Rep. Barton (TX): You can't regulate God.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

...Barton argued, for example, that carbon dioxide can't be a pollutant. "I am creating it as I talk to you," he said. "It's in your Coca-Cola, you're Dr. Pepper, your Perrier water. It is necessary for human life. It is odorless, colorless, tasteless, does not cause cancer, does not cause asthma." He added, "omething that the Democrat [sic] sponsors do not point out, a lot of the CO2 that is created in the United States is naturally created. You can't regulate God. Not even the Democratic majority in the U.S. Congress can regulate God."

Now, this isn't just about pointing and laughing at the fool. I'm bringing this up for two reasons.

First, Barton is not just some random right-wing blogger; he's not even just some random backbencher on the Hill. Republicans have made Barton the go-to guy on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, taking the lead on climate change policy for the House GOP caucus. It speaks volumes about the party's interest in global warming.

And second, this talk about small amounts of carbon dioxide is increasingly common in conservative circles, so it's probably worth noting how very silly it is. EPA regulations, as Kate Sheppard recently noted, are targeting "major industrial sources emitting at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon per year, as well as the transportation sector."

It's not about individuals speaking, or soft drinks, or "regulating God."

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/

[almaty 19]

wow, barton must have went to Texas A&M

[pedroh 21]

cuz God loves Perrier

[almaty 19]

God hates the french..see WWI and WWII...

[Peikko 1,575]

god is such a convenient tool for some in power. The real christians/believers in god should object, and strenuously at this abuse of god.

[Tygrys 143]

wow, barton must have went to Texas A&M

Where he majored in pizza, booze and girls...

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The United States outside of the major northeastern cities is a vertical society? What does that mean?

[JimandChristy 1,689]

All I've got to say is......

[scandal 951]

CO (Carbon monoxide) is an odorless colorless but highly toxic gas.

CO2 is just the good stuff in fizzy bubblech. Totally innocent and harmless.

Zohan says Barton needs some humus and a hairstyle.

[almaty 19]

wow, barton must have went to Texas A&M

Where he majored in pizza, booze and girls...

wow, him too?

[Bobby+Umit 161]

CO (Carbon monoxide) is an odorless colorless but highly toxic gas.

CO2 is just the good stuff in fizzy bubblech. Totally innocent and harmless.

Zohan says Barton needs some humus and a hairstyle.

I like how people state CO2 isn't dangerous.

Have them sit in a sealed room with CO2 being pumped in and see what happens...

[Niels Bohr 72]

I like how people state CO2 isn't dangerous.

Have them sit in a sealed room with CO2 being pumped in and see what happens...

Yep. It turns to CO after the O2 gets depleted.

[peejay 327]

Steven and AJ have both become obsessed with TX for some odd reason. As if CA and NJ don't have enough problems of their own. As Big Dog has stated: At least TX isn't sucking on the federal teet. Can you say the same for CA & NJ?

So what if Barton is talking sh*t? At least it ain't on your dime.

Barton is trying to piss you off just cuz he can. He baits the hook, throws it in the river, and the fish (fools) suck it all in hook, line, and sinker.

[GaryC 7]

Mention God and people start acting like the speaker is an idiot. No open minds on that side I see. What he said is absolutly spot on. CO2 isn't a pollutant and is a natural by-product of life.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Barton is talking sh*t