Earth Equity News

Republicans Learn the Perils of Being Politically Incorrect on Climate Change. By Evan Lehmann, ClimateWire, 11/22/10. “Defeat came for Republican Rep. Bob Inglis because he slid to ‘Satan's side.’ That's how South Carolina voters perceive Inglis' newfound belief in climate change, says the outgoing lawmaker, who lost his primary bid in June to tea party candidate, and now representative-elect, Trey Gowdy. Inglis reflected on several blasphemies he committed in the eyes of voters in a departing interview last week, held in his congressional office. They ranged from opposing President George W. Bush's troop surge in Iraq to supporting his Troubled Asset Relief Program. But none of those, Inglis said, had as strong an impact as his assertions that atmospheric warming is a scientific certainty. ‘The most enduring heresy was just saying that climate change was real,’ he said. ‘That was the one that was most damaging, I'm convinced.’

“‘For many conservatives, it became the marker that you had crossed to Satan's side -- that you had left God and gone to Satan's side on climate change," he added, "because many evangelical Christians in our district would say that it's up to God to determine the length of Earth, and therefore, you are invading the province of God.’ When Inglis packs up his wind turbine, a working display, in 100 Cannon House Office Building and departs Congress next month, the House will see perhaps its most outspoken Republican climate believer leave office.” Rep. Inglis Attacks GOP on Climate Change at Congressional Hearing. Video, House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, 11/18/10, 5:40 min.