Author Archives: AmberPkk

Watch: Dick Cheney’s Utter Lack of Self-Awareness on Iraq

by AmberPkk Posted on June 19, 2014

Mother Jones

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Mother Jones Washington bureau chief David Corn stopped by Hardball to talk with Chris Matthews and the Huffington Post‘s Howard Fineman about Dick and Liz Cheney’s op-ed criticizing President Obama’s response to the Iraq crisis. Also, read David on the seven talking points you need for discussing Iraq.

David Corn is Mother Jones’ Washington bureau chief. For more of his stories, click here. He’s also on Twitter.

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Watch: Dick Cheney’s Utter Lack of Self-Awareness on Iraq

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WATCH: Front-Runner in GOP Senate Primary Says Planned Parenthood Wants to Kill Newborns

by AmberPkk Posted on March 12, 2014

Mother Jones

According to North Carolina GOP Senate candidate Greg Brannon, Planned Parenthood has a secret plan to legalize the killing of newborn babies as old as three months. Brannon, a Rand Paul-backed obstetrician who is a front-runner for the GOP nomination, made the allegations at a November fundraiser for Hand of Hope, a chain of crisis pregnancy centers he operates in North Carolina.

Well how far will it go? Last year, February 29, 2012, the Journal of Ethics in Australia, they debated that. They said we already know abortion is fine, why stop in the womb? Why not three months after. Why should we end the responsibility at that point? It could happen in America. Florida’s trying to do it right now and so is Georgia. Planned Parenthood. Because we allowed that slippery slope. Every human being deserves life, liberty, and property.

Brannon’s statement appears to be based on testimony given last year by a lobbyist for the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. Asked how the organization’s physicians would respond if a baby were born alive during an abortion, the lobbyist appeared confused and said she’d have to check. But in a follow-up statement, Barbara Zdravecky, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, unambiguously rejected the notion: “In the extremely unlikely event that the scenario presented by the legislators ever happened, of course Planned Parenthood would provide appropriate care to both the woman and the infant.”

“These absurd and patently false claims by Greg Brannon demonstrate just how extreme and out of touch he is when it comes to women’s health issues—and the rest of the Republican Senate candidates in North Carolina are just as dangerous,” Planned Parenthood Action Fund Executive Vice President Dawn Laguens said in a statement. Brannon’s campaign did not respond to request for clarification.

In the same speech, Brannon said women get abortions because of the same nihilistic worldview that causes them to believe in evolution. “We have people who believe they evolve from nothing, they came from nothing, they’ll go to nothing, and today doesn’t matter, so when they have a mistake, why not move on?,” he said.

The most recent survey of the race, from Public Policy Polling, showed Brannon tied with Thom Tillis, the speaker of the state house of representatives, for the Republican nomination—and running even with Sen. Kay Hagan (R-N.C.) in a hypothetical November matchup.

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WATCH: Front-Runner in GOP Senate Primary Says Planned Parenthood Wants to Kill Newborns

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Oh rot: Climate change could topple Northwest’s Douglas fir forests

by AmberPkk Posted on January 31, 2014

Oh rot: Climate change could topple Northwest’s Douglas fir forests

By

BLM

Root-rotting fungi have lived among the Douglas firs of the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years — perhaps since the last ice age. They’re an invisible part of the sweeping forest scenery, ready to fell a sick tree or feast on a dead one.

But, in case you haven’t noticed, things have been going a tad crazy with the environment lately. Douglas firs in the Pacific Northwest have been dying, costing the timber industry millions of dollars a year. Some have been killed by beetle attacks; others by fungal diseases. Tree die-offs in the region have become so bad that scientists fear the natural carbon sink — that is, a place where plants pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere — is turning into a net emitter of the greenhouse gas.

And scientists fear the problem will grow worse as the globe continues to warm. A new report warns that climate change threatens to usher in an era of unprecedented root-rotting fungus infestations.

“Root diseases in managed western forests are a major contributor to the loss in timber productivity, revenues, and environmental benefits — negative impacts that will likely continue to increase, especially in the context of climate change,” states the report, which was published by the Washington State Academy of Sciences. “Anticipated climate change could increase the spread rate of the pathogen as well as host susceptibility.”

Laminated root rot, one of several major tree diseases caused by fungi in the region, is already thought to be reducing timber harvests by 5 to 15 percent. Warming temperatures combined with reduced snow and rainfall are forecast for the North American range of Douglas firs, and that’s expected to further “stress” the trees. Fungal pathogens tend to prey on weak individuals.

“Additional host stress is the primary driver of the assumption that diseases such as laminated root rot will increase,” Karen Ripley, a forest health manager with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, told us. “Because the host tree is likely to be more moisture stressed, the fungus may be more able to overcome host defenses, and the host may be less able to compensate for loss of roots.”

Even if the fungus doesn’t kill directly, an attack can leave trees vulnerable to fire, to beetles, or to toppling over in strong winds — and climate models warn of stronger wind storms in the region. Some dead trees are good for a forest, as they provide holes used for nests by birds and other wildlife. But trees killed by fungus tend to fall over and break down quickly.


Source
Opportunities for addressing laminated root rot caused by Phellinus sulphurascens in Washington’s forests, Washington State Academy of Sciences
Root rot to become bigger problem for Douglas firs, study suggests, The Spokesman-Review

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.

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Oh rot: Climate change could topple Northwest’s Douglas fir forests

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Phillips 66 kills hundreds of birds in Texas, gets fined by feds

by AmberPkk Posted on November 28, 2013

Phillips 66 kills hundreds of birds in Texas, gets fined by feds

By

Larry Meade

Less than a week after announcing $1 million in penalties for Duke Energy for failing to protect birds from its wind turbines in Wyoming, the feds have announced a similar settlement involving bird deaths caused by a much dirtier energy source.

Last year, hundreds of migratory birds made the mistake of stopping at a 22-acre brine water pond in Hutchinson County, Texas. It was not the nourishing stopover they were expecting. The water in the brine pond, maintained by Phillips 66, was poisonous. About 260 birds were killed, mostly teal, a type of duck. The Amarillo Globe-News reports:

Company officials reported the incident to wildlife officials in August 2012 and began taking steps to keep migratory birds from the pond, according to information from the company’s compliance settlement.

Phillips … established an emergency treatment center for injured birds at the Borger facility, installed bird deterrent devices and contracted with another firm to keep birds away from the pond with a boat and air horns, federal authorities said.

Under terms of the agreement announced Wednesday, Phillips has agreed to make a $200,000 donation to the South Plains Wildlife Center, pay $10,000 in restitution and pay a $50,000 fine. The company also agreed to pay $38,820 to Texas Parks and Wildlife for the value of the birds.

In exchange for the company’s mitigation efforts, authorities will not prosecute Phillips under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or other federal laws if the company continues to comply with terms of the agreement.

Each year, an estimated 500,000 to 1 million birds are killed in oil-industry pits and wastewater disposal facilities, according to a 2011 study. “The pits attract aquatic migratory birds, such as ducks and grebes, as well as hawks, owls, songbirds, bats, insects, small mammals, and big game,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports.

It’s nice to know the feds are keeping their eye on dirty energy sources as well as clean ones as they enforce the country’s environmental laws.


Source
Phillips to pay $300K settlement for bird deaths, Amarillo Globe-News

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.

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Phillips 66 kills hundreds of birds in Texas, gets fined by feds

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The Public Is Massively Opposed to Shutting Down the Government Over Obamacare

by AmberPkk Posted on September 23, 2013

Mother Jones

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The public is generally opposed to defunding Obamacare, but it’s a close call. However, when the question is whether it’s worth shutting down the government in order to defund Obamacare, it’s not a close call at all according to a new CNBC poll:

Opposition to defunding increases sharply when the issue of shutting down the government and defaulting is included. In that case, Americans oppose defunding 59 percent to 19 percent, with 18 percent of respondents unsure.

….When including the issue of a government shutdown and default, [] 48 percent of Republicans oppose defunding Obamacare, while 36 percent support it. However, a 54 percent majority of Republicans who also identify themselves as Tea Party supporters want the new health care law defunded even if it means a government shutdown — the only demographic measured in the poll with such a majority.

….Independents are more troubled by the prospect of defunding Obamacare and shutting down the government than the broader population. In general, they oppose defunding by a slight plurality of 44 percent to 40 percent. However, when the issue of shutting down the government is included, opposition to the measure swells to 65 percent, while support drops to just 14 percent.

Nobody wants to shut down the government over Obamacare except for hard-core tea partiers. Among independents, opposition to hostage taking is an amazing 65-14 percent. Now tell me again about how Republicans are somehow going to convince the public to blame a shutdown on Democrats?

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The Public Is Massively Opposed to Shutting Down the Government Over Obamacare

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American meat labeling laws bolstered; Canadians indignant

by AmberPkk Posted on May 24, 2013

American meat labeling laws bolstered; Canadians indignant

By John Upton

Shutterstock

Would you eat the bacon from this pig if you knew it was Canadian?

Wee life stories documenting the globetrotting lives of pigs, cows, and chickens raised for slaughter will soon be posted on packages of meat sold in the U.S.

But the new miniature memoirs — such as “Born in Canada, raised and slaughtered in the United States” — have outraged Canadian agricultural officials. They’re mulling a trade war, because the labels will help American grocery shoppers “discriminate” against Canadian-born poultry, swine, and cattle.

Large retailers are also oinking in angry disapproval, saying the labeling rule will be an expensive hassle for them.

In 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture directed retailers to put country of origin labels on many types of food, including meat, fruit, and vegetables. That additional information triggered a decline in meat imports from Canada and Mexico, as shoppers opted to buy more American-reared protein. Canada and Mexico complained about the rule to the World Trade Organization, saying the labels were discriminatory, and the WTO ruled in their favor, giving the U.S. until Thursday to update its labeling regulations.

On Thursday, the USDA issued its new rules. To the dismay of the Canadians, the new rules require more detailed labels to be put on meat. They also put an end to the sale of packages containing meat from animals that were born or raised in different countries. The rules take effect immediately, but the USDA is offering retailers a six-month grace period before enforcement begins.

From Reuters:

Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the changes are disappointing, and don’t comply with WTO rules.

Ritz said one of Canada’s options under consideration is asking the WTO to approve retaliation against U.S. products, but he would not say which products Canada would most likely target. In the past, he has said Canada would likely aim at more goods than just U.S. meat.

“We have no intention of backing off or backing down, if the Americans think this is a game of chicken,” Ritz said. “We will do everything within our power to make sure they understand that both Canadian industry as well as American industry (are) totally rejecting what they came forward with today.”

COOL [country of origin labeling rules] was backed by U.S. consumer groups and some U.S. farm groups. It was opposed by trade groups representing U.S. cattle and hog producers and foodmakers.

“People have the right to know where the food they feed their families comes from,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food and Water Watch.

Yo, Canadian officials and WTO peeps: “Discrimination” is a lousy word and you know it. It’s not that Americans are hating on your swine. It’s just that the international livestock trade and the long-distance hauling of meat are both unnecessary and bad for the climate.

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who

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Moniz confirmed as energy secretary, McCarthy’s EPA nomination advances

by AmberPkk Posted on May 17, 2013

Moniz confirmed as energy secretary, McCarthy’s EPA nomination advances

By John Upton

MIT

Here’s Ernest.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stopped throwing a temper tantrum and took a deep breath for long enough Thursday to allow the Senate to unanimously confirm Ernest Moniz as secretary of energy.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor and fossil fuel-industry fan was confirmed with a 97-0 vote. The vote had been delayed more than three weeks by Graham in protest over $200 million of planned nuclear energy budget cuts in his state.

Moniz served as an energy undersecretary in the Clinton administration and he is replacing Steven Chu, also a physicist, who is stepping down from the department’s top job.

From the AP, via the Washington Post:

Obama hailed Moniz as “a world-class scientist with expertise in a range of energy sources and a leader with a proven record of bringing prominent thinkers and innovators together to advance new energy solutions.”

Moniz shares his belief that “the United States must lead the world in developing more sustainable sources of energy that create new jobs and new industries, and in responding to the threat of global climate change,” Obama said in a statement.

Environmentalists have warned that Moniz could place energy industry interests ahead of environmental protections. We told you in March about his links to BP, General Electric, Saudi Aramco, Shell, Chevron, and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. Big Oil likes him, but so, too, does the cleantech sector, which straddles the energy industry and the climate movement. From a statement issued by Solar Energy Industries Association President Rhone Resch:

Ernest Moniz will be an outstanding Secretary of Energy.  As a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor, an expert in energy issues and a veteran of Washington politics, he is uniquely qualified to tackle the many policy challenges facing our nation and the world.  In today’s combative political environment, his unanimous selection in the Senate stands as a testament to his abilities, as well as to the respect he brings to his new position.  We look forward to working with Secretary Moniz on policies and opportunities which will create new American jobs, expand the U.S. economy and provide energy security for our nation.

Oh, and about that three-week delay in the confirmation vote? Graham insists it was nothing personal. Just politics, ya know? From the AP again:

Graham made clear Thursday he had nothing against Moniz, calling him a “fine fellow.” Graham said he has other “leverage points” to continue putting pressure on the Obama administration to fully fund the Savannah River project.

Also Thursday, the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee cleared Obama’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency by a 10-8 vote along partisan lines. The full Senate will now consider Gina McCarthy’s nomination, though more trouble is brewing.

The committee vote was delayed last week by a different Republican tantrum, this one over claims that the EPA hasn’t answered all of the questions put to it by senators. And despite Thursday’s vote, Republicans are threatening to filibuster McCarthy’s nomination over the same complaint once the nomination reaches the Senate floor, The New York Times reported.

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who

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Moniz confirmed as energy secretary, McCarthy’s EPA nomination advances

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Do Conservatives or Liberals Have Better Gaydar?

by AmberPkk Posted on March 22, 2013

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Last week the conservative world was roiled by prominent Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s dramatic reversal on the issue of gay marriage. Having learned two years earlier that his son, a college junior, is gay, Portman says he struggled deeply with the issue—and finally pulled a Dick Cheney, coming out politically in favor of the same-sex marriages that many grassroots conservatives find viscerally abhorrent. In an op-ed explaining his reasoning, Portman noted that he and his wife were “surprised to learn” that their son is gay—but added that they now have “a more complete picture of the son we love.”

Here’s an interesting question: How do conservatives arrive at their assumptions about who is or isn’t gay—in the absence of those people coming out to them directly?

A new paper just out in the March issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology casts surprising light on this subject.

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Mother Jones
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Do Conservatives or Liberals Have Better Gaydar?

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