Is The Heat Getting To The Senator?

Inhofe Still Insists 'We're In A Cold Spell': Is The Heat Getting To The Senator?
Huff Post - Lucia Graves - First Posted: 07-23-10 05:54 PM

Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) reiterated his skepticism of climate change science during an outdoor interview at the Capitol this week, in the midst of the Washington heat wave.

"I say the same thing that I said back in January and February when we had the coldest winter that we've had in a long time," said Inhofe.

"But back then you said that we are in a cold spell, that we're nine years into it," the reporter interjected.

"Actually we are," said Inhofe. "I don't think that anyone disagrees with the fact that we actually are in the middle of a cold period that started about nine years ago."

During the record-breaking snowfall in Washington this February, Inhofe drew headlines for building an igloo outside the Capitol with his kids. The sign on it read: "Al Gore's Home. Honk If You Like Global Warming."

Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that 2010 is globally the hottest year on record since record-keeping began in 1880.

Just like here in Michigan, we have a couple of big snowfalls, and the climate change deniers start talking about "the coldest winter in years”. Snow on the ground does not mean it’s unusually cold. Every time it snows, they start talking about Al Gore.

Why is this political?

Big Money In Bell, California

Big money, little regard - Those are the two things Californians give their elected officials
July 18, 2010By Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times

Even a cursory look at events last week was enough to show the concept of "public service" being turned on its ear.

On Wednesday, The Times reported that Bell, California [population 36,664 in 2000], one of the poorest cities in the county, paid its city manager nearly $800,000 a year. Almost twice, that is, the annual salary of the president of the United States.

Other city officials received generous rewards as well: The Bell police chief, who manages 46 employees, makes 50% more than the Los Angeles police chief, who manages about 13,000. The city is already under investigation by the district attorney for paying its part-time City Council members about $100,000 a year.

Bell's city manager wasn't exactly apologetic. "If that's a number people choke on, maybe I'm in the wrong business," Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo said, referring to his $787,637 annual salary.

In the wrong business? At $800,000 per? He could make more in the private sector? Maybe robbing banks.

What is the matter with the citizens of this town?