Time columnist Joe Klein’s article in the magazine this week is titled "Kill Your Air Conditioner." Klein detests the quality of air-conditioned air, and thinks everyone in America ought to live to his tastes: "The unnecessary refrigeration of America has become a chronic disease." Air-conditioning is "bad for the planet," he writes, but "Unfortunately, it is not as bad as I’d like it to be." He sides with Jimmy Carter and the "dreadful cardigan sweater" over the Bush-Cheney policy of "malignant neglect." Klein says we should break out the thermostat police as a presidential campaign issue. "I'd like to see both candidates call for an immediate 5deg.F thermostat adjustment, just to get the conservation ball rolling."
No one should ever suggest that liberals always believe "If it feels good, do it," at least when it comes to consumer comforts. How does Klein foresee checking up on every American’s thermostat adjustment? Or would the nanny state begin by cracking down on hotels and commercial buildings? Klein began his lecture by lamenting how an innkeeper had to keep the AC on for a 75-degree day:
The unnecessary refrigeration of America has become a chronic disease. It seems to have gotten worse over the past few years, with thermostats routinely set at 68deg.F, and sometimes even 65 deg., in the (far too many) hotel rooms I've suffered on the campaign trail. "Americans seem to keep their houses cooler in summer than they do in the winter," muses Edward Parson, an environmental expert at the University of Michigan Law School. But it's hard to know for sure, since there are no comprehensive studies that measure air-conditioning trend lines.
I will confess a bias here. I love warm weather, even when it slouches toward humidity. I detest the harsh, slightly metallic quality of the air forced through even the fanciest AC systems. The only air conditioner I own sits, unused, in my car; my home is happily unrefrigerated. But given the energy mess we're in, I can now gild my personal preference with a patina of high-mindedness: air-conditioning is bad for the planet, and for national security, and for our balance-of-payments deficit.
Unfortunately, it is not as bad as I'd like it to be — in part because not all of our electricity is provided by fossil fuels (although coal does predominate). And also because air-conditioning represents a relatively small slice of our energy use, an estimated 4%.
At this point, as Klein wishes the crisis were greater, we should note the opposite of air-conditioning can be heat-wave deaths. Here, Klein could have a feisty debate with other liberals, like Eric Klinenberg on Slate, who suggests "heat waves kill more people in the United States than all of the other so-called natural disasters combined."
Klein wants to ban AC to save the planet, but other "save the planet" leftists see 52,000 European heat-wave deaths and lament what craven consumerism has already done for "climate change."
Naturally, Klein followed up with the usual liberal exhortation that we should all conserve, but George W. Bush didn't have the courage after 9/11 to demand sacrifice from the people:
There is a certain reluctance among politicians to proselytize about energy conservation. It's not as sexy as promoting high-tech gizmos like photovoltaic arrays or electric cars. It reminds people — of a certain age — of Jimmy Carter, in his dreadful cardigan sweater, telling them to set their thermostats at 68deg.F in winter to conserve oil. Carter was certainly right about that one — heating represents nearly twice (roughly 7%) the energy usage that air-conditioning does. By contrast, the Bush Administration has had a policy of malignant neglect, enunciated by Dick Cheney, who once called conservation a "sign of personal virtue" but not a national goal. "After Carter, sacrifice became a hot-button word," Schipper says. "But there's a reasonable position between sacrifice and just being foolish."
Actually, George W. Bush's failure to call for sacrifice — and fuel conservation would have been a great one — after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has been one of the great failures of his presidency. The next President will not have the luxury of that sort of indolence, and, happily, both Barack Obama and John McCain have been talking about conservation as a means to get our energy situation under control. So why not start now? I'd like to see both candidates call for an immediate 5deg.F thermostat adjustment, just to get the conservation ball rolling — and because it would be a "personal virtue" for each candidate to ask it of us. And I'd like to wish you all a nice, warmer summer.
The column's subhead in the magazine was "Solving the energy crisis requires sacrifice. For the good of the country, we should be sweating." (In the cheeky photo-illustration, Klein is waving a fan decorated like the American flag.) But didn't Klein write that it wasn't enough of a crisis? It's here where you ponder about how media crisis-hype has a political end -- to induce the voter to accept greater government mandates.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Can someone out there in
July 2, 2008 - 06:39 ET by seanrobinsCan someone out there in New York City please stop by the Time magazine offices and check out the thermostat settings. Can anyone imagine that the AC is not running hard to keep their little lefty columnists comfortable?
sean robins
blog.seanrobins.com
Socialist control is coming to your thermostat
July 2, 2008 - 08:55 ET by PopularTechThese comments may seem extreme but they have already tried to push this legislation through in California:
Big Brother to control thermostats in homes? (WorldNetDaily)
The lib.. social.. I mean environmentalists will stop at nothing to implement full control over your energy usage. Man-Made Global Warming is all about energy control and control over your lives.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
If this numb-nuts has kids,
July 2, 2008 - 06:43 ET by KillgraveIf this numb-nuts has kids, I feel really, really sorry for them.
I can see them now, eating plain granola by the glare of a solitary florescent light bulb, in a sweltering 90-degree house.
Are Liberals the Real Conseratives
July 2, 2008 - 06:50 ET by allanfIt seems that liberals are actually the real conservatives. Liberals like Klein want to move us back to a pre-industrialized state. Now that's conservative.
Reactionaries
July 2, 2008 - 06:54 ET by UnsaneOr reactionary.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Pattern Your LIfe After Me
July 2, 2008 - 06:54 ET by iconoclastSince he likes the heat, Klien doesn't consider not using an A/C a sacrafice. He just wants everyone to think like him. You know, it's part of the all inclusive, tolerant, accepting, everyone's unique leftist policy. Yeah, right.
Sort of like: all animals
July 2, 2008 - 07:13 ET by dvdaughtrySort of like: all animals are equal, but some more equal than others.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
Speaking of thermostat monitoring by the nanny state
July 2, 2008 - 06:45 ET by Prester JohnI seem to recall that last year was a proposal in California to install exactly such a device in all homes.
Utility companies are
July 2, 2008 - 13:24 ET by Eileen RightUtility companies are pushing hard for this. A couple of years ago I had a new AC unit and furnace installed, I still receive calls from SDG&E trying to install a monitoring unit that will allow for denial of use when they or the state deem necessary.
Wow, that's really sexy!
July 2, 2008 - 06:50 ET by WingletDriver"It's not as sexy as promoting high-tech gizmos like photovoltaic arrays or electric cars." What makes me think that Joe and I have a different view of what sexy is?
You saw how well Klein's suggestion worked in New Orleans post-Katrina: no power, no air conditioning. He admittedly likes it warm and humid. I'm sure the folks in New Orleans have a different view of the world.
The funny thing about idiots like Klein (Yes, Joe, you're an idiot) is they don't recognize simple results of modern life: life expectancy is up (even under Bush/Cheney), infant mortality is down (except if you're unfortunate enough to be conceived by a democrat), food production is way up (so much so that the "poor" in America are likely to be obese, standards of living are way up, education rates are up (although what passes for education today is a sham), access to medical care is way up (unless you're in Canada or the UK). These inconvenient truths don't fit his worldview that humans are killing themselves and the rest of the world, so he is blind to them. Even more inconvenient is that the measurable advancement of mankind is directly attributable to our ability to harness energy and distribute it efficiently.
I dont know, Winglet. I
July 2, 2008 - 08:48 ET by misterbee241I dont know, Winglet. I think "idiot" is too generous a name for people like Klein. Something further down the food chain would be better, like... nightcrawler.
Think about it. A nightcrawler is at the bottom of the food chain, only good for feeding fish and birds, it has no brain to speak of, it is asexual meaning it reproduces with itself, it eats dirt and lives in a hole in the ground, only coming out when it rains. Its only positive attribute is it's good for flower gardens.
I think nightcrawler fits liberals quite well.
"There is none so blind as they that won’t see."
Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Didn't someone not long ago
July 2, 2008 - 06:51 ET by motherbeltDidn't someone not long ago suggest thermostats with a factory-installed governor on them that would only allow a certain range?
Air-conditioning is "bad for the planet," he writes, but "Unfortunately, it is not as bad as I’d like it to be."
You'd like the situation to be even worse??????
And on that note, I'm going to look for my duct tape.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
No AC?
July 2, 2008 - 06:55 ET by BlondeThis idiot is welcome to come to South Florida and live with no a.c. I'd be happy to rent him a rent-a-wreck (by definition, no a.c.) so he could get into a 120 degree car with no hope of cooling off, ever.
I don't want a presidential candidate who calls for me to sacrafice. That's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life (including Jimmuh).
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Sacrifice
July 2, 2008 - 07:17 ET by UnsaneLeftists are all about the government calling for "sacrifice" because they want the population to bitch and moan all the while and vote them into power.
But what I find the most amusing is that those who constantly whine for sacrifice do absolutely none of their own. Shouldn't they be taking the lead???
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
I vote we cut off the AC in
July 2, 2008 - 10:21 ET by dscottI vote we cut off the AC in Klein's workplace and see how many people continue to work for his company.
Klein is echoing the ignorant liberal line if the Europeans can get along without ac so can we (which is why Europeans use 40% less electricity than Americans - no ac). Take a look at the latitude of Europe and move to North America. Where would you be in NA at Europe's latitude: Maine and Canada, where 80F in the summer is considered a heat wave.
Ok Mr. Klein move down to south Florida from May to September I would like to see you puddle.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
The whole point of
July 2, 2008 - 06:55 ET by MidAmericaThe whole point of liberalism is to be in charge. ...down to the smallest detail of a person's life. That's why Cuba fascinates them so much, the government has complete control over everything.
Mid
July 2, 2008 - 07:01 ET by BlondeThat's perfect. Let's send him to Cuba, I'm sure hed enjoy the tropical heat there.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
No A/C in TX???
July 2, 2008 - 06:56 ET by UnsaneLet's see him come on down to TX and tell us to give up our A/C. Even the Marxists that infest Austin would tell him where to go.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Unsane.. I love it! It'd
July 2, 2008 - 07:23 ET by rimskyUnsane.. I love it! It'd be fun to watch 'em trying to take away the A/C's in Phoenix too. Well, on second thought, it may not be such a big deal down there, cuz, as they say, it's a "dry" heat, so they won't mind, right?
I don't have any problem
July 2, 2008 - 07:15 ET by rimskyI don't have any problem with conserving energy. It's the right thing to do. Wasting any resource is wrong. But Klein's suggestion that we need to be policed into doing so, especially when it comes to our PRIVATE LIVES, is insanely over the top and smacks of being almost gestapo like.
Wow, he doesn't even use the
July 2, 2008 - 07:19 ET by SickofLibsWow, he doesn't even use the AC in his car. What a patriot.
To quote Peter Griffin, "Hey, I'm sittin' here in ball soup."
How about a Crappuccino Joe?
July 2, 2008 - 07:43 ET by CrashWhat's Joe going to condem next ... ice cubes?
He prefers the worst president in history's "dreadful cardigan sweater"?
After the election the "energy crisis" will be a tired old hat for Klein and his ilk. Fuel prices will be where they should be, adjusted for inflation. People who invested in futures and the energy sector early enough will be very happy ... if they sell before the market tumbles.
Barrel Prices: Oil $140, Gasoline $189, Coffee $2226, Milk $896. All prices based on premium.
In all fairness to oil only half a barrel is converted to gasoline.
What Libs like Joe Klein...
July 2, 2008 - 07:24 ET by on-the-rocks(and other shallow people) fail to realize is that "conveniences" such as air conditioning allow us to be more productive under adverse conditions.
That is one reason Americans probably surpass the average European worker as far as productivity is measured.
An air-conditioned tractor cab allows a farmer to work longer hours, if he (or she) wishes. When I have had outdoor jobs in the summer (as a geologist), being able to duck inside of an air-conditioned truck (or building) for a few minutes helps rejuvenate the body and spirit, allowing me to get more work done. If I get a bad migraine (and nausea) from the heat, I lose that day's productivity as well as the following day recovering from the nausea.
I think 65 to 68 degrees in the summer is a waste of energy and I would encourage folks to nudge the thermostats up a bit, but I am against the heavy hand of government, about which Klein fantasizes.
We manage with the 78-degree suggestion for summer indoor temps, but it is because we need to save money on the electric bill, not because Big Brother has his hand on our thermostat. If Big Brother controls the thermostat, "he" may decide that "we" can survive 79 or 80 or 81 degrees "to fight the dreaded global warming". Just as long as we pay our taxes, "he" (Big Brother and Joe Klein as a proxy) doesn't care about how the heat affects our health and productivity.
Bravo, Joe, bravo. Air
July 2, 2008 - 07:27 ET by bws53Bravo, Joe, bravo.
Air conditioning is for the elderly, the infirmed, that's it; especially if you live in the NE, NC, or NW US.
I loathe air conditioning; especially in cars. I refuse to use it in my truck. It was actually broken for more than I year before I found out about it. It's still broken five years later and I lament that I will have to fix it if I want to sell the thing.
I used to think that A/C in cars was the worst invention ever - until someone decided to put DVD players in them.
Anyone who can't drive from point A to point B, whether it's 1/2 mile or 300, without turning on the A/C in the car, is, well, I will reserve my comments.
Running the A/C is a waste of energy, no doubt, and not needed. We can't even sweat a little without turning it out. We can't drive down to the local supermarket without turning it on. It has turned us into a nation of wimps.
We've become so accustomed to it that when it doesn't work, we act like whiney spoiled brats. Just ask my neighbor who works in this field. People call him and act like their house is on fire and they want a tech there in five minutes. This, of course, is seen by our children who now believe they are entitled air conditioning too; amongst all the other entitlements they feel are their rights.
However, I don't believe the gov't should regulate it and I think it's fine for businesses to use it as they wish.
Sorry for the rant, but when I see people complaining about 'the heat' when it's 79F outside and they put on the A/C, that is just another sign of decadence.
"Air conditioning is for the
July 2, 2008 - 07:36 ET by Crash"Air conditioning is for the elderly, the infirmed, that's it; especially if you live in the NE, NC, or NW US."
Hey, didn't Frances Communist president kill 13,000 elderly and infirmed citizens one hot summer due to heat prostration (no AC)?
Yeah, you want to talk
July 2, 2008 - 07:44 ET by motherbeltYeah, you want to talk about "decadent"? Most of the population went to the beaches and left their elderly at home to swelter and die. Probably figured it would lessen the drain on their socialist system.
Nice folks, those French.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Well bravo for you
July 2, 2008 - 07:43 ET by motherbeltWell bravo for you too, bws!!
You and Joe Klein don't mind the heat, so we should all turn off our AC?
You drive a truck? Isn't that a little "decadent"? Why aren't you driving a compact hybrid? Oh, I get it, you probably "need" your truck. And you patronizingly decide what the rest of us "need" too.
Gee, thanks.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
I have three cars and no car
July 2, 2008 - 07:48 ET by bws53I have three cars and no car payments. Why should I buy a new car? I put less than 4K miles on the truck a year. It is not my primary vehicle. It gets about 17/20; Chevy S-10, V6. When I can buy an American-made hybrid with cash, I may do so.
bws53, I get 17 pulling a
July 2, 2008 - 08:22 ET by bassndudebws53, I get 17 pulling a 3000 lb boat, on the hi way. I have a full sized GMC 4X4 with a good ole V-8, running the A/C. You need to up grade your truck. The A/C in a car, van, truck, anymore has very little effect on the gas used to go anywhere. Sense they did away with the old system and have gone to electronics, you gain nothing by turning it off.
BTW...with AGW on vacation, it seems, some may run with the A/C off now and then. I know I dont use it in the mornings comming to work, I like the moist air.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Well, isn't 3 cars a little
July 2, 2008 - 08:57 ET by motherbeltWell, isn't 3 cars a little "excessive" even if they are all paid for?
I didn't say you should buy a new car. I'm just applying your own standard to yourself...you decide that others are wasteful, because you don't care about AC.
A lot of us get by with one, two at the most; you know, like you get by without air conditioning. So should I be allowed to decide that you are "decadent" having three vehicles?
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Why should your choice be forced on others?
July 2, 2008 - 07:57 ET by c5thenAt highway speeds (50mph and higher) all vehicles are more aerodynamic with their windows closed (Trucks especially). By rolling up your windows and turning on the AC, the average vehicle will see a 2-3 MPG increase. The added load on a 6 cyl or larger engine is negligable, therefore, the AC is in effect free.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
→ Mythbusters
July 2, 2008 - 08:33 ET by Cool ArrowI watch Mythbusters once in a while.
Their experiment seemed to prove windows down was the same as windows up w/AC.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Triplicate. What the ****?
July 2, 2008 - 11:34 ET by CrashTriplicate. What the ****?
crash...
July 2, 2008 - 11:40 ET by Clear thinkerYou are not alone. Seems the site is slowing down or something. Maybe those that oversee these problems are on vacation. As they should be, heck it's the 4th!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Not that I'm Batting for the
July 2, 2008 - 11:32 ET by CrashNot that I'm Batting for the douche bag (Joe), but, that's traveling at speed, not, city driving; where it would be a substantial savings.
duplicate
July 2, 2008 - 11:33 ET by Crashduplicate
Why, praytell, is it such a
July 2, 2008 - 08:04 ET by dvdaughtryWhy, praytell, is it such a sin to live in our abundance?
I am not for squandering, but I am for living in the most ideal circumstances, costumized to my personal preference.
Running the A/C is a waste of energy, no doubt, and not needed. We can't even sweat a little without turning it out. We can't drive down to the local supermarket without turning it on. It has turned us into a nation of wimps.
You idea here is a waste of energy, not, running the AC. We have turned into a nation of wimps because of a superiorty we feel by taking stands like "AC is a waste of energy"and "I don't drive with the AC in my truck because I am tough enough to sweat."
We've become so accustomed to it that when it doesn't work, we act like whiney spoiled brats. Just ask my neighbor who works in this field. People call him and act like their house is on fire and they want a tech there in five minutes.
No, they want him there in 5 minutes because they are going to pay him too much money to not show up in the 4 hour window he provides, thus wasting a whole morning/afternoon/day, all for a part that will cost entirely to much to replace.
I can't wait to get to DC and watch them explode an enormous amount of colored gun powder in the night sky. I will get chills, goosebumps and maybe even well up. First, to know that this is my country and it has provided me a life and a future. Second, because I know I am not entitled, but blessed to be given the gift. Third, for the rest of the world that does not live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
Your opinion.
July 2, 2008 - 08:12 ET by iconoclastYou spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same. Who the hell appointed you God?
can I steal this quote?
July 2, 2008 - 11:06 ET by UndercoverConservativeMind if I steal this quote? it pretty much sums up my "conservative" beliefs in a nutshell.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"Running the A/C is a waste
July 2, 2008 - 08:59 ET by misterbee241"Running the A/C is a waste of energy, no doubt, and not needed."
I'll make that decision for myself, thank
you very much. You want to do w/o AC that's your business. I'll keep
mine - at least until the government regulates it out of my hands.
"There is none so blind as they that won’t see."
Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
You can have my A/C when
July 2, 2008 - 09:25 ET by Hero SquadYou can have my A/C when you pry it from my comfortably cold dead hands.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
→ Evil A/C
July 2, 2008 - 07:38 ET by Cool ArrowI'm here in West Texas. My tolerance for 100+ heat is higher than most. If I save money on home and car A/C, that's my choice.
It seems life is about choices? What a concept!
Someday soon I will try a Starbucks coffee, just so I can say I've tried it (before it closes down here in this gloriously redneck town. Hear they are announcing the closure of 600 shops today). Don't think I'll buy any bottled water any time soon, though.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Having tried Starbuck's
July 2, 2008 - 09:03 ET by misterbee241Having tried Starbuck's coffee, it's over rated and not worth the price. Around here we have Sheetz and WaWa - convenience stores. They all have great coffee at a price that wont bankrupt you. I'll only go to Starbucks if that's all I can get. Even the 7-11 convenience store has pretty good coffee.
"There is none so blind as they that won’t see."
Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Just Say No to Hypocrisy.
July 2, 2008 - 07:51 ET by BacchusKlein: It seems to have gotten worse over the past few years, with thermostats routinely set at 68deg.F, and sometimes even 65 deg., in the (far too many) hotel rooms I've suffered on the campaign trail.
I'll bet Denver's mayor hadn't thought of this idea yet in planning the Dem's convention next month. Kill the Air Conditioners.
--
Harry Reid: Coal makes people sick. Oil makes people sick.
Klein: A/C makes people chronically sick.
The Italics seem to have frozen on.</i>
July 2, 2008 - 10:27 ET by azholmesMust be the AC turned so low. </i> Is that better now? Nope...
I'm in Phoenix. I'd have to run the AC in the winter to get the temp down to 68'.
My pool usually stays at least 95' all summer long.
"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity." - Hanlon's Razor.
</i>bang</i>bang</i>bang</i>still stuck!
OK, the rant against air
July 2, 2008 - 07:58 ET by Free ThinkerOK, the rant against air conditioning is silly and if Joe doesn't want to use it that is his choice. I live in Texas and mine is blowing 24/7 because I like to be comfortable because I can. His true liberal beliefs shine through in his thought that government should control our thermostats. That is a pipe dream. But the money quote for me was the funniest BDS statement I've seen yet somehow linking air conditioning and President Bush. Too bad for Joe we are the greatest country on the planet and he can't make me feel guilty about that.
HAL
July 2, 2008 - 07:58 ET by Copperhead RidgeSoothing Computer Voice: I think you're thermostat is to low. I must adjust it to 80 degrees according to federal regulations. You have a clean pair of shorts in the top drawer of your chest-of-drawers, but you have used 87.654% of your ice cube ration. Outside temperature is 95 degrees and the humidity is only 72%. I will initiate the command to open the windows at 17:30. By my calculations the temperature will have dropped to 92 degrees, the federal limit for the use of air conditioner.
You don't want to touch the thermostat. Please, sir, don't touch the thermostat.
Why are you holding a baseball bat, Mr. Ridge?
God Bless Willis Carrier.
July 2, 2008 - 08:07 ET by sarcasmoThe only problem with AC is that it made Washington, DC habitable during the summertime after WW2. Government obesity has resulted indirectly from this additional comfort, IMO. I say ban AC in those 10 square miles FIRST, for fiscal reasons, and the rest of the country can then consider following the great example of our "leaders."
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
→ Excellent sarc
July 2, 2008 - 08:14 ET by Cool ArrowMaybe if we cut thin out the Brown-nosed Poll Moll population we can repopulate DC with smarter, more intuitive animals.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Excellent point Sarc
July 2, 2008 - 08:25 ET by Dee BunkIn addition it should be banned at the NYT and in Hollywood and for any other celebs who advocate for it.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
I grew up without AC--and it
July 2, 2008 - 08:14 ET by dvdaughtryI grew up without AC--and it sucked.
I grew up without reliable cars (also, sometimes with out AC)--and it sucked.
I moved to NC about 4 years ago and the car I drove had no AC--and it sucked.
I now have two jobs, two reliable cars, and a house that I can set at any temp I feel like--and it rocks!
Joe, I work for it, so stop telling me I can't/shouldn't have it.
You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?
Popped a cork!
July 2, 2008 - 08:17 ET by okiehawk44Klein and the rest of the socialist-enviromentalists really do want humanity to kill itself off. It was not enough that they have convinced more than half this country that they are bad, evil people killing and plundering the rest of the peaceful and pure-as-the-driven-snow world, now they want us to die to show our respect for the planet.
When are people going to get enough of these absolute idiots?
My question to you Klein and the rest of your ilk is this. What exactly are you doing for this planet? You make your living killing trees to write on and you probably own a car or two and how many homes do you own? How many kids have you?
Shut up Klein! Just shut up you hypocrite and go pretend some more that you are the bright one in the herd.
I love birds, but if I could find a spotted owl right now I'd kill it!
→ Okie
July 2, 2008 - 08:21 ET by Cool ArrowI know y'all eat squirrels in Oklahoma because I've enjoyed it on a couple of occasions.
I'm comin' up from Texas to share that bird with you. I hate bitin' into shot, though.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
I lived through this do the
July 2, 2008 - 08:34 ET by Kirk HallI lived through this do the right thing, turn your thermostat up/down, and I fell for it, hook line and sinker. Of course I was in jr high then and was being brain washed. Never again. And it is cooler in my house in the summer than in the winter Joe, and you can bite me. I'm much more mature now, don't you think? ;-)
→ And while we're at it
July 2, 2008 - 08:38 ET by Cool ArrowI'm about ready to tax the sh*t out of Arnold Schwarzennegar for his carbon footprint with all those wildfires he's got going out there.
Anybody got any figures on the auto exhaust equivalence of these forest fires Arnold's environmentalists are setting up every year?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Bikinis in the summer---
July 2, 2008 - 08:45 ET by misterbillBikinis in the summer---burkas in the winter. This will save a lot of energy. Also a temperature monitor for each neighborhood. (Like a hall monitor in school.) They will be allowed entry to your home at any time to ensure compliance.
Hey--why not??? I read some where that there are two towns in America where they are considering a smoking ban anywhere in the town limits, even your own home. I am all for it. I also believe that no one should be allowed out of their homes after dark. This, I know, will bring about a huge decrease in crime.
misterbill
July 2, 2008 - 08:54 ET by BlondeAnd what are you gentlemen going to wear, hmmmm?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
→ That's easy Blonde
July 2, 2008 - 09:00 ET by Cool ArrowSilk Kilts of course. Perhaps a floral print sarong?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
SpeedO's!!! :-))) Save a
July 2, 2008 - 09:07 ET by bassndudeSpeedO's!!! :-)))
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
→ lmao bass
July 2, 2008 - 09:10 ET by Cool ArrowThe part of te German tourist will be played by Al Gore.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
And without aircon
July 2, 2008 - 15:59 ET by Eileen Righthe'll smell like a Frenchman, so continental.
Blonde...I take offence at
July 2, 2008 - 09:29 ET by bassndudeBlonde...I take offence at your insinuation that I am a "gentleman".
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
No offense intended, bass
July 2, 2008 - 10:00 ET by BlondeBut Al Gore in a speedo? Argh, that's worse than fat broads in bikinis.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
→ Oh really?
July 2, 2008 - 10:07 ET by Cool ArrowHow about Rosie O'Donnell in a thong?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
→ Never mind
July 2, 2008 - 10:08 ET by Cool ArrowNever mind, it's a push
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Thanks dude i just
July 2, 2008 - 12:10 ET by red_dragon311Thanks dude i just puked
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
URP! "Nuke 'em 'til they...
July 2, 2008 - 13:47 ET by RukusURP!
"Nuke 'em 'til they... oh hell, just shoot 'em!"
Yes Blonde...your right...I
July 2, 2008 - 10:38 ET by bassndudeYes Blonde...your right...I had rather look at fat broads in bikinis than Al Gore in a speedo...That Crispy Cream calender is looking pretty good after the Al image.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Misterbill, lets not forget
July 2, 2008 - 09:02 ET by bassndudeMisterbill, lets not forget mandatory group exercise in the mornings, before work, and the perpared menus for the day, to ensure you eat the right things and reduce healthcare needs. After all, if everyone eats the way we say and exercises the way we say, no one will need a doctor.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
NEWSWEAK in its deaththroes
July 2, 2008 - 08:52 ET by Increase MatherThe very good news is.......in a few short years there will be no NEWSWEAK......not in its current form.
It's opinionated, liberal, idiots like this guy who will have killed it.
Frankly, Joe very few care, because fewer and fewer are reading you.
The libs did it to themselves.
Perhaps we could get Joe
July 2, 2008 - 09:03 ET by cocodriePerhaps we could get Joe Klein to counsel Algore, Vinnie Barbarino, and all the other carbon hogs to cut back on their use of energy. Maybe they could move in together.
Morbid and sick...
July 2, 2008 - 09:07 ET by AgentAmericanThis bozo continues to amaze me at his ignorance. I absolutely believe that he has lost his marbles if he had any to begin with.
Drill ANWAR
I am sorry, I feel it necessary to comment:
July 2, 2008 - 09:18 ET by OiznopLet me go on record as saying that I HATE AIR CONDITIONING. Why, you may ask? Because yours truley is always cold. Always. 24/7/365, and I really don't know why. So, I am with this guy when it comes to buildings running their a/c on days where the high temperature goes no where near 80 F (which, where I live, temperatures above 80 F are a rarity). Working in many a place over the years, I have experienced this way too many times and it's uncomfortable. And please, don't tell me to wear a sweater or run a space heater. I already do those things. It's summer. I shouldn't have to. If the GD weather would do what it's supposed to in the summer, I should not have to wear a sweater or run a space heater in the middle of June and July.
However, on the other side of this, let me say that I think a/c is NOT harmful to the planet, and that how much a/c is used in buildings/homes should NOT be regulated by big brother, like his guy wants. Yet another crock from left field. Those things should be done by the individual with regard to the preferred comfort levels. Done with common sense, too. (To me, it doesn't make sense to run a/c on a 68 degree rainy day, which, again, happen way too often where I live. Got to love that Glo-BULL Warming, eh?). Run the a/c when it's hot outside!!!! And when it's not, LEAVE IT OFF!!!!
Oiznop, move down here to
July 2, 2008 - 09:20 ET by bassndudeOiznop, move down here to Oklahoma...we have plenty of 90+ days. Well, maybe not so much the last 2 years, but we did hit 100 last year a few times, and may again this year...:-)
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Doesn't Joe Klein realize
July 2, 2008 - 09:32 ET by Hero SquadDoesn't Joe Klein realize that by not using the air conditioner he makes it virtually impossible to attract carpoolers to join him for the daily commute. With all of those people needlessly driving by themselves to and from work, he's doing a glorious disservice to the planet.
Why must you hate on the Earth, Joe? Why?
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
It's always the same with these idiots.
July 2, 2008 - 09:52 ET by Dave in TexasLiberals always love to find something that they personally feel they can live without, and argue that the government should make everybody else live without it too. I wonder how Joe would feel about the following argument:
Newspapers should not be allowed to be larger than 8 1/2 by 11 and no more than 10 pages. This is reasonable because that's the maximum amount of information I've ever seen in any newspaper that I found interesting. I only read newspapers on the weekends, so they shouldn't be allowed to publish Monday through Friday.
Just think of all the energy and natural resources it would save with no impact to me whatsoever!
Just the sports section
July 2, 2008 - 15:06 ET by Hero SquadJust the sports section will do fine, actually. The rest of the paper is just there to keep it dry in case it rains.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Hobo Joe
July 2, 2008 - 10:20 ET by thedudesblogAfter reading this idiotic column by Mr. Anonymous, I decided to turn my thermostat down to as crisp 65 degrees until after
the 4th of July holiday. Unfortunately for me, I’ll be at work most of
the time, so I won’t be able to enjoy it, but my dogs are already loving it!
Folks, while you are not
July 2, 2008 - 10:51 ET by dscottFolks, while you are not looking in 2010, just a year and a half from now, the refrigerant R22 is going to be banned from any new refrigeration equipment and it's production greatly deminished. This is all courtesy of James Hansen who also brought you the ozone hole fraud.
You if you are ticked off now about the price of gas and food, just wait, you'll really be *&^*@! when you go to buy a new refrigerator or AC with the new exotic refrigerants. I strongly suggest you consider an upgrade by 2010 before the prices skyrocket.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
The real pain will come when paying...
July 2, 2008 - 13:17 ET by ThalpyThe real pain will come when paying for repairs on equipment that uses R-22. After all the taxes are added, the costs will be exorbitant.
Southeast Texas
July 2, 2008 - 10:33 ET by ConservativeRexSoutheast Texas thrives, because of A/C. I don't think little Joe has any clout down here.
The Northeast has always cried about the price of gasoline and heating oil, that's why we've always said "let 'em freeze in the dark".
A better solution for this
July 2, 2008 - 12:11 ET by fitzfongA better solution for this planet is if Joe Clown remained permanently anonymous.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
Time off the deep end
July 2, 2008 - 21:52 ET by freedomfirstAnother example of the left telling us what is best for us. Time is all over this. See the link atached, "10 things You Can Like About $4.00 Gas." http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1819594_1819592,00.html .
They'll only be happy when we are living in the air conditioner free urban Gore Towers, riding the Harry Reid express train on the Ted Kennedy line into the heart of the city to queue up for whatever few in-season vegetables are available at the "sustainable" market. Remind you of anyplace?
I, for one, want no part of it. Give me sprawl and all the economic stimulation that goes with it! Construction, durable goods, jobs, expanding economy....
Drill now, here at home. Mine now, here at home. New Build in Nuclear. Move to "alternatives" as soon as they are economically competitive with these sources, without massive transfers of wealth.
Could someone please assign
July 2, 2008 - 22:17 ET by bigtimerCould someone please assign Klein to the Mojave Desert for the summer.
Please.
Lets see how long he lasts without AC in his car or home..or anywhere else...
He is insane.
btw...Just for the heck of it, grab Friedman's hand and go on the buddy plan just for the heck of it.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Joe Klein's temperature...
July 3, 2008 - 11:43 ET by AZTech2020Actually, Joe Klein could lead by example and and lower the overall global heat level by voluntarily assuming room temperature himself....but, then again, he'd probably prefer some conservatives to do it first!
A/C
July 3, 2008 - 16:00 ET by Johnny LucidKlein may be on to something, but he hasn't really thought it through. Rather than raise the temp, if we did away with A/C altogether, we might see a reduction in the size of the Federal leviathan - I live in Metro DC and who'd want to be a Fed pencil pusher in this heat and humidity?