Suzuki Fires Back

[buffycat]

To be honest Betsy I don't. The Liberals were no better in their enviromental postions than what the present day Conservatives are (note: they are NOT the conservatives of the past).

So, to be frank there is no partisanship when we are dealing with something so fundamental to all human life.

It is only demeaning it when petty political points are attempting to be scored by sadly delusional folk, called politicians.

[betsy]

To be honest Betsy I don't. The Liberals were no better in their enviromental postions than what the present day Conservatives are (note: they are NOT the conservatives of the past).

So, to be frank there is no partisanship when we are dealing with something so fundamental to all human life.

It is only demeaning it when petty political points are attempting to be scored by sadly delusional folk, called politicians.

What do you mean by a "partisan hack?" Can you please explain.

[Canuck E Stan]

What do you mean by a "partisan hack?" Can you please explain.

Partisan hack -A person who supports a political party or cause over other parties or causes.

[betsy]

Betsy, though I agree Suzuki leaves much to be desired - are you a partisan hack?

What do you mean by a "partisan hack?" Can you please explain.

Partisan hack -A person who supports a political party or cause over other parties or causes.

Thank you Canuck E Stan.

Well, then I am a partisan hack! I happen to believe and support the Conservative's idea of handling the environmental issue.

To be honest Betsy I don't. The Liberals were no better in their enviromental postions than what the present day Conservatives are (note: they are NOT the conservatives of the past).

Maybe we should give the Cons the equal amount of time....let's say a decade......before we compare their positions to that of the Liberals?

So, to be frank there is no partisanship when we are dealing with something so fundamental to all human life.

It is only demeaning it when petty political points are attempting to be scored by sadly delusional folk, called politicians.

How can we avoid partisanship? Two different approaches by two different sides. Take your pick.

And all the more partisanship runs high since the issue is so "fundamental to all human life." NOT JUST ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL aspect of it....but how the implementation of decision will have an impact on our economy....on our everyday lives!

And yes, sad to say.....David Suzuki and company (which includes most environmental activists and self-proclaimed environmental advocates) are not only dabbling, but neck-deep in their deliberate practice of partisanship! All we need is look at Elizabeth May, for starter.

And yes. We need to wake up!

[Topaz]

Suzuki explains: If Canada, which is one of the wealthiest countries in the world does not show leadership, how can countries like China follow our example?

I say, Baloney to that Mr. Suzuki! Either you're so naive....or an expert at spin!

Canada, which is one of the wealthiest countries in the world had always shown exemplary leadership in issues involving HUMAN RIGHTS since God knows when.

Do you see China following our lead?

Then he says: I told Baird frankly. "Mr Baird, you are not the Minister of Finance. You are the Minister of Environment."

And I remind Suzuki: Well, you are not an economist. You are just a blasted environmental activist!

Is this guy even an environmental scientist????

The answer to your question is this.... He got his BA from college in Mass. US in '58, PhD in zoology in Chicago on '61, has research in genetics, was a Professor in zoology from '63-2001 until he retired from BC university. He has 19 honorary degrees (all decoraties) from Canada, US and Australia. Now it seems to me that David has a little more experience in the environment than Baird has. Baird was the minister of energy for Ontario and didn't do much there either. I think its safe to say David has more life experience about the environment that the whole caucus of the Cons!

[Argus]

David Suzuki is a private citizen of Canada and a world-respected scientist who has been involved in public education for 30years. The criticism against a lot of scientists is that they can’t communicate at the level that the general public can easily grasp. Dr. Suzuki has this talent and has put it to the benefit of us all.

As a private citizen, Dr. Suzuki has every right to speak out and criticize the government just as the rest of us do. His advantage is that he has access to the scientific community to support his positions. So he is definitely within bounds when he makes public statements.

John Baird is the Environment Minister and is paid to be the Environment Minister. He is not within bounds when he takes on positions to represent the Finance Ministry over his own Environment Ministry.

Don't be absurd. Baird can only do what cabinet says he can do, and that includes Finance. The cabinet and government have to juggle multiple balls, and can't focus exclusively on one issue, as Suzuki can. They have to keep the economy and its various sectors in mind when they decide policy.

[Argus]

None of this is a partisan issue - when will folk wake the heck up?

...

Of course it's partisan. It's the time-worn fight between the squishy hearted, feel good, bleeding heart Left, which eschews any interest in the nuts and bolts and economics of money and just wants to spend it all on their current fashionable crusade - and the nuts and bolts money guys on the Right who want to know what it all costs and what the affect will be on the economy and its various sectors and on the budget and on taxes.

[Wilber]

David Suzuki has the advantage of never having to come up with the policies which will actually impact the lives of Canadians or have to take personal responsibility for them unless he runs for office and gains a position of responsibility. That makes it so much easier to be a critic and tell those who are that you are disappointed in them.

[noahbody]

I think its safe to say David has more life experience about the environment that the whole caucus of the Cons!

What does 'life experience' have to do with it? (hint: nothing)

[Who's Doing What?]

Of course it's partisan. It's the time-worn fight between the squishy hearted, feel good, bleeding heart Left, which eschews any interest in the nuts and bolts and economics of money and just wants to spend it all on their current fashionable crusade - and the nuts and bolts money guys on the Right who want to know what it all costs and what the affect will be on the economy and its various sectors and on the budget and on taxes.

This is the mentality that retards any real progress.

[noahbody]

David Suzuki can kiss my hairy, yellow butt.

[betsy]

The answer to your question is this.... He got his BA from college in Mass. US in '58, PhD in zoology in Chicago on '61, has research in genetics, was a Professor in zoology from '63-2001 until he retired from BC university. He has 19 honorary degrees (all decoraties) from Canada, US and Australia. Now it seems to me that David has a little more experience in the environment than Baird has. Baird was the minister of energy for Ontario and didn't do much there either. I think its safe to say David has more life experience about the environment that the whole caucus of the Cons!

You know....any average well-read citizen will somehow have a grasp about the environment...the facts...the lies...whatever there is one would like to know. I'm sure there are books and theories galore available right at your fingertips. Especially when environmentalists are trying to sacre the pants off everyone.

But does Suzuki have any understanding at all about ECONOMICS?

I would assume....none.

That's why he's trying to shove it under the rug...and wouldn't want to talk about it. Doesn't want Baird to talk about it.

I would bet Baird has more than adequate knowledge about what's going on about the environment - the lies, the truth, the histrionics, whatever - MORE THAN Suzuki has any knowledge about finance.

And I would say that Baird is more likely looking at the issue in an objective way...wheras Suzuki' tunnel vision is fueled by passion.

My point is: it's like the pot calling the kettle black.

Suzuki is nothing more than an environmental hobbyist...or activist.

[Keepitsimple]

The answer to your question is this.... He got his BA from college in Mass. US in '58, PhD in zoology in Chicago on '61, has research in genetics, was a Professor in zoology from '63-2001 until he retired from BC university. He has 19 honorary degrees (all decoraties) from Canada, US and Australia. Now it seems to me that David has a little more experience in the environment than Baird has. Baird was the minister of energy for Ontario and didn't do much there either. I think its safe to say David has more life experience about the environment that the whole caucus of the Cons!

You know....any average well-read citizen will somehow have a grasp about the environment...the facts...the lies...whatever there is one would like to know, I'm sure there are books and theories galore available right at your fingertips. Especially when environmentalists are trying to sacre the pants off everyone.

But does Suzuki have any understanding at all about ECONOMICS?

I would assume....none.

That's why he's trying to shove it under the rug...and wouldn't want to talk about it. Doesn't want Baird to talk about.

I would bet Baird has more than adequate knowledge about what's going on about the environment - the lies, the truth, the histrionics, whatever - MORE THAN Suzuki has any knowledge about finance.

And I would say that Baird is more likely looking at the issue in an objective way...wheras Suzuki' tunnel vision is fueled by passion.

My point is: it's like the pot calling the kettle black.

Suzuki is nothing more than an environmental hobbyist...or activist.

Well said...and I don't understand why more people can't see that. Just about every environmentalist that gets publicity will either not talk about the economic consequences of drastic action or they simply dismiss it. Climate change is a 100 year project for all of us. It starts by changing a mindset and making incremental changes to the way we live and the way the economy works. A steady, continuous direction is what we need as we blend the environment with the economy. Building a framework of legislation and regulation that people understand - and measuring the results....that's the proper way to go about it. Action and results. Will we get results? Let's give it a chance.

[Canuck E Stan]

Action and results. Will we get results? Let's give it a chance.

That's why I never faulted 2050.

Those that want it now, have no idea what the end result in the short term will do.....and all these demands for 2% of the global problem.

[Argus]

Of course it's partisan. It's the time-worn fight between the squishy hearted, feel good, bleeding heart Left, which eschews any interest in the nuts and bolts and economics of money and just wants to spend it all on their current fashionable crusade - and the nuts and bolts money guys on the Right who want to know what it all costs and what the affect will be on the economy and its various sectors and on the budget and on taxes.

This is the mentality that retards any real progress.

Yeah, it's all about progress, and who cares about the bills. That's why nobody has ever or will ever trust the NDP and its ilk to run the federal government.

[Topaz]

I thinks its time for David to run for office and then become minister of the Environment and show everyone how its done!!!!!!!!

[Who's Doing What?]

Yeah, it's all about progress, and who cares about the bills.

When people like yourself make it seem like the two cannot co-exist yes that mentality does retard real progress.

[betsy]

I thinks its time for David to run for office and then become minister of the Environment and show everyone how its done!!!!!!!!

Yeah!

I wanna see if he'll still go full throttle with his tunnel vision....if he'd still let his fanaticism rule his head, making irresponsible decisions with total disregard to the impact in our society.

After all, it's true what Wilber says. Suzuki right now, has nothing at stake...no office to lose...no accountability to face.

What is obvious is that Suzuki seems to be getting his rocks off scaring the helluva out of everyone.

He seems to relish the hysteria he is fueling. And this hysteria is catching!

Face it, he loves the limelight!

But of course, without any catastrophic event facing the world....how can an environmental activist bask in full glory?

Gosh, what a rush! It must be quite heady especially when many certain people begin to see you as "the saviour."

[betsy]

If our economy gets whacked, you bet your bottom bippy there'll be a "climate change" in Canada alright. Our lives will change. What do you do with those hundreds of thousands of people who'd lose their jobs? To businesses who'd lose a great chunk of consumers? And so on...

It's easy to say,"oh this green environment will create new jobs." They see everything in the crystal ball, don't they? But what happens if the crystal ball was only telling lies?

A struggling, and financially-strapped Canada will not do the environment any good.

And you bet we'll be kissing our "leadership" in the international stage goodbye.

[betsy]

Somehow, this reminds me of the Y2K panic....except, on a much, much super grandiose scale.

Darn, I fell for that one!

[madmax]

David Suzuki can kiss my hairy, yellow butt.

too much detail....

way too much detail...

[madmax]

You know....any average well-read citizen will somehow have a grasp about the environment...the facts...the lies...whatever there is one would like to know. I'm sure there are books and theories galore available right at your fingertips. Especially when environmentalists are trying to sacre the pants off everyone.

I agree with the above.

But does Suzuki have any understanding at all about ECONOMICS?

Econonics is affected by the environment. The environment can be affected by economics. I have no idea of Suzukis economic background. I do know that there was a well respected economist whom spoke loudly about the need to act and the effects on the economy if we failed to act or acted insufficiently.

I would bet Baird has more than adequate knowledge about what's going on about the environment -

I have no idea regarding Bairds knowledge of the environment. I would take Suzukis opinion of the environment over John Bairds any day of the week. John Baird has not held this file for very long. He is on a crash course and has a policy to fullfill.

Suzuki is nothing more than an environmental hobbyist...or activist.

That is exactly what David Suzuki is. David Suzuki is an environmental activist.

John Baird, on the other hand put out a hilarious piece of propoganda to scare the pants off everyone, so that he could sell his very limited environmental plan.

This issue has been hijacked by fearmongerers on both sides.

The Liberals had to put into a Bill that action had to occur and be completed within 4 years.

The CPC pretended it had to occur in 1 year, seeing that the Liberals were being hypocritical.

Neither option were realistic and both plans were pure posturing to push forward their agendas.

For the CPC it was to invoke fear in job loss and the economy and based a bunch of nonsense around inflated prices and action by 2008.

For the LPC it was more about, hey, remember us, hey, were green, hey, we like May, hey, you should do this by 2012 because we didn't do anything, so you better do it, because, hey, we got Dion now and we are Green, we really mean it this time.

KNowing full well, that if they were in government they too would not try to invoke this plan in such a wreckless manner after having sat on their hands for 10years.

The CPC would like this issue to go away. It won't. They know it won't.

The proposal by Baird, is a crawl. There is a pace that can be done to start the process to address climate change that will include walking.

The proposals by the Gliberals is one to run all the way to economic ruin first, although the Liberals really don't mean it. It is just talk.

Does Baird go far enough? He hasn't as an environment minister. Does this mean it's over or that we are going to start sprinting after years of sitting on our hands.

I don't think so.

[weaponeer]

I watched a documentary once with Suzuki awhile back. He was going on about climate change and overpopulation. Too many people overcrowding the planet. Then I found out he has 5 kids........

[madmax]

I watched a documentary once with Suzuki awhile back. He was going on about climate change and overpopulation. Too many people overcrowding the planet. Then I found out he has 5 kids........

Life has many ironies. Like the smoker who is smart enough to know smoking causes lung cancer but isn't wise enough to stop.

Glad to see you found the internet service. Welcome back.

[JerrySeinfeld]

The environmental crowd has a tough time with credibility.

I mean, from the "overpopulation scare" (Late 60's) to "global cooling" (1973) to the "ozone layer" (80's and 90's - hey how 'bout that shrinking hole ozone layer eh?) and now "climate change", the end of the world is never quite close enough for this crisis crowd.

I'm surprised they haven't found a way to blame the tsunami on humans. - hey: maybe there's an idea for Al Gore's follow up feature!!!