But Not For Me
By Mitch Berg
Debra Saunders dings on Algore – and, more importantly, the “carbon neutrality” cult in Hollywood:
I used to figure that rich sinners, who bought “indulgences” from the Catholic Church before the Protestant Reformation, would be ashamed of the bargain that other churchgoers looked upon with scorn and derision.
But lo, on Academy Awards night, the stars were quite impressed with themselves for participating in a “carbon-neutral” event. Cozy up to the Natural Resources Defense Council, and all those private flights, limo rides and multiple homes disappear. Almost like special effects.
I know that the word on many readers’ lips is: hypocrisy.
For those in Hollywood who esteem themselves as “leaders” in society’s fight to save itself (see also George Clooney’s speech at last year’s Oscarpalooza), one of the first principles of leadership is “never ask someone else to do what you’re not willing to do yourself”.
But the real issue is that the most effective spokesman for global warming apparently doesn’t think he has to show personal leadership by curbing his energy consumption. The same goes for [California’s SUV-driving Senator and “environmentalist” Diane] Feinstein and [California’s SUV-driving Governor and “environmentalist” Arnold] Schwarzenegger, who are happy to push for laws that make other people cut their emissions, but are far too affluent to cut back themselves.
“With the future so open to doubt,” Gore wrote in his 1992 book “Earth in the Balance,”we routinely choose to indulge our own generation at the expense of all who will follow.”
Now Gore has a spokesperson who explains his indulgence — er, offset — policy. And it apparently doesn’t matter that Gore’s behavior signals to global-warming agnostics (like me), and to global-warming believers, that the climate situation must not be that dire after all.
“Carbon neutrality” is to environmentalism was Scientology is to faith: a fabulist’s way of buying peace of mind.
When I see any of their motorcades switching to Priuses – er, Prii? – then maybe I’ll pay attention.
Being “carbon neutral” isn’t cutting carbon output; it’s playing a shell game that you hope everyone is too stupid to figure out.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
The future always has been and always will be “open to doubt”.
Deal with it.
March 8th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
“When I see any of their motorcades switching to Priuses – er, Prii? – then maybe I’ll pay attention.”
Which is exactly like saying a 500 pound man who slims down to 250 is not serious about weight loss because he sill weighs 100 more than average. But will this do?
“Stars Skipping Gas Guzzlers; Arriving in Eco-Friendly Vehicles – 5th Year of Global Green’s Red Carpet/Green Cars Campaign
Los Angeles, CA. (February 23, 2007) – To shine the light on solutions to climate change and lend their star power to the problem of global warming, some of the world’s biggest celebrities are choosing to arrive at the Academy Awards in ‘green cars’. Instead of stretch limos or SUV’s, they’ll be arriving in eco-friendly hybrids, electric sports cars and other green vehicles. Celebrities and notable individuals participating this year include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Penelope Cruz, Forest Whittaker, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Gosling, Gwyneth Paltrow, Al and Tipper Gore, Melissa Etheridge, Davis Guggenheim and Elisabeth Shue, Larry and Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Z. Burns, Lesley Chilcott.”
That is 15 motorcades. Of course, this does not count all the hybrid SUVs and other fuel efficient options.
March 8th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Actually it’s more like a 500 lb guy who trims down to 250 harshing a 150 lb guy because there is now way the smaller guy could ever lose 250 lbs. No way. Guy’s got no self control.
March 8th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
“…they’ll be arriving in eco-friendly hybrids, electric sports cars and other green vehicles.”
After which they will be jetting off to Cannes, Vail, Cancun, Washington D.C.
Maybe Al Gore can sell them some more carbon credits.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Kermit:
Spoken like a true conservative. Mitch makes a straight up deal and you are already weaseling out of it for him.
March 9th, 2007 at 7:32 am
“Carbon neutrality” is to environmentalism was Scientology is to faith”
I’m sure Al Gore will sell you some carbon credits too, Rick.
Halleluja!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:19 am
Too bad Ken Lay is gone. He could probably make a killing selling Carbon Credits.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Kermit and bovious:
If you act fast maybe you can get hired for the “1/2 Hour News Hour” – before it goes off the air.
March 9th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Nice one, RickDFL. Wingnuts are often funny, but almost never on purpose.
March 10th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Looks like defeat has been conceded. I bet we see Mitch at the video store picking up a copy of Al Gore’s movie.