common people are not likely to be happy with being taxed to the hilt over a scientific lie.
.
BobW in NC (07:00:53) : Could/would Lord Monckton provide WUWT with a post of the presentation he was going to give before congress, complete with any illustrations? Even better, a link to a You Tube interview…
I second that
Neven (08:39:11) : Come on, this blog is moving in the right direction, don’t spoil it all by mentioning Monckton in your articles… As for Morano: Please go beyond being Morano’s errand boy. You’ve got something going here.
Can someone please tell me the name of this particular tactic?
.
>>Being the great lawyer that he is, I’m sure Mr Obama
>>can see a slight deviation from the intentions of the founding fathers
Nope – he backed the wrong horse, and has little room for maneuver.
He is currently drafting a new speech that explains that endorsing Global Warming does not mean that he really believes it to be happening. In fact, the policy of endorsing Global Warming clearly demonstrates his firm belief that we are heading for a mini-Ice Age and we should increase CO2 production to counteract it.
He’s a politician, he has every base covered.
.
What the [self-snip] is wrong with these people? Science MUST ALWAYS be opened for debate.
Since Gore is no scientist and obviously only there to force political decisions, of course there won’t be debates with him.
What we have here is a Dictatorship.
How many congress-person are scientifically litterate? On this panel, my guess is a big “0”.
Talking science with them could actually be worse than when I explain what a light-year and the speed of light is to my 7 years old daughter (at least she is interested to know more about real science than those idiots).
The comment made by Alec, a.k.a Daffy Duck (07:55:47) on he New Zealand sacking thread :
“… the news from Poland:
Polish Academy of Sciences Questions Gore’s Man-Made Global Warming Theory
By: Kevin Mooney
Examiner Investigative Reporter
04/24/09 9:18 AM
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/Examiner-Opinion-Zone/Polish-Academy-of-Sciences-Questions-Gores-Man-Made-Global-Warming-Theory-43618922.html”
is well worth following as it is a remarkable statement from a such an important organisation. I am unable to find any reference to the statement on the Academy website but have e-mailed them to see if they can point me at the source, and give the context in which the statement was made.
Someone else just telephoned the committee and asked Is there anybody there who knows why Lord Monckton’s invitation was canceled only after his flight from Britain?
The receptionist responded by saying, “No, nobody here knows.”
Steven Hill (04:46:02) :
“The whole meeting is a sham, if you live in the USA, your going to pay CO2 taxes, period! The only thing one can do is never vote for another lying democrat the rest of your life.
ps, since both sides lie, I have no idea who you can vote for instead.”
I gave up on the Ds and Rs years ago. Why not try the Libertarians or the Constitution party? If you believe in freedom and the US constitution they are the only choices. Can they get elected? Only if you vote for them.
Sorry for the political post, but AGW cannot keep from being political.