Candlelight and One-Ply Toilet Paper

We Can't Wish Away Climate Change

On Feb. 27, the New York Times posted an Op-Ed piece by former Vice president Al Gore that was no doubt eagerly anticipated by those who believe polar bears are floating helplessly on icebergs and mercury-filled CFL light bulbs will help save the planet.

I was okay with Mr. Gore professing his love of all things natural. I like natural peanut butter, too, but can't always afford it. There was also a time when I envisioned him as our next president. Mr. Gore that is, not Mr. Peanut.

While I don't want to feel the ocean waves lapping my feet from atop the Great Smoky Mountains, it's time for global warming supporters such as Al Gore to fess up to misguidance. It's time to begin building a credible reputation everybody can relate to, rather than searching for reasons to continue force-feeding us a daily dose of government-endorsed, scientific opinion.

Listen. I'm all about energy conservation and against deforestation. I don't support the notion of "It's my land and I'll do whatever the hell I want to with it." I also want an electric car, I prefer paper over plastic, and recycling is awesome. But candlelight and one-ply toilet paper isn't going to save the world.

Remember, Al Gore is well-paid for most of those speaking engagements on climate change while he jets around the world in his high-cost, energy-consuming, pollution-radiating transportation. And I'm sure those engagements are accompanied by a meal of largely wasted foods packaged in exceptionally wasteful wrappings, etc. You get the point.