Just Shoot Me

The other night PBS' Frontline program re-aired a documentary on global warming politics in the USA called "Hot Politics". It's still not a pretty picture a year after its first showing.

These events and interviews don't age well in that regard. It notes the bi-partisan nature of the foot dragging and fabrications for profit. The old sausage making comparison for politics fits very well here.

Curiously neither Clinton nor Gore would allow themselves to be interviewed whereas dark lord Newt Gingrich didn't have a problem with it. And it's not because reporter Deborah Amos (of NPR fame) was going to give him a free ride. She also did an on-line discussion via the Washington Post when it was first aired.

The full program is available on-line for free viewing.

Hot Politics - Frontline - PBS

"Examining the politics behind the U.S. government's failure to act on the biggest environmental problem of our time."

Just Shoot Me

The other night PBS' Frontline program re-aired a documentary on global warming politics in the USA called "Hot Politics". It's still not a pretty picture a year after its first showing.

These events and interviews don't age well in that regard. It notes the bi-partisan nature of the foot dragging and fabrications for profit. The old sausage making comparison for politics fits very well here.

Curiously neither Clinton nor Gore would allow themselves to be interviewed whereas dark lord Newt Gingrich didn't have a problem with it. And it's not because reporter Deborah Amos (of NPR fame) was going to give him a free ride. She also did an on-line discussion via the Washington Post when it was first aired.

The full program is available on-line for free viewing.

Hot Politics - Frontline - PBS

"Examining the politics behind the U.S. government's failure to act on the biggest environmental problem of our time."

Picking on Berry

At least it's a halfway clever type of slagging.

Away With the Eco-Fairy, Siân Berry - Times Online - 27 Apr 08

"Their mayoral candidate is Siân Berry. Isn’t Siân Berry just the quaintest, most peachy-perfect Green name — half Celtic, half hedgerow."

"'I’ve stood for so many elections,' she says. 'And I’ve always lost. There’s a moment right at the end when I always think maybe I’ll win.' And she beams and I beam back in the way doctors beam at people who have only got a week to live."

And more fun with the Independent (UK). A bit nicer.

Sian Berry: We Ask The Questions - The Independent (UK) - 28 Apr 08

"What single achievement are you most proud of in your life?
That my campaign, the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s, persuaded the current mayor to bring in a higher congestion charge for the most polluting cars, and introduce discounts for cleaner cars.

What is your favourite thing to do in London during your day off?
A walk on Hampstead Heath then a trip to the pub."

Picking on Berry

At least it's a halfway clever type of slagging.

Away With the Eco-Fairy, Siân Berry - Times Online - 27 Apr 08

"Their mayoral candidate is Siân Berry. Isn’t Siân Berry just the quaintest, most peachy-perfect Green name — half Celtic, half hedgerow."

"'I’ve stood for so many elections,' she says. 'And I’ve always lost. There’s a moment right at the end when I always think maybe I’ll win.' And she beams and I beam back in the way doctors beam at people who have only got a week to live."

And more fun with the Independent (UK). A bit nicer.

Sian Berry: We Ask The Questions - The Independent (UK) - 28 Apr 08

"What single achievement are you most proud of in your life?
That my campaign, the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s, persuaded the current mayor to bring in a higher congestion charge for the most polluting cars, and introduce discounts for cleaner cars.

What is your favourite thing to do in London during your day off?
A walk on Hampstead Heath then a trip to the pub."

His Name is Hussein Isn't It?

Cripes. If anyone wants to see the insidious power of right-wing talk radio to spew un-countered bullcrap to the rural masses, this is a perfect example. I wouldn't doubt that some of the fundi churches weren't echoing it too.

Religion Issue Hurting Obama With Indiana Cafe Patrons - Reuters - 29 Apr 08

"'Obama has great ideas but his background scares me,' said Chris Leighton, 60, a secretary having lunch at the Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, in southeast Indiana. 'Everyone talks about him being a Muslim and having ties to terrorism, but how do people really find out?' The incorrect belief that the Illinois senator is a Muslim was shared by half a dozen others in the restaurant — a sign that dirty campaign tactics and Internet innuendo has taken root among some voters in Indiana, the next state to vote."

His Name is Hussein Isn't It?

Cripes. If anyone wants to see the insidious power of right-wing talk radio to spew un-countered bullcrap to the rural masses, this is a perfect example. I wouldn't doubt that some of the fundi churches weren't echoing it too.

Religion Issue Hurting Obama With Indiana Cafe Patrons - Reuters - 29 Apr 08

"'Obama has great ideas but his background scares me,' said Chris Leighton, 60, a secretary having lunch at the Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, in southeast Indiana. 'Everyone talks about him being a Muslim and having ties to terrorism, but how do people really find out?' The incorrect belief that the Illinois senator is a Muslim was shared by half a dozen others in the restaurant — a sign that dirty campaign tactics and Internet innuendo has taken root among some voters in Indiana, the next state to vote."