I’m sure that many will dismiss this because, well, ‘he’s a game show host”. But, most people don’t know this, but Pat was the TV weatherman for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles before being recruited by Merv Griffin for “Wheel of Fortune”. He also served in Vietnam, working in the Armed Forces Radio Network. So, he knows something not only about weather and climate, broadcasting, and human nature when money is involved as well. His background is not unlike mine.
Maybe he can teach these guys something?
This excerpt from Pat Sajak’s essay on Ricochet.com yesterday, h/t to Planet Gore
Manmade global warming, like so many other social and economic issues, has become hopelessly politicized. Each side has dug in its heels and has accused the other of acting irresponsibly and dishonestly. For the believers, the other side has become the equivalent of Holocaust deniers; and for the doubters, the other side has become a cult intent on manipulating mankind to remake the world in some sort of natural Utopian image.
The divide has become so great, it seems virtually impossible to bridge the gap. However, I’m not writing for Ricochet merely to outline problems; I’m here to offer real solutions. And I’m not just blowing carbon dioxide.
Let’s assume that a third of the world’s population really believes mankind has the power to adjust the Earth’s thermostat through lifestyle decisions. The percentage may be higher or lower, but, for the sake of this exercise, let’s put it at one-third. Now it seems to me these people have a special obligation to change their lives dramatically because they truly believe catastrophe lies ahead if they don’t. The other two-thirds are merely ignorant, so they can hardly be blamed for their actions.
Now, if those True Believers would give up their cars and big homes and truly change the way they live, I can’t imagine that there wouldn’t be some measurable impact on the Earth in just a few short years. I’m not talking about recycling Evian bottles, but truly simplifying their lives. Even if you were, say, a former Vice President, you would give up extra homes and jets and limos. I see communes with organic farms and lives freed from polluting technology.
read the rest here
Al Gore believes so much in AGW and rising sea levels that he purchased an ocean view villa for $8,875,000. The villa has six fireplaces churning out “toxic” co2, essential fountains and the obligatory swimming pool. This villa is just his second home after his mansion in Tennessee.
Practice what you preach and let everyone follow your example! Hey, If this is going green because concern for the planet’s resources then I want some of it; however, I am not prepared to lie for it.
Being my first time to comment, I just want to say how much I enjoy reading WUWT and thank Anthony for his hard work.
Pat Sajak’s solution to manmade global warming was an interesting read to say the least. I have always wondered why so may so called environmentalists talk the talk but never walk the walk so to speak. When it comes to helping the environment if they were true believers they would be doing there part and start living a different life style. Hey did you here that Al Gore!
I always like to have my share of fun and three years ago I build and installed a solar water heating system here at my home. I did this project not because I’m an environmentalist but because it was fun. Most of my neighbors where skeptical, believing that we do not get enough sun here in Western Pennsylvania to make solar water heating worthwhile. However, the thing works better that I thought it would and I ended up saving between $40-$50 on average on my monthly Natural Gas water heating bill. My total investment for the project, around $3,500.00. Was it worth it? you do the math. As far as any water heating this past winter, 3 months of clouds and 240 inches of snow, mostly cold showers in the morning. I am so happy I did not thought out the gas water heater.
My regular work allows me to travel and I like to strike up conversation with people about climate change, and my solar water heating project . It’s and easy way to see if their believers or skeptics when it comes to global warming. I always try to keep to the lighter side in the conversation. But when I fine a strong believer , and I see their nods of approval, I always like to ask, so what have you done personally to protect the environment and lower your carbon footprint? The expression on peoples faces are worth ever penny I spent on that solar water heating system. Because they have just realized they have met a skeptic who has done something for the environment and they them selves, a believer have done nothing. So, you talk the talk but you don’t walk the walk!
Senator John Kerry has a new toy, a 76 ft yacht. So much for his leadership in global warming. He also has docked it in Rhode Island to avoid paying $500,000 in taxes to his own state, Massachusetts. So much for leadership in paying what one owes.
Always remember that those who preach sacrifice never mean for themselves.
“We are all equal but some of us are more equal than others”.
This is insulting: Let’s assume that a third of the world’s population really believes mankind has the power to adjust the Earth’s thermostat through lifestyle decisions
Just watch the “first world” economics. Real facts show that “Global Warming”/”Climate Change”, those lies manufactured and believed in the first world, it is a symptom from the unconscious of the people living there that their civilization is about to end.
Like all scam artists the only ones expected to lose is us not them. And they don’t need proof, all they need to do is say it enough and silence all opposition.
I have always felt the same way about those that want statism. Why don’t they just give another 30% of their income beyond what is required. Send it right to their goverment.
The founding Father’s of the United States were correct to separate Church and State, and to do all possible to limit the power of government and emphasize personal freedom and responsibility. In this they tried to protect society from the dark side of mankind when it forms any group , regardless if that group is Capitalist, Communist, Coorporate or Christian. (Just to go with some “C” groups.)
When a group, any group wants political power to tell other people how to think, how to live, what to give to whom, then that group is in violation of our founding principles.
The idea of universal consciousness, compassion, living selflessly for others, is indeed inspiring and at the heart of most religious ideals.
The ideals of universal giving are primarily expressed by two groups, one is the various religious teachings, the other is Communism or socialism which is seen by true statist as a step to Communism. Sometimes religious groups want to dictate their views in formal ways over others, and sometimes they mainly try to attract people by free choice. Communism always is a dictator, and due to the inherent human weakness in human nature, is always hypercritical to the extreme. (Check Obama’s meager record of charitable donations prior to his running for president).
Obama is not my conscience, and I will not let him do as his wife said; “require you to work” and “never allow you to go back to your lives as usual — uninvolved, uninformed.” She said “Barack will require that you work & require you to “volunteer” your time. He will “recommend” that you meet “obligatory volunteer” goals. (Is this why he wants a National Security Force as large and well funded as the US military? Michelle Obama, has repeatedly suggested that the purpose of the campaign isn’t just to transform our politics and to heal our earth, but to rescue shattered and stricken souls. On February 3, 2008, she told a rapturous crowd at UCLA: “We have to fix our souls. Our souls are broken in this nation.” Sounds like we would have Obamanity as the official state religion.
I’ve pointed out a few times now that if those who believe it’s a problem buy 100% renewable energy (we all have the choice these days) and change all investments (eg pension funds) to ‘ethical’ investments, the problem with go away without any need for government intervention.
Do they do it? Do they hell. Are they committed to the cause then? Are they hell.
I buy 25% renewable and do not believe in CAGW, and most who argue with me do not. Anthony has Electric cars and LED lights, they don’t; Go figure…
Pascvaks says:
July 27, 2010 at 3:20 am
You are far more right than you know (I suspect). The true meaning of ‘Utopia’ is really “No place”: Greek ou, not, no; Greek topos, place (coined by Sir Thomas More).
So let them go there, and soon…..
Geoff Sherrington says:
July 27, 2010 at 4:47 am
Waddaya mean, “quasi”? And only in Melbourne? Just because Juddy has moved back there, sheesh!
“TV weatherman for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles before being recruited by Merv Griffin for “Wheel of Fortune”. He also served in Vietnam, working in the Armed Forces Radio Network. So, he knows something not only about weather and climate, broadcasting, and human nature when money is involved as well. ”
Nothing in his background means Sajak knows anything about weather or climate or broadcasting or human nature. And, as his opinion piece shows, it definitely doesn’t mean he knows anything about math…
Kate says:
July 26, 2010 at 11:40 pm
If politicians want us to give up our lifestyles, they can come out and say that instead of dressing it up in fraudulent science and hysterical predictions about what will happen if we don’t give it up. They can also start by living the “green” lifestyles they are advocating for everyone else, themselves. I’m not holding my breath
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Yeah, no breath holding please. We can even get them to pay taxes.
I read this yesterday. I like it. I read what he is saying is .. put up or shut up.
However, that will not happen. For the elite socialists to actually do what they
say is beyond their comprehension. And make no mistake … those clamoring the
loudest do have a social agenda and it is not in our or the planet’s best interest.
Mr. Sajak, and family, are reasonably well known here in central Maryland, (where they make their home). He owns a local AM radio station which allows him to sometimes do brief, somewhat lighthearted editorials on the air, entitled “I’ve been thinking about…”. Like many wealthy celebs, they are charitable, and our local hospital has a new wing named The Sajak Pavilion; based of course, on his large donation. When Mr. and Mrs. Sajak make a public appearence for such endevours, it is always in their quietly dignified manner. It is so very refreshing to see.
Cal Barndorfer says:
Nothing in his background means Sajak knows anything about weather or climate or broadcasting or human nature.…
=======
1. “ANYTHING about weather”? He was a TV weatherman.
2.”ANYTHING about broadcasting”? He has dedicated his career to it.
3.”ANYTHING about human nature”? Not sure, but I believe he has raised teenagers.
4. “ANYTHING about climate”? Looks like he reads WUWT. That puts him above most other Hollywooders at least.
(Were you being sarcastic, and I missed it? )
Agreed, but most of these billions are dirt poor and not producing any carbon pollution worth a damn anyway. There are millions of people on this planet who live in abject poverty, eking a miserable survival out of recycling the recycled junk that other impoverished people have thrown away.
It matters not if these people believe in Man-made climate change or not, as their carbon footprint is already minuscule. Even IF they are aware of the debate, they could not do anything to make any real difference to their own carbon footprint anyway.
So we should only concern ourselves with those people who
(A) are believers in, or at least concerned about, the catastrophic man made climate change theory and
(b) are in a position to vastly reduce their OWN personal carbon footprint, but are not doing so.
That could conceivably amount to one third of the people in the developed world which could amount to a sizeable amount of carbon reduction.
Let them take the lead in PERSONAL ACTION!
“FTA- Even if you were, say, a former Vice President, you would give up extra homes and jets and limos. I see communes with organic farms and lives freed from polluting technology.”
Good one Pat! As far as Algore goes the Commune lifestyle might appeal if there were
massuse services. Can you see these soaring egos in a commune?! Travolta, DiCaprio,
Lohan, Striesand,? Oh give be a break!
Can’t see any of them Including Al who claimed he’s plowed with mules-I have BTW
as a lesson by my Cowboy Pop as to why we don’t it any more.- Doing any manual labor.
However the term “Serf’s up!” might have new meaning…
Cal Barndorfer says:
July 27, 2010 at 6:55 am
Nothing in his background means Sajak knows anything about weather or climate or broadcasting or human nature. And, as his opinion piece shows, it definitely doesn’t mean he knows anything about math…
You could be right Cal. But he does seem to have an inkling about hypocrisy. The loudest voices about CAGW may be whizzes at math, but they don’t have a clue about walking the talk. That’s Sajak’s point. What’s yours?
Bob of Castlemaine says:
July 27, 2010 at 12:01 am
At face value this tongue in cheek proposition (presumably that’s what it is) sounds reasonable, but where would it lead if the believers were to luck-in, and we happened to be on the threshold of the next downward perturbation in planetary temperature?
Those who didn’t believe would be way ahead of the game. 🙂
If they believe it they should live it, and if they did then at least that would show their sincerity, and that might win them a few more committed supporters. Not living by what they claim to believe in, and this goes as much for governments as individuals, shows straightforward hypocrisy, regardless of whether or not they believe their contribution will make a difference. What’s the point of belief/conviction/values if we don’t live by them.
Oh come on, we all know that, just like laws and taxes, changing your lifestyle and reducing your carbon footprint is for us little people.
Coalsoffire says:
July 27, 2010 at 7:34 am
You could be right Cal. But he does seem to have an inkling about hypocrisy. The loudest voices about CAGW may be whizzes at math, but they don’t have a clue about walking the talk. That’s Sajak’s point. What’s yours?
===================================
I don’t think either you or Pat Sajak have a clue how most people who think AGW is a real threat are living their lives. And in any case, Al Gore could be using tire fires to heat his personal jacuzzi and it wouldn’t change the science. Pointing out hypocrisy doesn’t make the science any more or less correct.
Wonderful proposal. It’s that easy.
Fortunately, I belong to the 2/3 group.
Will be watching how it works out.
Mindbuilder says:
July 27, 2010 at 4:44 am
What was it about what I said that made you think I was joking?
My brain, I guess. What’s left of it, anyhow.
What do you think was incorrect about it?
Just about… everything?
Uh, Enginer – wasn’t Chernoybl a liquid sodium reactor? Not that I’m opposed to Nuclear power, but the point is to learn from our mistakes.
Tom in Florida says:
July 27, 2010 at 5:26 am
Senator John Kerry has a new toy, a 76 ft yacht. So much for his leadership in global warming. He also has docked it in Rhode Island to avoid paying $500,000 in taxes to his own state, Massachusetts. So much for leadership in paying what one owes.
Apparently, it’s better than that. The $500,000 is just sales tax. He is also saving (avoiding paying?) approx. $70,000 in annual personal property tax. Talk about leading by example.