UPDATE4: 6/7/12 11AM PST The independent investigator is named, see update #4 below.
UPDATE5: 6/7/12 11:15AM PST Heartland has just released a statement, read it here.
UPDATE6: 6/7/12 1:15PM PST Josh weighs in with some biting satire in a cartoon here
Breaking news from the Pacific Institute website: http://www.pacinst.org/press_center/press_releases/statement6612.html
PACIFIC INSTITUTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENT
The Pacific Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Peter Gleick back to his position as president of the Institute. An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute. This independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.
Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute and run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics over its 25-year history. The Board of Directors accepts Dr. Gleick’s apology for his lapse in judgment. We look forward to his continuing in the Pacific Institute’s ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.
“I am glad to be back and thank everyone for continuing their important work at the Pacific Institute during my absence,” said Dr. Gleick in a statement. “I am returning with a renewed focus and dedication to the science and research that remain at the core of the Pacific Institute’s mission.”
==============================================================
Of course there’s no mention of who conducted this “independent investigation” nor are we given the opportunity to read it.
There’s no mention of it it prior releases:
News Updates and Press Releases
[6/06/12] Dr. Peter Gleick Returns to the Pacific Institute
[5/31/12] Survey of Water Suppliers Launched to Better Understand How Water is Priced in California
[5/24/12] Training Now Available Online for Cost Effectiveness of Water Conservation and Efficiency Model
But hey, this is climate science politics, so anything goes.
Since we heard about this some time ago (May 21st 2012) from Guardian reporter Suzanne Goldenberg, it seems the fix was in. Oddly, there’s no mention of this new official announcement at the Guardian today per the search I made. The last mention of Gleick was May 24th. (Update: they finally got around to posting their article at 12:03PM EDT today)
Maybe they were distracted by Wisconsin.
UPDATE: I’m waiting on an email reply from their press contact to these two questions:
1. What organization, law firm, or group conducted the investigation?
2. Why has that investigation not been made public?
I would call them, but with my hearing issues telephone interviews could be misunderstood. Anyone want to make the call for me? Tel: 510-251-1600
UPDATE2: They aren’t talking with openness or providing any details.
I received a response from Pacific Institute Communications Director Nancy Ross at 3:59PM today.
She says:
It was conducted by an independent professional investigation firm. The independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Pacific Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick stated publicly and has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way. It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter.
So, there is no way to confirm the investigation even took place. Since they even refuse to name the firm, it could be entirely made up for all we know.
UPDATE3: 6PM PST Two queries to Pacific Institute Communications Director Nancy Ross sent after her 3:59PM PST response regarding the disposition of the issue of the fake document have gone unanswered. The second query advised her that I had an approaching deadline, and that was related to the radio interview I gave from 5:20 to 5:30PM on the nationally syndicated Lars Larson show regarding the Pacific Institute. The nation knows the story now. Since then, according to comments left here, others have spoken with her, so I know she wasn’t out of the office.
Meanwhile I seem to have scooped everyone with this story, including the Guardian which still has nothing up on it as of this writing. I also scooped Climate Progress’ Joe Romm, who posted a “breaking news” item almost two hours after mine, but of course can’t bring himself to point to my website as the source for breaking the story. “Integrity” all around with these clowns it seems.
Romm, like the Pacific Institute, doesn’t want to talk about the fake document, which was demonstrated by an independent investigation that WAS revealed with full disclosure to have likely been authored by Peter Gleick.
Some advice to the board of the Pacific Institute: This question is not going away, and will be asked at any meeting where Dr. Gleick appears or submits an opinion. You really need to deal with the issue, because all you’ve done so far is draw suspicion on yourselves.
BTW it bears repeating that Heartland has scored a prize plum in all of this, not only are their donations up, but the have secured Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker as the featured keynote speaker for their annual dinner in August.
Readers may recall that Dr. Peter Gleick turned down this same invitation as keynote speaker on the same day he declined the offer then posed as a Heartland board member to obtain board documents under false pretenses.
I hope somebody hands Governor Walker some bottled water to hold during that address, it would be great symbolism since Gleick had not the courage to fill that spot.
UPDATE4: Apparently feeling the blowback from the lack of transparency, Pacific Institute Communications Director Nancy Ross sent me an email this morning stating:
The investigator is Independent Employment Counsel, LLP.
I am waiting for confirmation that they performed the review from one of the two partners at the firm. http://www.iecounsel.com/ If I get credible confirmation, I’ll edit the headline to fit the facts as they are known.
War is peace. Hot is cold. Fraud is virtue. What next? Obama re-elected?
Indeed, the fix was in. That Goldenberg got the tip off is all we need to know. I welcome back their ethics expert onto the Team. Can’t they see how stupid they are?
“to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.”
By any means necessary apparently.
But an able, imaginative, creative writer can be important to a futurist oriented organization. At least his dedication to the mission was never an issue. Fuzziness on means is just a small lapse.
Whitewash! Did anyone expect anything different?
Probably the same review board that exonerated Michael Mann.
He did not do anything wrong, and he sincerely apologizes for his poor judgment.
Huh?
Big mistake. The magnifying glass will only become more focused
I see the warmist footshootings continue apace.
“I am returning with a renewed focus and dedication to the science and research that remain at the core of the Pacific Institute’s mission.”
Yeah, right.
In the world of real science, he would not have been heard of again. In climate science……………….
“which are not(<—-) condoned by the Pacific Institute"
is this a typo… or just the truth coming out?
Reading it smiley face stickers came to mind. I wonder if they are scented.
UNREAL….. we knew it would be a whitewash but they don’t even pretend that they might want to be credible!!!
They don’t seem to care if the public knows how crooked they are. That is because the fix is in?
Pacific Institute has always been Gleick’s sandbox. Doesn’t matter that he’s defecated in it, it’s still his.
And there’s a perfectly valid reason that Pacific Institute should not be held to the standards of “transparency” that Gleick was demanding of Heartland, isn’t there?! /sarc
It would not surprise me in the least that – if the report of this so-called “independent investigation” were to be made public – one would find that it was (you should pardon the expression) modeled on those conducted by Oxburgh and Muir Russell. In both of these, the primary principle underlying the mode of “investigation” appears to have been: Ask all the wrong questions of the wrong people in order to ensure that you always get the right answer!
Nauseating, but not unexpected. Gleick is a co-founder of Pac Institute. The real question is: Is there going to be a lawsuit over this?
“An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute.”
I seem to recall that he admitted publicly that he was guilty of a number of criminal acts. The independent review has confirmed that he really was guilty of a number of criminal acts.
So that’s, er, OK then.
Gleick coming back to the public eye is the best thing that can happen.. for us.. 😉 Let him come back and keep on showboating. He is an embarrasement to their cause and exposes them for the frauds they really are.
everyone should tweet him congratulations on apparently *not* being a liar and a document faker
“I seem to recall that he admitted publicly that he was guilty of a number of criminal acts. The independent review has confirmed that he really was guilty of a number of criminal acts.
So that’s, er, OK then.”
The forgery of the fake memo is the issue.
Gleick is a dishonest man, that is something that no whitewash can hide and all of his future work will be tainted by that one simple fact.
To whitewash a confessed criminal act is beyond Muir….beyond Russell….beyond the Penn State/Mann ‘double’ limbo under the hockey stick. Pacific Institute has set the high water mark in water scientist coverups. Doubtful that the Heartland civil suit will reach the same conclusion, so justice is merely postponed.
Deplorable, unreservedly deplorable!
Well there you go, you get to learn something every day.
My lesson for today? Being wrong in thinking that the UK “Establishment” had cornered the market in whitewash! Wrong again in the thought that the brave new world would not succumb to the old world established traits.
Welcome to the ever expanding control of the elite!
Heartland did a huge mistake with the billboard thing and not prosecuting Gleick
Says way more about the Pacific Institute than Gleick. Ouch on them.
Lewis Carroll would have been proud of that Wonderland statement.
An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of Bernard l. Madoff has supported what Bernie has stated publicly regarding his interaction with his investors. Therefore he is reinstated as CEO. (Please issue “a get out of jail free” card for poor Bernie.) /sarc
The fact that Gleick confessed to a federal crime which clearly caused damage to another party is apparently of no import. All you have to do is confess and get that confession certified and you are in the clear.
def. “surreal” – 2. having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream ; unreal; fantastic ..
That sufficiently describes it….
I thought internet “fishing” was against the law?
Kozlowski says:
June 6, 2012 at 3:36 pm
“Gleick coming back to the public eye is the best thing that can happen.. for us.. 😉 Let him come back and keep on showboating. He is an embarrasement to their cause and exposes them for the frauds they really are.”
I was about to say you are probably wrong because the logical thing for Gleick to do now would be to keep a low profile. But then I got to thinking, Gleick is just not that smart. So I do concur.
Clearly the Pacific Institute’s vaunted “standard of ethics” is not a standard that even the president is required to adhere to; i.e., they don’t have a standard of ethics.
Looks like Cucinelly is miles ahead in the re-election. Walker has won as well. Romney needs to be advised of the AGW scam with all the proof and data so that when he wins all these people and organizations can be brought to justice
I’ve heard better stories from Tommy Chong.
“Oh yeah, these guys over here said it was all cool.”
No mention of the forged document, I wonder what the review board did with that part of the investigation.
I think the next move will come from the Heartland Institute.
Perhaps a Star Chamber has absolved him. Has anyone seen Holdren in public lately.
I am still waiting for him to be arrested for identity theft; a crime which he has admitted to in public.
Pacific Institute and Integrity have long since parted company.
I presume the Grauniad’s style guide would list this as an example of the correct usage of the term “cleared”.
“run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics” What ethics? what standard? …non existent.
Hi All, Would this reinstatement be something that Heartlands attorneys were waiting for??
Any tort attorneys want to weigh in??
Decent Interval comes to mind.
…”This independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.”
Say what? Further confirmed what? Knew of what? Involved in what?
This statement is vapid and not even a proper sentence. What did Gleick say that they were satisfied with? Did he not admit to being involved?
They can’t rationally address the issues so they don’t.
Well you didn’t expect Gleick to fall on his sword did you? He and the others at the Pacific are true believers and when you have a righteous cause all becomes acceptable. This by the way goes for all sides of any question that have substituted faith for reason.
Skiphil says:
June 6, 2012 at 3:31 pm
UNREAL….. we knew it would be a whitewash but they don’t even pretend that they might want to be credible!!!
=================
Maybe credibility is not a desired trait. They will attract more of the like minded without it.
It wouldn’t be the seven dwarfs without Dopey.
Didn’t he a position that had something to do with ethics? Are they changing their name to “The Pathetic Institute”?
Boy, do I have a lot of four letter words the Mods would be fast to snip.
This is ridiculous. At least it shows that anything connected to the Pacific Institute is fit to be ignored or thrown into the trash bin.
… it’s the _intent_ which counts, not the actions.
The only sin is to be found out.
And of course, nobody is fired for an itty bitty little sin… no matter how huge.
Man, I am just *shocked* the Pacific Institute has reinstated Peter Gleick! I should have never “bet the farm” on this issue but that’s just my own stupidity.
Pacific wouldn’t do this unless they knew that Heartland were unable or unwilling to press charges.
“It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter.”
Sorry, Nancy, it is not. Someone created and publicized the fake Heartland memo. If the alleged investigation was confidential, why did you and are you now talking about it?
Now that the PI has thrown in their lot with their rainmaker it’s the proper time for Heartland to file their lawsuit. It’s no longer just the private person to face court but the institute and its officers as well. Good thing they already worked on their discovery, that will streamline the process.
They now have a liar and a thief in charge of ethics? Was he cleared by John Corzine and Bernie Madoff? It just doesn’t get any better than this.
“It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter.”
So someone needs to call out Suzanne Goldenberg on her BS when she said , “That investigation is now complete, and the conclusions will be made public.”
My guess: lawyers on contract with the institute. If they are not employees, it is an independent review “on behalf” of the institute.
I predict that Gleick will spend the next several years of his life in court with Heartland and that it’s going to cost a lot of money. I also predict that in a civil suit, the jury will be far less forgiving than the “independent” ringers who conducted this investigation. I’m guessing it was probably the same team of lawyers who came up with the alibi that the forged document had been sent to Gleick in the mail and that he had nothing to do with its creation.
Heartland will not let Gleick off the hook for this.
Heartland would have to show damages to win a court case. But their donations have gone way up as a result of Gleick’s identity theft, so I don’t think Heartland will pursue legal action.
And of course there was nothing ‘independent’ about PI’s faux ‘investigation’, because someone paid for the results. Who pays the piper, calls the tune. So who paid for the Fakegate investigation? George Soros?
Does any of this surprise anyone? I think not.
Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute and run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics over its 25-year history. The Board of Directors accepts Dr. Gleick’s apology for his lapse in judgment. We look forward to his continuing in the Pacific Institute’s ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.
If people can not see the multiple logical fallacies in that one paragraph they should realize that they have no logical ability. Seriously, if I murder someone, I can just say I am sorry and its forgiven? The organization claims that they abhor murder, but accept the person back with a simple appology? Outregous!
But at the very least we can lump the Pacific Institute with other unethical organizations. Start talking to your representatives and senators. I know I am and I will keep pushing the issue that the person in charge of the Pacific Institute is a confirmed crook. He told us that himself in his own words! Identity theft is not a crime that any president of an organization should be guilty of.
So yes, this will come back to bite the organization in the rear. You can not simply tell people that an appology is acceptable, and yes I am curious how they cleared him of writing the forged memo. Whoever ran that investigation has some answers to make such as how experts in the past have shown that it was Gleick who is the probable author of that memo….and how did they clear him? Just by accepting what he said? This organization has absolutely no morality or ethics. Of course, we could have said that before when we saw the “ethics” chair of the organization commit identity theft and probably wrote the false memo.
He’s baaaack! And now he’s really, really hopping mad. Therefore it sjouldn’t be too long before he shoots his other foot.
I wonder if these fellows have any idea what carttons they are.
I’m thinking of documenting all the malfeasance I’ve encountered during my climate science studies, but I’m waiting for 3 TB hard drives to get cheaper.
I thought he confessed to his crimes; maybe he’s catholic, and that’s all it takes for salvation.
THE ETHICS! THE ETHICS!
When is an external investigation going to reinstate Gleick as an ethics watchdog?
Are they going to let the AGU’s ethics on the fritz?
Naturally!
“An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute…”
Translation-
After consulting with our private donors, government granting agencies, NAS and IPCC contacts, the Pacific Insitutute has satisfied itself that Peter Gleick has not caused irreparable harm to our funding channels.
“‘President Nixon has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the United States and run counter to the country’s policies and standard of ethics over its almost 200-year history. The Watergate Commission accepts President Nixon’s apology for his lapse in judgment. We look forward to his continuing leadership in the country’s ongoing and vital mission to advance its domestic and world agendas.'”
Every crook would love 3 lashes with this kind of a wet noodle!
One way to look at this is since they didn’t publish the investigation then just claim it didn’t happen. If anyone asked me about it I’d just say “what investigation?”.
This was most likely a fait accompli from day one. Their investigation was going to tell us nothing about Gleick’s ethics, but rather the ethics, or lack thereof, of the board of the Pacific Institute.
I’m just shocked! SHOCKED I tell you!! /sarc
did anyone really expect anything different from these sorts? Truly disgusting, but there it is.
I just spoke to Ms Ross. She repeated the “independent counsel” line. We need to be ready for the Guardian and BBC to start their parroting.
Well it just shows what type of organization the Pacific Institute is. Maybe one day the greenies will stop listening to people like al gore and peter glelick etc
We have to settle on a new name for them, like the Pacific Institute of Fraud, or the Pacific Criminal Institute, or whatever.
If they actually disapproved, he wouldn’t be back. Maybe (*maybe*) a confessed criminal who humiliated his coworkers and organization could get a second chance at a regional meat-packing plant – but a research institute that depends on PR and its public image?
They don’t care about what he did, and his suspension was a formality. In the “real world” people are fired and humiliated for posting risque personal ads to the local paper or “borrowing” office equipment.
I wonder if it was Nava & Gomez, Attorneys at Law.
As an aside just enter Peter Gleick and see what comes up:
http://www.instantcheckmate.com/
Truly, this is the birthday of AGW, as well as its ugly twin – CAGW, as a bona fide religion. The false penance by Gleick and the “private” selling of indulgences by the Pacific Institute were especially moving.
If anyone had reason to doubt past assertions of whitewashing by official committees on previous deceit by the AGW faithful (e.g., Climategate 1 and 2), let the mendacious actions of the Pacific Institute be the prima facie example of the contempt Warmists have for humanity.
To reiterate Gleick’s own words, “To those climate [alarmists] and [warmists] who don’t like [reality] and hence don’t care: please stop imposing your distorted sensibilities on the rest of us.” – http://tinyurl.com/3h4f3hs (Forbes link – dated October 4, 2011).
Excellent ! This is the best possible result.
This type of in house corruption repels the neutral fair minded. It screams, “stinking fish”!
Their ability now to hold any moral or political high ground is even more severely compromised, if not ruined.
In the egocentric minds of those in the Pacific Institute they have regained lost ground but in reality have lost more.
WTF? No really….WTF?????????????????
Wonder how long it’ll be before the NCSE sees its way clear to re-appoint Peter Gleick to its board.
I may be wrong, but I don’t recall anything at all from the good Dr. re the forged document. If my recollection is correct, then the weasel-worded statement could be strictly true; Gleick said nothing of the forgery and PI is only commenting on what he said in public, which would also include his admissions regarding potentially criminal acts. It seems they only wanted to know if what he said (or the final version) was reasonably accurate. They ignore the forgery because Gleick didn’t say anything about it. Some Jesuit or someone trained by them wrote this press release.
By taking Gleick back the Pacific Institute has shown their true colors.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Integrity? Nope…. Everything done by the pacific institute is now suspect to fabrication and lies… way to go idiots… next thing ya know Obama will make him head of the EPA…. he will do anything illegal to get his agenda done..
As usual, the Warmistas hide their data, perform Pal Review and generally cover their arses.
The Pacific whatever has no credibility; neither does Gleick. All we have here is a Pacific Institute press release proclaiming clenliness. This is obviously self-serving and unconvincing.
What a mess!
“the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.”
Gleick is on the staff, isn’t he? Did you mean to say that “Other than our founder and president, none of the Pacific Institute’s staff knew of or was involved in any way.?”
Another falshood. I call out the Pacific Institute for merely issueing a press release of an “investigation”. I will not believe it until I know who the investigators were; what was investigated; see the records of the meetings held during the investigation and the minutes of those investigators.
This is just normal behavior for the Warmistas. Simply make a statement and damn those who want to see, like, you know, actual evidence.
I hope somebody hands Governor Walker some bottled water to hold during that address, it would be great symbolism since Gleick had not the courage to fill that spot.
===========
Ummmmmmmmmmmm,
Nothing is as it seems.
These guys play to WIN.
To restate my case more clearly:
I do not believe ANY investigation took place because I am offered no evidence.
As I said indirectly below, all this statement says is that Gleick confessed to a crime and an independent group certified that he confessed to that crime. This is the epitome of hutzpah.
To me, this binds the Pacific Institute to Gleick for any future litigation by Heartland…clearly, he is their boy and his actions are their actions…
What did you expect? He was cleared by a prestigious panel of noted ethical US climatologists: Hansen, Mann, Revkin, and Romm.
Odd turn of events in a time when executives are regularly fired for this type of unethical behavior. It really says a lot more about the Pacific Institute than it does about Peter Gleick, and none of it’s good.
This was not any impartial “investigation” but rather a legal and political process of deciding where they would make their stand. Evidently they believe they can best fight any future legal or public battles with Gleick inside the tent…. surely their “investigation” made sure no damaging evidence will be retained, and/or they have pulled it into a client/counsel confidentiality status. Clearly they have hunkered down and will simply fight all attempts at real investigation.
Next move, Heartland….
Holy moley! Romm is a certifiable nutjob. But likely not the only one that won’t realize how bad this all makes the Guardian, Gleick, the Pacific Institute, and Romm look. His “reversal of fortune” line is a hoot!
We win! 🙂 More than climategate, Gleick proves our case!
You would think that a communications professional like Nancy Ross would be capable of writing English!
“It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter.”
You mean”personal matter”! How pathetic!
”This independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.”
_____________________________________
ERRRrrrr Pacific Institute I hate to tell you YOUR PRESIDENT is a self-confessed criminal who practiced identity fraud, I would say that that means your staff WAS involved. You know the big dude at the top.
Did anybody expect anything else? Think of the billions of stolen dollars at stake here.
It seems that many of you still require the short course in Liberal moral relativism. He’s back because that segment of society doesn’t care about what you think, because you are inherently defective, and any means necessary to rout you out is just fine, perfectly acceptable and appropriately just. Deniers get no consideration because they are fundamentally flawed, wrong. and corrupt. In Liberal moral relativism you don’t actually count, and you are an impediment to a “just society” and are therefore quite expendable . There is no moral failure in dispensing with deniers (or conservatives).
Liberal moral relativists only counsel themselves, and any action that furthers the cause is just. The means is simply irrelevant.
Merovign says:
June 6, 2012 at 5:48 pm
We have to settle on a new name for them, like the Pacific Institute of Fraud, or the Pacific Criminal Institute, or whatever.
=============================================================
I still like “The Pathetic Institute”.
Andrew says:
June 6, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Heartland did a huge mistake with the billboard thing and not prosecuting Gleick
_________________________________________
Bringing a case to court is up to the District Attorney and not Heartland if the charges are criminal.
All Heartland can do is sue for damages in a civil suit. At this point if I was Heartland, I would wait a bit and see just how many big Corporate sponsors pull funding because their names were made public and they are getting pressure from the Eco-bots. I would also time my lawsuit to come just before the November elections so it makes a big news splash.
Pacific Institute has just made themselves a big wide target for Heartland by reinstating Gleick. BTW If a friend who makes flags got named in a lawsuit (with all other US flag manufacturers) and had to PAY because some idiot got his arm broken folding a flag made by another company, I would certainly not be trusting the American court system to protect me.
I bet the “independent investigation” run by Pacific Institute had absolutely nothing to do with the ethics of the situation and had everything to do with how open Pacific Institute is to criminal charges or a civil suit. That would certainly explain why Pacific Institute is being so closed mouth about the whole situation but feels comfortable with bringing Gleick back on board.
@ Jeremy on June 6, 2012 at 7:29 pm:
Either that was (bad) sarcasm, or you’re unaware that personnel is a real word, with a real definition. I linked to it for you, just in case.
The guy should have been fired, posing as a board member of another company to access secret information is not something that one just “apologises” for and all is forgiven. Clearly the Pacific Institute is as bad as Gleick.
To take a page from MSM reporting of the Wisconsin recall election:
Breaking news: Gleick narrowly survives independent investigation; could be indicted any day now …
Ha, Anthony, I read your suggestion for the Governor to have a bottled water in his hand. Knowing the hoax of some bottled waters, I recalled the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, during the torch relay. Quoting from http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/archive/display/category/student_pranks/
“Cross-country champion Harry Dillon was scheduled to bear the flame into Sydney, where he would present it to the mayor, Pat Hills. After making a short speech, Hills would pass the flame along to another runner, Bert Button.
Thirty-thousand people lined the streets of Sydney waiting for Dillon to arrive. Reporters stood ready with their cameras to record the historic occasion. Finally the runner appeared, bearing the flame aloft, and everyone began cheering. As the crowd pressed forward a police escort surrounded the runner in order to keep order.
With this escort around him, the runner made his way through the streets all the way to the Sydney Town Hall. He bounded up the steps and handed the torch to the waiting mayor who graciously accepted it and turned to begin his prepared speech.
Then someone whispered in the mayor’s ear, “That’s not the torch.” Suddenly the mayor realized what he was holding. Held proudly in his hand was not the majestic Olympic flame. Instead he was gripping a wooden chair leg topped by a plum pudding can inside of which a pair of kerosene-soaked underwear was burning with a greasy flame. The mayor looked around for the runner, but the man had already disappeared, melting away into the surrounding crowd. (The handle was pained in silver paint, still wet, adding to the discomfort. Seen on national TV.)
Maybe the URL above is a candidate repository for the Gleick story?
The “investigation” commissioned by the board of directors was likely focused on the degree to which the Pacific Institute, and more importantly its board members, might be criminally or civilly liable. The investigation had nothing to do with right and wrong. D&O (director and officer) liability insurance is expensive and has caps on liability. If the board could be actually liable (or even end up looking culpable) for serious charges they would all be heading for the exits.
We really do need an ice age…………….
If the investigation “cleared” him, why was it important to note that none of the institute staff had anything to do with it?
This independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.
Apparently, the Pathetic Institute mean “staff” in the sense of “a group of officers appointed to assist a civil executive or commanding officer”; in which case, the investigation didn’t look into Gleick’s actions, just those of the little people.
Hopefully Heartland will file suit, then subpoena the Pacific Institute for all documents regarding the “investigation.” The usual battery of FOIA objections commonly used to withhold documents wouldn’t apply in civil discovery. There’s no chance the documents could be withheld then.
And if Heartland was willing to spend a few more bucks, they could take the depositions of the “investigators.” That would make fascinating reading.
By chance an undated photocopy of the investigation report has come into my hands. I’ll be forwarding it to WUWT in a plain brown envelope.
By chance an undated photocopy of the investigation report has come into my hands. I’ll be forwarding it to WUWT in a plain brown envelope. Please don’t mention my name, and destroy the envelope.
It is a sign of the changing times.
It is a coup to have Governor Walker address the Heartland Annual Dinner…. The Pacific Institute should bear in mind that both the tide of politics and science is turning against them… If they and people like them, continue to be the aggressors in a propaganda war against scientific principles and common decency. If they continue to use pseudo science and outright chicanery to promote detrimental political agendas, they in the future, may find themselves bought to account in an atmosphere totally different to the one that they currently enjoy.
I don’t say this with any relish or childish triumphalism. The truth is, despite the conservative, decent people that we be, we have little influence ultimately over those who crave power and attain it. Just as we have no real power now, except to appeal to those with decency themselves…. and it is heartening to see that Governor Walker sides with the decent and courteous.
I would suggest that the Pacific Institute set to rights their commitment to scientific rigour and debate. Perhaps Peter Gleick should ask for an invitation to attend, to apologize and to debate…. Just for starters.
“…his actions…run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics over its 25-year history.”
Gleick founded PI — his ethics *are* PI’s ethics, and they’re obviously situational.
It’s official — warmie “independent investigation” is now synonymous with warmie “peer review.”
Gleick got a double secret exoneration.
“The Task Force on Scientific Ethics for the well-respected American Geophysical Union has quietly expunged the name of committee chairman Peter H. Gleick from its website — following Gleick’s admission that he used a false identity to obtain confidential documents from The Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank.”
We’re watching.
Pacific admits he violated their ethics polices. Gleick CONFESSED he committed a crime and breached every possible ethical standard in existence.
But everything is OK because he “apologized”…. to THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
I too am glad they have chosen this route. They have shown the nation and the world that ethics are no longer of ANY importance to them – that even eggregious violation and confessed unlawful acts are just fine as long as you apologize to your Board of Directors.
Ask Best Buy founder Dick Schulze how he feels about that. He failed to report alleged wrongdoing (later found unjustified) by the then CEO – taking the complaint direct to the CEO instead of to the Board. Despite the Boards finding there was NO misuse of company property etc they removed Schulze as Chairman, and he will also leave Board at end of current term.
The Pacific Institute is simply full of equestrian excrement – right up to their disgusting little eyeballs.
Here is their Board of Directors:
Board of Directors
Peter Boyer, Trustee of The Ayrshire Foundation, member of the National Advisory Board of the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Chair for Rocky Mountain Institute National Solutions Council.
Gigi Coe, former Director of Strategic Planning at the California Public Utilities Commission and former Assistant Executive Director, California Energy Commission.
Joan M. Diamond, Chairperson, Chief Operating Officer/Sr. Scenarist at The Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability. Consults for policy and research organizations undergoing major change.
Dr. Anne H. Ehrlich, Senior Research Associate, Department of Biological Sciences at Stanford University.
Dr. Eric Gimon, postdoctoral researcher in particle physics at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Peter H. Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security.
Dr. Corey Goodman, Managing Director and co-founder of venBio LLC; Adjunct Professor at UCSF; Chairman of the Board of Second Genome, Oligasis, and Ossianix; member of the Board of NeuroTherapeutics and Mirna; elected member of the National Academy of Sciences; and member of the California Council on Science and Technology.
Margaret Gordon, Second Vice-President of the Board of Port of Oakland Commissioners and a founding member of the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project.
Dr. Malo André Hutson, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of City and Regional Planning, specializing in community and economic development, regional planning, and urban health.
Olivier J. Marie, business strategist, former Partner at Accenture and Booz Allen & Hamilton, Energy Analyst. Works with MBA students from the Haas School of Business New Sector Alliance helping non-profit organizations.
Richard Morrison, former Senior Vice President and Director of Environmental Policies & Programs, Bank of America.
Dr. Robert Stephens, founder and former President of the Multi-State Working Group on Environmental Performance (MSWG). Retired in 2004 as the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management and Sustainability at the California Environmental Protection Agency, he is currently the Chair of the International Committee of MSWG and serves as Secretariat to the United Nations Environmental Program, Best Practices Network for Sustainable Development.
Professor Michael J. Watts, Professor, Geography Department at the University of California, Berkeley where he specializes in Third World development, forestry issues, and world geography.
And here is their “Funders List” …
http://www.pacinst.org/about_us/financial_information/funders_2011.pdf
I DO NOT ADVOCATE nasty responses to either Board of Directors or their funders. That said well expressed, honest, civil comments would be well appropriate in my opinion.
Anthony/Mods feel free to remove any of this if you feel appropriate, but it is direct from their website.
I knew this would happen, you see to the warmists Glieck is a hero. He will have even more power now. Heartland should have prosecuted him.
It’s funny, but when I “connect the dots”, I get that the “independent investigator” was none other than Suzanne Goldenberg herself !?! It would explain everything.
They’ve taken more rope… with which to hang themselves.
“Climate Science Watch”, a program of the “Government Accountability Project” according to Wiki, which receives funding from Soros’ Open Society Institute, supposedly promoting corporate
accountability by protecting whistleblowers – “welcomes” Gleick’s reinstatement:
http://www.climatesciencewatch.org/2012/06/06/pacific-institute-reinstates-peter-gleick-after-heartland-institute-incident/
For some odd reason I get this feeling that they only want to hold accountable those that do not drive around only making left hand turns.
We are not sure who wrote the report exonerating Glieck, but the writing style looks a lot like the forgeries.
Can we now refer to her as Suzanne ‘Nostradamus’ Goldenberg?
That Gleick was reinstated was pretty much a given. No matter the extent of the lie, the data corruption or the crime all are justifiable, understandable and accepted within the alarmist cabal.
What I want to know is will one of these people be brought before a judge and jury. This pussy-footing around has been going on too long. I want to see someone’s head on a pike!
George E. Smith; says:
June 6, 2012 at 5:08 pm
I thought he confessed to his crimes; maybe he’s catholic, and that’s all it takes for salvation.
————
Were Gleick Catholic he’d have to make amends, where doing so would not further harm the aggrieved party, he’d have to resolve not to repeat the error and he’d have to do penance, among other things, for the “serious lapse in judgement” to be forgiven.
It appears the Passivic Institute is far more lenient.
I think I understand. Itz all about the staff, not the president.
See, Nixon said he knew nothing and did nothing, but his staff knew something, so he was guilty.
Now Gleick is totaly different. Gleick said he did something, but his staff knew nothing, so he is innocent.
From now on, the police will not need to bother questioning suspects, only their staff. Makes a ton of sense when you think it through.
Three to one says that a marijuana possession conviction means you are ineligible to sweep their floors, but confess to multiple federal felonies that exactly undermine your credibility and get your job back.
Gleick’s reinstatement is bad enough, but the arrogance of the Pacific Institute is simply breathtaking. They are a total laughing stock, completely devoid of any moral authority and without doubt have scored another (yes, yet another) own-goal with their patronising prevarication and deliberate obfuscation. Taking the public for fools is probably not a wise policy direction, going forwards.
The thought of having to endure the sneering, hectoring tones of an allegedly ‘exonerated’ (hah!) Gleick as we go into another dismal round of Rio+20 propagandising is truly depressing. I hope all climate realists will use every opportunity available to remind Gleick and his craven paymasters (and shameless supporters in the media) that just saying something is so, doesn’t make it so.
2 + 2 does not make 5. It never will, not matter how urgently they insist otherwise.
Its unlikely the PI could lower the bar any further without touching the ground.
Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute and run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics.
So he’s an ethical retard.
(The Board of Directors accepts Dr. Gleick’s apology for) his lapse in judgment…..
Excuse me while I puke.
James Allison,
PI is doing the ultimate 2-dimensional Flatlander Limbo!
There is exactly zero clearance between the bar and the ground.
Excuse me, was there any doubt? A very logical move of PI.
PG is a hero and PI desperately needs him as a director.
Anybody who would expect anything different has his head in the clouds.
Perhaps it is a publicity stunt connected to “Last Call at the Oasis” ……..”the film is a shallow left-wing screed with commentary from a coterie of disreputable activists. That’s hardly surprising, given that it comes from Participant Media, the same folks who produced Al Gore’s propagandistic “An Inconvenient Truth. Commentator Peter Gleick is exhibit number one.”
http://www.forbes.com/sites/henrymiller/2012/06/06/oasis-film-is-an-intellectual-desert/
Gleick appears at 1.50
James Allison says:
June 6, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Its unlikely the PI could lower the bar any further without touching the ground.
Even as we speak, there’s a flatbed trailer hauling a Ditch Witch approaching the front gate…
“Independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way (in what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute).”
What on earth does that mean? That Dr. Gleick was not a Pacific Institute staff member? If staff knew of then they were not involved, and if staff were involved they did not know of? That the independent review conducted by the non-independent outside counsel supported something that Dr. Gleick said publicly about his dealings with the Heartland Institute?
Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute and run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics over its 25-year history. The Board of Directors accepts Dr. Gleick’s apology for his lapse in judgment.
Clearly “The Institute” and Gleick are irrefutably ethically challenged. Furthermore each and every individual board member of PI is likewise ethically challenged, otherwise they would not be prepared to be associated with something as shonky as this. In addition each other organisation with which the board members is publicly associated is likewise drawn into this mess as it is seen to have a member of its board (or “advisor” or other euphemism) who is publicly ethically challenged. They need to be called on this matter, every one of them.
Gunga Din says:
June 6, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Merovign says:
June 6, 2012 at 5:48 pm
We have to settle on a new name for them, like the Pacific Institute of Fraud, or the Pacific Criminal Institute, or whatever.
=============================================================
I still like “The Pathetic Institute”.
==============================================================
The Pass-if-Gleick Institute
A. Scott says:
June 6, 2012 at 9:42 pm
And here is their “Funders List” …
http://www.pacinst.org/about_us/financial_information/funders_2011.pdf
I DO NOT ADVOCATE nasty responses to either Board of Directors or their funders. That said well expressed, honest, civil comments would be well appropriate in my opinion.
Two names on there of immediate interest:
The US EPA and the Gulbenkian Foundation, which the warmies accused of being big oil deniers when they funded the Lisbon Workshop I attended.
And from the directors list:
Richard Morrison, former Senior Vice President and Director of Environmental Policies & Programs, Bank of America.
Follow the money.
I have posted a comment at “Climate Science Watch” which is a shorter version of my comment regarding all associated with this being ethically challenged. I very much doubt that any moderator will allow it through!
NZ Willy says: June 6, 2012 at 10:18 pm
And in the rather conspicuous absence of any evidence to the contrary, I found The Goldenberg Factor to be highly suspect, as well.
Readers might be interested in my dot-connecting exercise in which I conclude that it may be time to call in the used car salesmen – in order to inject a note (however feint) of integrity into the fields of “climate science”, environmental advocacy and “reporting”:
Prophets of doom forecasting gloom … while Gleick re-enters his room
Why would any organization want a leader who will hereafter be known as the ethically-challenged Peter Gleick?
“…An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute…”
So they say that they support THIS public statement:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-h-gleick/-the-origin-of-the-heartl_b_1289669.html
“…Given the potential impact however, I attempted to confirm the accuracy of the information in this document. In an effort to do so, and in a serious lapse of my own and professional judgment and ethics, I solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else’s name. The materials the Heartland Institute sent to me confirmed many of the facts in the original document, including especially their 2012 fundraising strategy and budget. I forwarded, anonymously, the documents I had received to a set of journalists and experts working on climate issues. I can explicitly confirm, as can the Heartland Institute, that the documents they emailed to me are identical to the documents that have been made public. I made no changes or alterations of any kind to any of the Heartland Institute documents or to the original anonymous communication.
I will not comment on the substance or implications of the materials; others have and are doing so. I only note that the scientific understanding of the reality and risks of climate change is strong, compelling, and increasingly disturbing, and a rational public debate is desperately needed. My judgment was blinded by my frustration with the ongoing efforts — often anonymous, well-funded, and coordinated — to attack climate science and scientists and prevent this debate, and by the lack of transparency of the organizations involved. Nevertheless I deeply regret my own actions in this case. I offer my personal apologies to all those affected…”
Peter Gleick
So that statement from PI can be truthfully edited to say “…An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick (the President of the Pacific Institute) has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute, that is, he “…solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else’s name…”
And they’re OK with that?
Truly insane…
They are morally bankrupt and obsessed with grants and position.
Not that any of it matters, the public don’t give a monkeys about global warming.
Is Being “Morally Challenged” a Disability?
If yes, we may be in serious trouble with Gleick.
So, as I see it, Gleick has NOT been “cleared” as Ms. Goldberg claims. They have simply accepted his version of events – “Yes, I was a naughty boy and acted unethically and possibly illegally in obtaining the confidential property of a third party, but (cue smoke and mirrors) I definitely did not fake that faked document over there, honest, scout’s honour”.
The narrow definition of their release seems to be that “no-one found any evidence that Gleick forged the fake document”, which is almost certainly because 1) nobody looked for any and 2) the only possible evidence would come from Gleick himself and he’s hardly likely to fess up.
So, we’re left in to position where PI accept and apparently condone the fact that one of their staff “fraudulently” obtained third party documentation. They noticeably don’t feel the need to apoloigise ON BEHALF OF PI to Heartland for their staff’s “lapse of judgement” and for his actions which “run counter to the Institute’s policies and standard of ethics”, but are satisfied that his personal apology to their own board is sufficient. In no area of business would this be acceptable. Not one.
I’d also be interested to know whether this investigation considered whether Gleick used any PI facilities, equipment or technology in the course of obtaining the Heartland documents. If he did, he could be said to be acting on behalf of PI, which brings them uncomfortably close to a seat next to him in the dock.
“I am glad to be back and thank everyone for continuing their important work at the Pacific Institute during my absence,”
OMG this man has a HUGE ego.
Don’t worry though. He will make a similar ‘mistake’ since he learned nothing of it.
In fact, he only got rewarded for his crime. That will stimulate him to continue his misbehaving.
This is great news. The PI is now just another CAGW shrill organisation that nobody will take seriously.
The report found that the emperor is wearing clothes!
Alan Watt, CD (Certified Denialist), Level 7 says:
Saw the name …. that is not a bad idea! We sceptics could do with encouraging more professional standards.
Not sure of the name but off the top of my head the course would include:
1. The philosophical basis of science
2. The history & development of climate science from the 18th to 21st century
3. The history and development of climate models (stasis, milankovitch cycles, Camp century cycles, CO2, solar, etc.)
4. A closer look at CO2 + feedbacks (the current theory)
– sources of CO2 & attribution to mankind
– CO2 warming radiative warming
– Calculating direct warming response
– sources of feedbacks and evidence
– predicted effects and evidence
5. Solar models, changing sulphate levels and other overlooked drivers.
6. Noise, natural variation and statistics of climatic signals
7. The development of Environmentalism & the global perspective
8. A study of the marketing methods of environmentalists.
9. The political and legislative framework of carbon markets
10. Marketing, PR, & engaging with political process
What was the alternative for them? To sack him? To discipline him? To admit he is a criminal? To admit he has gone so far beyond the realms of acceptable behaviour and the scientific method that he is irredeemable? Or that his actions were utterly unacceptable in any context?
They simply couldn’t do it. They are so far into denial, and have painted themselves into such a tiny corner there was simply nothing for it but to exonerate him. They just couldn’t do anything else.
This is a sad, but inevitable outcome. Fortunately, it will serve to work against the very goal they seek to achieve. That is what we can take from this development.
I’ve shamelessly copied & pasted the Nixon allogry, as posted above, onto Romm’s forum. I bet it gets deleted pdq!
Imagine if Dr. Roy Spencer had carried out the actions of the wire fraudster and self confessed liar Peter Gleick. What about Anthony Watts?
Phil Ford says:
June 6, 2012 at 11:33 pm
2 + 2 does not make 5. It never will, not matter how urgently they insist otherwise.
Oh yes it will. As soon as it’d be enough to inform the authorities about your neighbor saying that 2 + 2 doesn’t make 5 for your neighbor and his family to end up in labor camps, and for you to get his property, everyone and his dog will be singing “2 + 2 makes 5!” in America, as they do in Russia, and as they are learning to do now in the European Union.
Who are you to say that 2 + 2 doesn’t make 5? Your educational and scientific credentials, please. Your tax forms for last 12 years, please. When, exactly, did you stop raping your daughter? Step outside and get in the van, please. Yes, that one, with bars on the windows. What did you say? What warrant? Here’s your warrant [a ruthless poke in your teeth by the AK-47 butt].
In Russia, they’ll beat you to death for saying things much more obvious than “2 + 2 = 4.” Here, in the supposedly “free” world, they ban you from almost any forum for almost any attempt to tell the most basic rational truth. Even here, on WUWT, a pathetic “Peace Corps hero” is lecturing skeptics about his pot-smoked parasitic views on life — and many find it in themselves to praise him. The same people will quickly find it in themselves to agree that 2 + 2 does makes 5, don’t you worry.
You still think that Green Faith is funny, somehow? Or do you hope that some entertaining yourself with Excel graphs would stop anything or shame anybody? They’ve got all the power and all the money, all your institutions, schools, and media outlets are under their control, and they couldn’t care less if you prove them wrong. Go ahead, keep telling yourselves that “we are winning.”
Gores, Gleicks, Krugmans and Hansens drink champagne and laugh in your face. Today. Now.
just some guy says:
June 6, 2012 at 3:40 pm
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I would not place the bar as high as that.
In my opinion, the issue is: did he put forward as true and without caveats a document that he had reasonable grounds for considering the authenticity of which to be suspect? Of course, if he faked the document, he would have breached that test. Likewise, if he had either reasonable grounds for suspecting his source to be unreliable or ‘dodgy’ or even if he considered the contents of the document itself to be suspicious and therefore unlikely to be accurate.
What if Heartland impersonated a board member of the Pacific Institute to get documents? What if the US President behaved the way Gleick did? Answer: Heartland would be savaged and the US President would be impeached. As for Gleick he gets a slap on the wrist to return to ethics matters. Wow!
“The Pacific Institute’s ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity”?? Bwahahahaaa! Perm any one from three. No, not that one …
richard verney says:
June 7, 2012 at 2:45 am
“In my opinion, the issue is: did he put forward as true and without caveats a document that he had reasonable grounds for considering the authenticity of which to be suspect? Of course, if he faked the document, he would have breached that test. Likewise, if he had either reasonable grounds for suspecting his source to be unreliable or ‘dodgy’ or even if he considered the contents of the document itself to be suspicious and therefore unlikely to be accurate.”
Gleick claims that he conned Heartland into their docs after he received the memo from an anonymous source, in order to verify the memo. That is a very lame story.
The author of the memo does seem to have had some inside knowledge of Heartland accounts, mainly just putting a spin on them and adding a little lie or two.
The implication of this is that either someone with inside info provided Gleick with the memo, or someone just had real good guesses about Heartland and sent it to Gleick, or Gleick forged the memo after he stole the other authentic docs.
IMO, most likely the latter. In any event, Gleick owns the memo as the real docs do not verify the language in the forged memo. He is at least as guilty as he would be were he telling the truth about an anonymous source sending him the memo and sending it off without considering its authenticity.
Dr. Gleick is not cleared. The investigation finding only verifies Dr. Gleicks public confession statement as correct. In teh rpess release cited above and the follow up email from the Pacific Institute does not state clearly that Gleick did not worte the forged memo or that he was not involved in its making in any way. Why not? That is whatt everyone want an answer to. Strangely weak statement, heh?
It is then interesting to go back and analyse Dr. Gleicks public confession which is now supposedly verified by the review. The thing is that the public confession by Gleick was worded very careful and ambigious way so that it creates the appearance for the casual reader that Dr. Gleick denies having written the forged memo, while in fact he does no such thing. I am a lawyer and I know weasel words when I see them… For sure, he did not formulate that “confession” all by himself.
The ambiguioty of his confession was commented on a number of times when the public statement was made. I repost with some edits from the confession thread:
********************
“JJ says:
February 20, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Joe Bast Says:
Gleick also claims he did not write the forged memo, …
NO HE DOES NOT.
Look at what the man wrote, not what he wants you to read:
“At the beginning of 2012, I received an anonymous document in the mail describing what appeared to be details of the Heartland Institute’s climate program strategy.”
Analysis: He says he recieved an anonymous document. He doesn’t say the “anonymous document” was the faked document. The 2012 Proposed Budget “describes what appear to be details of the Heartland Institute’s climate program strategy.” The anonymous document could have been that document, or some other document that we haven’t seen.
“Given the potential impact however, I attempted to confirm the accuracy of the information in this document. In an effort to do so, and in a serious lapse of my own and professional judgment and ethics, I solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else’s name..”
Analysis: He committed wire fraud, identity theft and other crimes to get more documents.
“I forwarded, anonymously, the documents I had received to a set of journalists and experts working on climate issues.”
Analysis: He says he forwarded the documents that he received – by which he maybe taken to mean the documents he recieved from Heartland. He doesn’t say that he forwarded the “anonymous document”, nor does he deny sending documents other than those that he recieved.
“I can explicitly confirm, as can the Heartland Institute, that the documents they emailed to me are identical to the documents that have been made public. I made no changes or alterations of any kind to any of the Heartland Institute documents or to the original anonymous communication.”
Analysis: He claims he didn’t alter any of the documents sent to him. He doesnt say that the only documents he sent were the ones sent to him. He says he didn’t alter the “anonymous communication”, but he doesn’t identify it, nor does he confirm that he sent it.
Consistent with what Gleick has claimed are several scenarios that leave him the author of the faked memo – a fact he has not denied:
1) Someone sent him the Proposed Budget – that was the “anonymous communication.” He stole more documents, which may or may not have included the Budget that he already had in hand. He forwarded everything that had been sent to him, and he added to that package the “Climate Strategy Memo” that he had made up himself.
2) Someone sent him a “heads up” with a few details about the Budget in it – that was the “anonymous communication.” He stole more documents from Heartland. He kept the “anonymous communication”, forwarded everything that had been sent to him by Heartland, and he added to that package the “Climate Strategy Memo” that he had made up himself.
Even if Gleick is telling the unvarnished truth in his “confession” and half assed apology, either of those two scenarios could still be true. Keep in mind that crimate scientists are already primed to think in the “consistent with” mindset, and the fact that Gleick has lawyered up with the best sleazy democrat representation that you can’t buy, so it has to be provided to you. Every word he says from here on out is carefully chosen to be technically perjury-free, while telling the story he wants you to hear. And his lawyers have very carefully chosen for him to not claim that he didn’t write the Fake…
And of course, all of that only applies if his “confession” is entirely truthful. It remains that he could be telling more lies.”
******************************
So when the Pacific Institute and the report now use equally careful wording as the orginal confession statement, what do they really say? Notice also how the subsequent email carefully parrots the lines on the “findings” from the press release:
“The independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Pacific Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick stated publicly and has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.”
In fact, none of the statements say much at all and Pacific Institute certainly do not in any way deny that Gleick wrote the memo. Why not!? In stead the press release and email only say that the investigation “SUPPORTED WHAT DR: GLEICK PUBLICLY STATED”. This is circular reasoning.
I believe a direct question to the Pacific Institue is in order:
1. Did the investigation conclude that Gleick did not write the forged memo?” and;
2. Did the investigation confirm that Gleick was not in any way involved with the production of the forged memo, directly or indirectly?”; and
3. Did the investigation confirm that Gleick had no reason to believe that the memo did not originate from Heartland?”
Ask those questions and see what the answer is. My guess is that the will weasel away from them. If so – we know the answer. If they answer properly and confirm that Gleick had nothing to do with the creation of the forged memo”
Pacific Institute reinstates Peter Gleick
That is just stunningly idiotic. We can now accurately call the Pacific Institute a criminal organization, because it is an organization that employs confessed criminals!.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail_and_wire_fraud
The only question is, who is more stupid? The Pacific Institute for being idiotic enough to welcome the perp back, or, Peter Gleick for agreeing to return and ruin whatever reputation they may have previously enjoyed.
“…An independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute…”
His interaction, in this instance, consisted of admissions of identity theft, theft by deception, and wire fraud, all of which are felonies. Any bets as to when “a decent interval” will elapse and he’ll be hitting the lecture trail again to pontificate on about scientific ethics and integrity?
A crime has been committed. It’s now up to the authorities to do their job. Heartland now needs to take legal action or remain silent on the matter.
A dishonest scientist accepted back into the fold by a discredited organisation. That’s climate science for you.
A Lovell says:
June 7, 2012 at 2:03 am
“What was the alternative for them?”
As Jimbo says:
June 7, 2012 at 2:54 am
“What if Heartland impersonated a board member of the Pacific Institute ”
What would one expect to happen to the person who would put in circulation a totally false statement about PI strategic plans – put there what you imagine – and what would people expect Heartland to do in such case?
The relativisation of ethics is a huge blow to a civil society.
It is sad, these exonerations, whitewashes and push of dirt under the carpet instead of properly addressing the issue make the situation only worse.
This socio-religious movement has its own ethics and logic. The ethic that is ok to lie to your opponent, to achieve the greater good. The logic to harm your opponent by all means is ok to achieve the greater good of their vision. It is not new tactics and morale, we’ve seen it before.
They do not want to discuss science or to use proper ethics, so it remains our work to bring the discussion back to science and show the flaws of their ethics to the larger public, again and again.
We need to turn each stone that they put in their construction and show the cockroaches to the public, from pyramid schemes, “ethics”, “scientific work”, pal-review and so on. What a world of filth and decay under the facade.
Very sad indeed. Wonder who will be distancing themselves and not participating in meetings where PI and PG will be part?
Does this mean that Peter Gleick and the Pacific Institute now qualify for the their own 2012 Climate B.S.* of the Year Award?
If it does there can be no finer recipient than Peter Gleick.
It’s probably going to do more damage to the credability of the other Whitewashes in the long term.
I suspect that Gleick founded the Pacific Institute in order to launder grant money and to give himself a cloak of expertise. I believe it to be a sham organization.
James Allison says:
June 6, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Its unlikely the PI could lower the bar any further without touching the ground.
_______________________________________________
At this point they would have to reach WAY UP to make it to the sewer.
The sad part is how many people will see nothing wrong with the whole mess.
Obviously a climate scientist being cleared by an independent panel is not the same as normal justice being done and being seen to be done.
Post-Normal Justice has now entered the climate science lexicon.
There is another important question. Did Gleick use the Pacific Institutes computers to carry out his acts against Heartland?
Has the Heartland Ins. &/or all/any of the affected donors not pursued further legal avenues for redress? Have no charges been considered in any jurisdiction?
The true shame is that no one will be surprised by this.
BTW, given the response, “It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter,” does the Pacific Institute receive any public funds?
Sorry for the spelling errors and half baked content of my 3:22 post. It was accidentally submitted before proof reading. Still, the content is more or less what I wanted to say.
Gleick is by no means “cleared” of writing the forged memo. At least, judging by the press release, the investigation made no such finding.
In fact, all circumstantial evidence so far points clearly at Dr. Gleick, in my opinion. This evidence now includes the fact that neither Dr. Gleick in his confession nor the investigation and subsequent press release make it clear that Dr. Gleick did not write the forged memo, despite that this is the obvious million dollar question that everyone wanted an answer to.
A clear finding of no such involvement on Gleick’s behalf would of course be of great importance and would be shouted loud and clear from the rooftops by teh Pacific Institute and Dr. Gleick. Instead all we get is more ambiguity with circular reasoning – weasel words! Why I wonder… Well not really. I think that speaks for itself.
It all reminds me of Bill Clinton’s statement “I did not have sex with that woman” (depending of the definition of “sex” of course…).
Looking at the carefully worded statements, even if Dr. Gleick did forge the memo, the statements do not constitute a lie. Of course, they are misleading but not an outright lie. No doubt the usual suspects at the Guardian, the New York Times etc. will do their job, parroting on and portraying the statement as proof of Dr. Gleick not forging the memo, forgetting to mention the other, confessed illegalities (not newsworthy anymore). Objective achieved! Gleick is cleared in the eyes of the public. This is how things work all to often in those circles.
Alexander Feht says: @ June 7, 2012 at 2:39 am
……Who are you to say that 2 + 2 doesn’t make 5? Your educational and scientific credentials, please. Your tax forms for last 12 years, please. When, exactly, did you stop raping your daughter? Step outside and get in the van, please. Yes, that one, with bars on the windows. What did you say? What warrant? Here’s your warrant [a ruthless poke in your teeth by the AK-47 butt]……
_____________________________________
Unfortunately I am afraid you are correct. All one has to do is look at the Senator from Chappaquiddick to see how well “truth” can be spun for the rich and powerful. If it was you or me driving that car we would still be in jail instead of “serving” in the Senate for over forty years.
In 1969 America proved to the world we are not a nation ruled by law but a nation ruled by power and money.
techgm says:
June 7, 2012 at 5:01 am
The true shame is that no one will be surprised by this.
_________________________
That was exactly my thought: “I’m not surprised”… and few will be surprised.
Gail Combs says:
June 7, 2012 at 4:30 am
The sad part is how many people will see nothing wrong with the whole mess.
____________________
There will be far more people who know the action for what it is, but will loudly defend it as gospel.
I’m not sure if I could call it sad, it’s just the way it is.
It’s all about politics and not about science, it has never been about science, I really do believe everyone needs to start understanding this, different rules apply.
techgm says:
June 7, 2012 at 5:01 am
BTW, given the response, “It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter,” does the Pacific Institute receive any public funds?
Oh, yes, indeedy. About $1,584,350 from the EPA, for one — which info has been scrubbed from the EPA’s grants database, but drop in at JunkScience-dot-com for a screenshot chuckle. For starters, PI got $200K for its “Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program,” which is greenie gobbledy-gook for “a couple of people sitting around a table throwing ideas at the wall to see which one sticks”…
http://junkscience.com/2012/02/24/more-grants-to-gleick-scrubbed-from-epa-grants-database/
“These are not the droids you’re looking for. Move along, move along.”
There have been other religions who have “independently” investigated a member clergyman, even a top clergyman, forgiven him, and moved forward…to the next time, and the next time, and the next time. Even conservative institutions have played that forgiveness game. I remember several quite funny public pulpit confessions replete with sobbing theatrics from the one caught with his hand in the cookie. And sure enough, they got to continue with their religious flock because they forgave him. Gleick and the flock that forgave him, have now joined the ranks for many such buffoons.
OT but this is in my view as a scientist far far more important than this silly Gleick affair
http://bishophill.squarespace.com/blog/2012/6/7/another-hockey-stick-broken.html
In the end, it will be this story about selective picking of trees and total statistical non-significance ie Yamal and now Gerbis SH Hockey Stick scandal, that can be used to destroy the AGW team. Also of course the reduction of old temperatures by NCDC to show recent warming will also be brought into the court case as De Facto evidence of fraud. Nothing will change (even without all these sensational postings) until some person/politician with clout is prepared to pay big bucks to initiate legal proceedings. I think AGW will collapse very quickly once claims for compensation start.
“In the United States, mail and wire fraud is any fraudulent scheme to intentionally deprive another of property or honest services via mail or wire communication. It has been a federal crime in the United States since 1872.”
The trouble (as I see it) is that it is difficult to pinpoint any property or honest services that Heartland have been intentionally deprioved of.
Information, yes – Property, no. (I think Heartland even admitted that their donations had increased subsequent to Fakegate.)
Any bets as to when “a decent interval” will elapse and he’ll be hitting the lecture trail again to pontificate on about scientific ethics and integrity?
I’m going with 17 days. 17 days later Peter Gleick is back in the saddle, Donna Laframboise reported on March 9, 2012.
This is like watching Charlie Sheen.
Somebody slipped a copy of a document under my door. I can not verify it, especially since it is not on headed paper, and is unsigned and undated, but I propose to scan it, create a GMail account called pacificinstinsider@gmail.com, and then send it out with various genuine Pacific Institute PDFs (I’ve downloaded their form 990 from their site for this) to various media outlets.
The text begins…
June 2012
Confidential Memo: 2012 Pacific Institute Investigation
Given the increasingly controversial issues relating to the interactions between Dr. Gleick (a high-profile climate scientist), and anti-climate organzations such as the Heartland Institute, it is useful to evaluate the set of interactions.I propose that at this point it be kept confidential and only be distributed to a subset of Institute Board and senior staff.
—————————————————————————————————-
Seriously, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
Heartland are obviously in the right on the Gleick issue. And Gleick is a self admitted liar and fraudster, and that’s even before we get to the obviously forged document.
But unless Heartland sue, the story that will be recorded forever more, is that Gleick exposed Heartland, and the forged memo will be used as a stick to beat Heartland forever more.
Yes, their donations may have gone up in the short-term, but their reputation has been sullied, and their confidential information stolen and used against them.
@matthu
I believe information is covered.
But even if it’s not, they has been an attempt to deprive Heartland of services, for example, by exposing people they work with (such as consultants, and attendees of their conferences) and then targeting them via their employers.
“After you have convinced people that you fervently believe your cause to be more important than telling the truth, you’ve lost the power to convince them of anything else.” – Megan McArdle, re Peter Gleick confession, Feb 21, 2012. . http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/02/peter-gleick-confesses-to-obtaining-heartland-documents-under-false-pretenses/253395/
Any doubt that this applies more broadly to the PI and any gleick appologists should now be errased.
On a positive note … the obumber administration can/will now claim that their policies (i.e. lack of investigation and prosecution of a crime) have saved or created another “green job”.
Heartland should sue or everyone should drop this. It is going nowhere and only a civil court case could resolve the issues. This is getting boring.
Gleick is back on the job?! Thank God! For a while there I feared mankind was certainly doomed.
I’m going to play my Starland Vocal Band records ALL DAY LONG!
What they meant: “After an independent investigation, it has been revealed that no one else wanted the position so we’re stuck with Gleick. We are confident that it won’t make that big a difference to those who support us. What it will mean to governments and others who we intend to influence will have to be determined later. The may already know we are committed ideologues devoted to Malthusian actiivism in which case it won’t matter and we won’t even have to pretend to factual science.”
A. Scott says:
June 6, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Here is their Board of Directors:
………Dr. Peter H. Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security…..
————
I thought Gleick had the word ‘ethics’ in his title or something.
Was I wrong?
I read through the BOD list and I don’t see where anyone is checking PI’s ethics.
copner says:
June 7, 2012 at 6:29 am
@matthu
I believe information is covered.
Correct. Priorietary information is sole property of an organization; the organization may choose to give that information to an outsider, but the outsider must sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Gleick used identity theft to secure proprietary information. As president of PI, his actions also made PI liable to fines and penalties — regardless of the results of an independent investigation — unless he can prove he did not use any PI equipment during his “interaction” with Heartland.
So now that Gleick is back we can get on with the mission that started this whole mess
…”I only note that the scientific understanding of the reality and risks of climate change is strong, compelling, and increasingly disturbing, and a rational public debate is desperately needed. ”
When’s the debate?
“We look forward to his continuing in the Pacific Institute’s ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.”
Is this a line from a fictional science foundation in ‘Atlas Shrugged’ or ‘1984’? No. This is reality, but Ayn Rand and George Orwell could not have written it any better.
Nothing expresses the moral bankruptcy of the big green NGO industry better than this decision.
“It was conducted by an independent professional investigation firm. The independent review conducted by outside counsel on behalf of the Pacific Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick stated publicly and has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way. It will not be released because it is a confidential personnel matter.”
They are of course lying, there was no independent investigation undertaken. How can you tell? The PI would have named the firm doing the investigation, there is no need to keep it a secret if they had included a simple confidentiality clause in the contract and everyone would be able to see which firm was contracted and know how reliable and professional they are. Do they really think we are that stupid? Do they have such a low opinion of the heartland institute? They are in for a shock if they make that mistake.
Alexander Feht says:
”They’ve got all the power and all the money, all your institutions, schools, and media outlets are under their control, and they couldn’t care less if you prove them wrong.”
And still can’t manage to enact significant legislation or convince the average person.
Gores, Gleicks, Krugmans and Hansens drink champagne and laugh in your face. Today. Now.
Yep, there have been a lot of ill-gotten gains. I’m sure their grandchildren will appreciate that even as they curse the stigma they’ve inherited from the charlatans while they squander every last penny.
I expect now that the information age is coming into its own, that it will be difficult indeed to keep this episode out of the history books. This time will be studied intently and even their own “side” will abandon them. The media has CYA in place and the politicians do too. The scientists who “should’ve known better” will be the ones history blames, and rightfully so. It’s one thing for someone without a scientific background to fall for something akin to “Ban DHMO”, but for someone with a science background to not just fall for it but promote it for profit/acclaim/ideology is inexcusable.
As I recall the investigation of Wegman by George Mason University was never made public either, yet I found no sign of outrage at this blog at that time. Funny that.
Now for the reality. (I’ll use the word nobody. By this I mean most of the 99%.)
1 Nobody knows who Dr Peter Gleick is.
2. Nobody knows what the Pacific Institute is.
3. Nobody knows what Heartland Institute is.
Worst yet. Nobody cares.
Randomly ask people what they think. They don’t know.
If it’s not on The View, a new movie, some actor’s latest rant or NASCAR they don’t care.
The ‘investigation’ from PI was just for the MSM.
PI told the MSM it’s over … do not to touch it again. If some outsider sticks his nose in it they have a response. “The investigation proved no wrongdoing.”
Because, just like ‘nobody cares’. IPCC and proponents of CAGW don’t care about ethics.
Cream them in court!
a ‘lapse in judgment’ and ‘apologized’ Well, that’s all OK then.
The man committed fraud!! So is fraud now seen as a good thing or a misdemeanour? Anyone ever had their ID stolen like someone from Heartland did!!! When on earth is Heartland going to do something about this ? They are starting to look rather weak now Gleick has his job back as if nothing had happened.
This is California. Remember, Nancy Peloci, Barbara Boxer, Ninth District Court of Appeals…..
to paraphrase … Ethics, we dohn need no steenking ethics.
Never forget Nancy said we need to pass the bill to see what’s in it.
Then got reelected.
go figure.
“‘Integrity’ all around with these clowns it seems.”
Integrity? You want climate holiness and integrity, too? Geesh.
/sarc
once again, they’ve slick willied, as expected.
heartland gave up all the talking points.
but that’s wonderful because it’s all about donations, right? those dinners have to be catered.
this slapstick is pathetic and it is a negative sum game.
Pacific Institute investigated itself, and found that it was AOK? Who’da thunk it?
Maybe UEA and Penn State should try that “lets investigate ourself” tactic when they run into trouble. Oh, wait …
Did Hartland suffer damages as a result of Gleick’s criminal activity?
Yes, it is a matter of public record that some sponsors pulled out.
Have they made up for the loss? Perhaps. But that’s not necessarily relevant to the issue of the specific donations lost as a direct result of Gleick’s crime.
I love the smell of whitewash in the morning. This must be the “investigation” the Guardian refered to weeks ago. Clearly inside info being fed to them.
Hmmm…lemme think…if I screwed up that badly–or my organization had a highly-ranked member who did–and I knew I had no moral or legal leg to stand on regarding the actions of said scofflaw, I think my MO would be to make a token suspension of duties, wait for a few months, claim to be investigating the matter, wait for a few months, hope it all dies down, and voila! Reinstate the scofflaw, saying that everything is cool now because an “independent” “investigation” cleared him of all scofflawishness! Of course, we can’t actually give details of anything due to “personnel” issues, but trust me, we paid a lot of money for an impartial investigation and we’re completely cleared of any wrongdoing. Moral high ground once again attained!
Now, I’m not even close to being a lawyer, but wouldn’t Discovery require that even those supposedly confidential personnel issues be revealed should a court case ensue?
The institute says “Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way” EXCEPT THE PRESIDENT Gleick of course.
There is no good reason to believe that anyone but Gleick forged the memo.
If the Pacific Institute has an “investigation” (sic) that produced evidence that the forger could be anyone other than Gleick they should produce the evidence (e.g., what is and is not shown by rigorous forensic examination of Gleick’s computer and email records etc.).
Otherwise, the only reasonable position is to SUSPECT with some confidence that Peter Gleick forged the memo. While it is often impossible to “prove a negative” it is not difficult to produce a comprehensive investigative report (supposedly already conducted on behalf of the PI board) which would throw much doubt on the supposition that Peter Gleick is the forger. Unless or until PI produces some convincing material, Gleick is the most likely candidate for forger…..
Suzanne wassername at the Gruan 17.03 BST
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/07/peter-gleick-reinstated-heartland-expose
The usual do no wrong idolatry and coffee-mugs waste of column inches.
From the Guardian article: “The Pacific Institute indicated in the statement that it had found no evidence for Heartland’s charges that Gleick had forged one of several documents he released last February.
But the Institute offered no further information on the findings of the investigation, or any evidence to support the claim of having conducted a fully independent investigation. It gave no further explanation for its decision to reject Heartland’s charges that Gleick had faked a document.
Nancy Ross, a spokesperson for the Pacific Institute, said the review would not be released because it was a confidential personnel matter.”
How convenient!
@Chuck “Now for the reality…”
Completely agree. Much of this is ivory towers lobbing water balloons at each other. If we are to establish a beachhead and realize any serious momentum in this war, we must reach into the upcoming generations and communicate to them where they are at and in a manner they understand.
AJB typical Suzanne wassername article in fact Pacific Institute have not claimed that Gleick has not ‘forged one of several documents ‘ to date they make no statement on this issue.
Or is it that once again she is using her PI crystal ball ?
Scenes We’d Like to See.
Exactly. They seem to be saying that the “investigation” cleared the Pacific Institute and any of it other members or employees. That doesn’t address Gleick’s actions, so is a non-absolution absolution.
http://davidappell.blogspot.com/2012/06/heres-who-did-peter-gleick.html
REPLY: Yes I got the same email today at 920AM, I’ve been attempting to confirm with the firm that they actually did it. See my update above. – Anthony
Thomas says:
June 7, 2012 at 8:35 am
As I recall the investigation of Wegman by George Mason University was never made public either, yet I found no sign of outrage at this blog at that time. Funny that.
Ah — a graduate of Doc Gleick’s “Situational Ethics 101” class checking in with an “apples to grapefruit” smokescreen.
The investigator is Independent Employment Counsel, LLP.
Okay, so Pacific has just violated their previously stated employee confidentiality policies.
Will the contradictions never cease?
Does anyone have the means of finding out who the sponsors are of the Pacific Institute. They should at least be told that their continued sponsorship is now tainted by the organisation that has a self confessed criminal at the top. We should keep an eye on the documents that are put into the public domain by the PI, and see whether any funding body is mentioned, at which time we should all bombard the funding body about the criminal activity of the head of the Pacific Institute.
Oddly, the Independent Employment Counsel website (www.iecounsel.com) gives no address or any indication as to where they are based. A bit of Googling finds they are in San Rafael, California.
We now know the identity of the investigators. But be very careful about what you say. Here are their terms, directly from their site:
“Indemnity:
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless IEC, and each of its respective partners, employees, representatives and agents, from and against all claims, losses, costs, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including but not limited to attorneys fees) arising out of: (a) your activities in connection with the Site; (b) any violation of these Terms by you; (c) any improper or unauthorized use of the Materials by you; and (d) any allegation that anything you transmit through or in connection with the Site infringes or otherwise violates the copyright, trademark, trade secret, privacy, or other rights of any third party.”
I am speechless …
Michael Mann displays his lack of honesty – “Climate scientists jumped on the news. ‘I’m very pleased to learn that Peter has been exonerated,’ Michael Mann of Penn State told ME.”
Peter Gleick was not exonerated by the independent review. The review only agreed with “what Dr. Gleick has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute”. Gleick himself has admitted wrong doing: “Dr. Gleick has apologized publicly for his actions, which are not condoned by the Pacific Institute …” “… Dr. Gleick’s apology for his lapse in judgment.”
Gleick – “In an effort to do so, and in a serious lapse of my own and professional judgment and ethics, I solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else’s name.”
Michael Mann’s current employer should give him a chance to retract his dishonest and misleading statement, and if Mann refuses, P.S.U. should terminate him.
If P.S.U. fails to act, then they are sending the message to their students that dishonesty is acceptable behavior.
George Lawson says:
June 7, 2012 at 11:54 am
“Does anyone have the means of finding out who the sponsors are of the Pacific Institute. They should at least be told that their continued sponsorship is now tainted by the organisation that has a self confessed criminal at the top.”
One of PI’s main sponsors is George Soros, who is himself a convicted felon on the lam. Being birds of a feather, I doubt that Soros is bothered by propping up a self-confessed criminal. Soros probably views supporting Gleick as a net benefit.
IEC = a pair of lawyers specializing in employment law
There has not been the slightest indication that they possess any experience or expertise in the kind(s) of investigation required for this case, nor has there been any indication that a real investigation (computer forensics etc.) was ever conducted.
All we have here is a whitewash to say “we didn’t find any evidence of further wrongdoing because we were careful not to look for any!”
So they re-affirm Gleick’s own statement and that’s it?????
This is what these charlatans of climatology consider rigorous! From the activists to the scientists it is all one huge farce…… these people can’t even pretend to be credible.
The fakers of Fakegate are not even faking it anymore……
As I just posted at BH:
Goldenberg appears to be the first to break MSM silence on PI’s “Statement” – and uses it (predictably) for another hit piece on Heartland in which she recycles the myths and memes of the fake memo.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/07/peter-gleick-reinstated-heartland-expose
Interesting fact-free headline though:
No comments allowed on the Guardian’s 7th June article.
I would have asked:
“what evidence do you have to back up the statement that there was evidence of “a plan to spread misinformation about climate change in schools.?” A document from Heartland, or one from another source? P Gleick, perhaps?”
The Guardian is losing circulation and money. The Manchester Guardian would have torn the PI to shreds.
Not checked all the comments but I think you’re all missing one important point.
The policy document was an obvious forgery! It’s a distraction from the real point of the exercise, that was to get the donor list.
Get the donor list and harass major donors, that was the point.
Anyone think Gleick is a prominent climate scientist?
Is PI really that big?
Sacrifice them both for the cause!
DaveE.
“This independent investigation has further confirmed and the Pacific Institute is satisfied that none of its staff knew of or was involved in any way.” So, Gleick wasn’t a member of the Pacific Institute when he was its head? Isn’t that some kind of fraud also?
Geeze …. this is even worse than I thought! The “expertise” of this two-person shop known as “Independent Employment Counsel” clearly does not in any way resemble that required to investigate Gleick’s behaviours and actions.
It’s almost as if they were hired to paper over any concern that PI’s staff might have expressed following disclosure of Gleick’s disgrace.
Then again, I suppose IEC could have sub-contracted with … oh, I dunno … an “investigative journalist” of Goldenberg’s calibre to do this part of the work for them. This would certainly go some way towards explaining how the Guardian might have “learned” of this alleged “clearance” on May 21, would it not?!
Does this mean anything (from the IEcouncil.com website):
Although not intended to be advertising, the site might be considered advertising. The attorneys responsible for the site are Cynthia E. Maxwell and Gary P. Scholick. Ms. Maxwell and Mr. Scholick are licensed to practice law in California. IEC’s attorneys do not seek to practice law in states, territories or foreign countries where they are not permitted or properly authorized to do so. IEC’s attorneys do not seek to represent anyone desiring representation based upon viewing the Site in a state, territory or foreign country where the Site fails to comply with applicable laws and ethical rules. In addition, this site is void, is intended to have no effect, has no effect, and should not be reviewed in any jurisdiction where this site is prohibited by law.
They are licensed to practice law in California. I guess “investigation” is probably not practicing law – still seems a little weird to do an investigation via remote control. Wouldn’t you want a local firm?
I wonder what the terms of reference were.
apachesknow
The only good lie is a dead lie, the truth knows this well together with “how”.
Someone above asked about Gleick’s customers. I don’t know the answer, but the National Intelligence Council gathers a lot of information on water security. They issued a recent document about water and national security. Gleick also does research on water and terrorism.
Investigator: Dr. Gleick, did you forge the document in question?
Dr. Gleick: Why no, some woman I’d never seen before handed it to me while I was at a horse show in Houston.
Investigator: Thank you, Dr. Gleick. I knew it had to be something like that.
Case Closed.
A further independent investigation has revealed that Independent Employment Counsel conducted its “investigation” by simply asking Gleick if he had forged the document in question, and him saying “no”, to which they replied “good enough for us!”
Steve C says:
June 7, 2012 at 3:20 am
“The Pacific Institute’s ongoing and vital mission to advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity”?? Bwahahahaaa! Perm any one from three. No, not that one …
——————
They got their ‘protection & economic’ part of their mission ok. They protected their economics.
I am not throwing stones at the firm that conducted the investigation, but I would like to note the following: First, by having the matter investigated by counsel (i.e. attorneys) it is pretty certain we willnever really know what the findings are, other than what is offered up by the Pacific Institute. The Institute can say there were no findings, but it doesn’t really mean anything. Second, this group is more HR / Labor oriented than scientific, so how did they conduct their review?
My gut is that this investigation probably is independent, but I very much doubt The Institute will ever really release it.
From The Guardian’s article today:
“The documents released by Gleick exposed Heartland’s donors’ list – which it had kept private – as well as a plan to spread misinformation about climate change in schools. ”
It seems to me they are copying and pasting drivel from the forged memo into a “news” article. Isn’t that illegal?
Thomas says:
“As I recall the investigation of Wegman by George Mason University was never made public either, yet I found no sign of outrage at this blog at that time. Funny that.”
Perhaps no sign of outrage was noted by you because (1) the Wegman report was retracted (pro-AGW web sites are still referencing the fake memo as “real”), (2) Wegman actually received punishment for his act in the form of a letter of reprimand by GMU (Gleick has not receive any discipline from the Pass-if-Gleick Institute), and (3) DeSmogBlog.com published their own investigative report (“Strange Inquires at GMU… and Even Stranger Comments”), which was readily-accepted by AGW apologists as the “real-deal” well before GMU announced their conclusions – http://tinyurl.com/7az9goq (DeSmogBlog.com link).
Too bad your man Gleick is unable to reference any form of public atonement assigned to his self-admitted crimes.
What do Employment Counsel, LLP actually do?
“Outside investigators are typically hired to look into employee complaints that could lead to major lawsuits or that are too politically sensitive for an internal person to handle.”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/04/02/BU70127.DTL
http://www.iecounsel.com/callawyer.html
http://www.iecounsel.com/sacbee.html
The sad part is it’s not about science. Our science is as good as theirs and nobody ‘knows’ what the climate will do. What’s stopping them is political.
I’m thankful enough people in power are able to keep the UN at bay.
This would not be a good time to give greater control over to the UN. The US Congress is already doing above and beyond the call of duty.
Since the US is held in such low regard throughout much the world we might not get a ‘fair shake’ if some dispute should arise.
Somehow I don’t see BO or Hillary as being fantastic negotiators on our behalf.
It’s just a matter of time before Independent Employment Counsel find Bernie Madoff innocent and discover Michael Jackson is alive. This is a profitable sideline for any science fiction business out there.
The Pacific Institute accepts Gleick’s apology and reinstates him on that basis. As far as I can see, the investigation simply confirmed that the facts are no different from those that are already known and that no other Institute staff were involved.
So the investigation is not relevant if you are looking for justification for reinstatement. It seems that Gleick’s apology was good enough for the Institute.
It may not be good enough for the rest of us, but the real test is whether it is good enough for the clients of the Pacific Institute. I am not in a postion to judge that or to influence their judgement.
Whether or not Gleick is tainted goods with respect to the Institute’s missions and claims about themselves is a matter for that market and those who can influence opinion therein.
Peter Gleick has been cleared of any wrong doing. The focus is now on what Fakegate taught us about how some people want to “stop the teaching of science” in schools.
REPLY: “Cleared” ??? prove it or kindly shut up Mr. Flesch. Start with showing us the report, oh, wait…
But you know, I still have the option of filing charges against Gleick here in California, since he violated a new state law and named me in the fake document…and with idiotic statements like yours, it gives a strong impetus for me to do so. – Anthony
So I was wondering what this institute looked like, so I googled it’s address and found that it was a rather small building of office suites. For some reason, when I think institute I think ivied manor, but most are probably just what Pacific is, an office suite. Anyway I googled the address, 654 13th street, Oakland, CA, to see who else used the building, expecting some dentist offices and such. What I found was:
California Pan Ethic Health Network http://www.cpehn.org/ part of Take Action California http://www.takeactionca.org
The Environmental Justice Coalition for Water http://www.ejcw.org
West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project http://www.woeip.org
And a reference to the Environmental Defense Fund w/ Telephone number.
I guess it is just a coincidence that the prestigious Pacific Institute would share offices with a bunch of activists.
Their markets are our governments.
’nuff said
I think the Pacific Institute did not think this whitewash through very well. They are thinking of this as a political issue that they can brush away by giving their supporters a ruling that Gleick was cleared without realising the legal ramifications. By not firing Gleick for actions he took on their premises as their President using their equipment they are opening themselves up to criminal charges. If they had let Gleick fall on his sword, PI could have avoided legal blame for his conduct. In endorsing it, they have very likely made it possible to prosecute the organization and leadership under RICO laws. The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act allows prosecution of the organization and leaders of it (the board) if there is a pattern of criminal activity such as wire and mail fraud (which Gleick has confessed to) that further the interests of the organization.
It also allows Heartland to pursue not only Gleick but the Pacific Institute under RICO civil suits that allow triple damages. Gleik committed criminal offenses to further the interests of the Pacific Institute using resources provided by the Pacific Institute, and they have now determined that his behavior is acceptable to the organization. They may have kept Gleick in the political science fight by giving him a veneer of whitewash. But they might end up having their organization convicted under organized crime statutes for furthering their interests by racketeering and corruption.
To reinstate someone, who has admitted committing wire fraud (unless my understanding of wire fraud differs from the statutes), would seem to set a bad precedent.
Or, shall future activists believe they will (at worst) be “Gleicked”, and continue in their efforts to rid the world of the pests envisioned in fevered dreams.
Word is getting out in at least some parts of medialand:
http://times247.com/articles/peter-gleick-reinstated-by-pacific-institute-following-heartland-expose
The investigator is Independent Employment Counsel, LLP.
Independent Employment Counsel Are Us
Independent Employment Counsel While You Wait
Independent Employment Counsel, And Shoe Repairs!
Schrodinger’s Cat says:
June 7, 2012 at 3:33 pm
It seems that Gleick’s apology was good enough for the Institute …the real test is whether it is good enough for the clients of the Pacific Institute.
________________________
One would think that most of the Pacific Institute’s clients are government entities, of one form or another. On that basis, Gleick, et cie are likely to become even richer than they are infamous, as the eco-loons seem to have control of gov’t. at all levels- especially in CA- and Gleick’s antics have been highly praised in those circles. He’s the hero that “exposed” HI, after all.
Theodore…we can only hope you are correct. I keep waiting for a real court to get ahold of these issues somewhere.
sceptical says:
June 7, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Peter Gleick has been cleared of any wrong doing. The focus is now on what Fakegate taught us about how some people want to “stop the teaching of science” in schools.
Sceptical: either you forgot your /sarc, or you are spreading lies from a known forgery for which public cease and desist notice has been posted. You are in danger of being named in a lawsuit for defamation! I don’t know why you would risk that.
Why does such an obviously political organization like PI get to keep their non-profit status?
Schrodinger’s Cat says:
June 7, 2012 at 3:33 pm
“It may not be good enough for the rest of us, but the real test is whether it is good enough for the clients of the Pacific Institute. I am not in a postion to judge that or to influence their judgement.
Whether or not Gleick is tainted goods with respect to the Institute’s missions and claims about themselves is a matter for that market and those who can influence opinion therein.”
“Market”? He got several EPA grants. Your entire administration is tainted goods, so if anything, wire fra*d and forgery makes him more acceptable to them. Maybe he’s good with Adobe Illustrator as well, who knows, maybe that talent could come in handy some day.
sceptical says:
June 7, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Peter Gleick has been cleared of any wrong doing. The focus is now on what Fakegate taught us about how some people want to “stop the teaching of science” in schools.
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Nice!! In two sentences you manage to show us that you fail Logic 101, Evidence 101, History 101, Journalism 101, English 101, Propaganda 101, etc. etc……… Impressive performance!!
Want to try again? Start by noticing that Gleick is not “cleared” — it is confirmed that he maliciously lied, slandered, and committed fraud, at a minimum. Whether he also forged the fake document that you continue to quote as if it were real is a further issue apparently not even touched upon by this farcical “investigation”. Don’t continue to propagate a FAKE quotation propounded by a FAKE document. It may please your fellow activists but it does not earn any respect from anyone who knows anything about the case.
Further editing to their statment gets filled in, piece by piece:
It can now be edited to say “…An independent review conducted by Independent Employment Counsel, LLP. on behalf of the Institute has supported what Dr. Gleick (the President of the Pacific Institute) has stated publicly regarding his interaction with the Heartland Institute, that is, he “…solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else’s name…”
How much do you want to bet that this Independent Employment Counsel, LLP becomes the prefered counsel for any future “climate scientist” mis-deeds. They’ve already set a good precedent for other complaints of fraud. Having a world-renowned climate scientist like the self-confessed fraudster Peter Gleik as one of their satisfied customers really adds to their resume.
BORING! This has gone on long enough. Either Heartland press charges or they shut the @&£* up and accept that Gleick has screwed them over.
I’m a confirmed denier, but I’m very disappointed with the way that Heartland has handled this.
[from “Financial” section of PI website: “The Pacific Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization established in 1987….”]
Separate from any criminal or civil actions which might proceed about Gleick’s actions, both the State of California and the US federal govt. have powers and responsibilities in relation to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, i.e., the Board of Directors of the PI has fiduciary and legal responsibilities not to run illegal or politically partisan activities. Perhaps readers with relevant legal and political knowledge could explore whether Gleick and PI have endangered their 501(c)(3) status etc.
I realize quite well that under current US and Calif. administrations there may be great reluctance to pursue anything against these darlings of the enviro-whacko left, but even the most ideological bureaucrats will sometimes decide to jettison political allies who have become inconvenient, embarrassing, or just too much trouble.
Theodore: There will have to be a change in leadership at the Justice Department for any RICO action to be taken. The Feds have to prosecute it as they have never recognized a state taking jurisdiction (that I know of but not being a lawyer I may have missed a case). The current administration is all in on this eco-mess and have shown that they WILL NOT prosecute fellow travelers. I am not sure a Romney administration would be much better though as his official campaign position (at least in New Hampshire) was Pro CAGW. I really would have preferred a more neutral stance that looked for sound science to guide policy. I am not hopeful the charlatans will be swept out.
This also makes me wonder if the leak about Gleick being cleared a week or so ago was intentional. They may have sent that up as a trial balloon to see if the other members of the hockey team would speak out and say they couldn’t accept clearing Gleick in the interests of the cause. SInce we didn’t hear the ‘climate scientists’ clamouring for Gleick’s head for dishonoring their profession, Pacific Institute decided they could go forward.
I am sure if their are emails about that it will all come out in the court case discovery.
And cblf, as long as Heartland can afford a lawyer or find one to do it for them for free the Pacific Institute has just opened the door to turn Heartland Versus Gleick into Heartland Versus Gleick et. al.
Notwithstanding not knowing the precise grounds of Heartland’s civil action, the Pacific Institute as the imposter’s employer will carry liability for his acts and damages in tort against Heartland. It sounds like the standard practise in litigation that the employer backs its employee. It is highly probable that the contracted law firm didnt “clear” the imposter but rather advised Pacific Institute on its defensive strategy. A critical component of that strategy is to “clear” the imposter. If nothing else it may mitigate damages awarded by a court against the imposter’s employer. These are long days on the climate alarmist Serengetti and the killing off of what remains this imposter’s and his disgraceful employer’s reputations in a court of the United States will make satisfying viewing. Justice will be done. Eventually.