Gore: Global warming skeptics are this generation’s racists

I don't know if Al Gore truly believes the junk science, or if he is deliberately trying to pull the wool over people's eyes:

One day climate change skeptics will be seen in the same negative light as racists, or so says former Vice President Al Gore.

(Read more...)

“This is an organized effort to attack the reputation of the scientific community as a whole, to attack their integrity, and to slander them with the lie that they are making up the science in order to make money,” Gore said.

No, Mr. Gore, it isn't. It is about watermelons subverting the scientific method for political reasons!

Government Mandated Compact Fluorescent Lights

I don't mind using CFLs where dimmability doesn't matter; where instant brightness doesn't matter; where a balanced, continuous spectrum doesn't matter; where operating cost is important; where longevity is important. Hey, EPA, I am quite capable of making the appropriate illumination choices for myself, thank you very much. And if someone can convince me that using these devices will be beneficial for the environment, I'll support that too -- voluntarily. But government mandates are usually a clear indication that there is no other sufficiently compelling reason for people to do something.

Not Debunking the Laffer Curve

I was discussing the Laffer Curve with a co-worker today, and I argued that it is just as real and just as valid as the effect of price on the law of supply and demand. The difference is in the shape of the curves. In a free market, people pay for things voluntarily, so the peak price point is where the selling price matches the perceived value of the purchase. The peak revenue point on the Laffer Curve is much higher because taxation is compulsory. The Laffer Curve peaks at the point where the oppression from taxation equals the people's will to persevere. What a grim prospect!

I had to admit, the theory that raising taxes would lower revenue, or that lowering taxes would increase revenue is probably a fallacy at our current tax rate, because the Laffer Curve peak is probably close to an 80% tax rate. We're still below that tax rate today. That is not to say the economy wouldn't tank at our current tax rate, but I digress...

It got me thinking, though. If you wanted to know what people really think government is worth, make taxation voluntary. Then, the amount of tax that people would be willing to pay voluntarily would exactly equal the amount of government that We the People think we really need and want. Wouldn't that be interesting?!