“Congress tends not to act until the broad mainstream, including business, is aboard.”If they don't teach that in all first grade classes, well, they ought to! Imagine a Mr. Robinson looking at the camera and saying, "hey little boys and girls, today we will learn about Congress where money talks and everything else is flushed down the toilet."
So, what is the issue on which business is not aboard yet?
Get this--it is climate change.
I know, I know, scientists have been talking about this forever, it seems like. But, hey, who cares about science and scientists unless they can show us the money, right?
Remember that old joke about a kid who was advised to study hard so that he can become an engineer, or a doctor, or a scientists, or even a lawyer, and he said he wanted to become a businessman so that he can buy the best engineer, the best doctor, the best scientist, and even the best lawyer (if there is one!)? Haha, the joke is on us idiots who didn't set out to make money!
Anyway, why get charged up, eh! Back to the news item then, which is about "the Risky Business Project"
an unusual collection of business and policy leaders determined to prepare American companies for climate change. It’s a prestigious club, counting a former senator, five former White House cabinet members, two former mayors and two billionaires in the group. The 10 men and women who serve on the governing committee don’t agree on much. Some are Democrats, some Republicans.So, what brings them together?
they all do agree on one issue: Shifts in weather over the next few decades will most likely cost American companies hundreds of billions of dollars, and they have no choice but to adapt.No way! Really? Climate change will have economic costs to businesses? Shut up already!
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| Yes, it is from that site, as always |
Yes, my sarcasm meter is registering high levels. Maybe I should calm down by thinking of the day's religious activity that will bring together the people of this exceptional country.
Crap, the sarcasm meter is showing even higher numbers! ;)
So, where was I?
if business feels the pain in its wallet, it will feel the heat to act, even on the coldest of days.Oh yeah, the business people whose hearts are bleeding that they won't be able to make money if we don't do something about this darn climate change.
The group is led by three men: Tom Steyer, the hedge fund billionaire whose super PAC spent $73 million last year attacking Republicans who denied climate change and promoting awareness of the issue; Henry M. Paulson Jr., the former chief executive of Goldman Sachs and the Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush; and Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City’s former mayor and the billionaire founder of the financial information company Bloomberg L.P.Of course. If Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg come together, then Congress will simply wag its tail.
Except ...
The news story about these rich white dudes worrying about climate change amping up the cost of doing business and cutting into the profit margin makes no mention of those other rich white dudes. You know, the new generation of Robber Barons. Still struggling to identify them? Tsk, tsk; I am referring to the Koch brothers.
The multi-billionaire Koch brothers are planning to spend a staggering $889 million in the 2016 election cycle, more than double what they spent in 2012. Politico called it “a historic sum that in many ways would mark Charles and David Koch and their fellow conservative megadonors as more powerful than the official Republican Party.”Awww, how cute that climate change is no longer a scientific issue but is one for a few billionaires to sort out while they collectively screw us and democracy itself!
... Koch Industries surpassed Exxon Mobil in funding climate science disinformation and clean energy opposition years ago. They have already become the biggest force for anti-science politicians at every level of government.
This $889 million announcement is a declaration of dependence on fossil fuels, a figurative declaration of war on a livable climate and the health and well-being of countless future generations.
3 comments:
Will there be any small businessmen on the panel? Will anyone consult Joe the plumber or the president of a company that employs only 50 or 15 people? A bunch of gazillionaires and politicians (worse, both) have little connection to the vast majority of businesses in this country. Do they actually understand the reality of trying to make payroll, meet current government regulations (from safety meetings to Obamacare) and maybe invest in new equipment? Can you say detached?
There is no denying something needs to be done. Imposing reforms on businesses will have a minor impact at best. Influencing personal choices will have a far greater impact.
Denial of climate change is largely an American phenomenon. European businesses as a contrast are far more ready to act. My old company has made a big play on Sustainability.
There are responsible businesses in the world. Not everybody is a Koch brother !
Well ... you two are being consistent in your respective frameworks. There is plenty to agree with your views, and some to disagree with as well.
But,given that neither one denies that we have to do something and not keep going the way we are, I won't harass you with why I disagree with some of your points. Well, I am sure there will be some of that in a future post or two ;)
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