political polarization
Meet Austin Scott — No, sorry, say goodby to Austin Scott
Or as Groucho put it, “hello, I must be going.”
Since I started reporting on the environmental aspects of the House Speaker race, I might as well continue. After I last wrote on Friday, following Scalise’s surprise withdrawal, another candidate tossed his hat in the ring, Austin Scott from Georgia. As an aside, I can’t help but wonder: what is the ring, and why is …
Continue reading “Meet Austin Scott — No, sorry, say goodby to Austin Scott”
CONTINUE READINGThe Revolution, the Enlightenment and the Climate Crisis
The Founding Era’s belief in facts and science has too often been replaced with political identity as a test of truth.
The Declaration of Independence is a document deeply rooted in the Enlightenment. The Declaration begins with a note of cosmopolitanism, referring to “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” There is then the famous passage declaring “these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator …
Continue reading “The Revolution, the Enlightenment and the Climate Crisis”
CONTINUE READINGToo Many Americans Think the Worst is Over
Alas, that light at the end of the tunnel is still very far away from us.
World War I lasted four years, with millions of deaths. At the start, however, many people thought the war would be quick and easy. “Home by Christmas,” was what they said about their troops. A frightening number of Americans now have similar illusions about the coronavirus pandemic. According to a CNN poll a released Tuesday, …
Continue reading “Too Many Americans Think the Worst is Over”
CONTINUE READINGJournalism and Political Polarization
Reporters Might Hold A Key To Improving Environmental Politics
It’s no surprise that American politics has gotten significantly more polarized over the last three decades, so it stands to reason that legislatures have gotten more polarized as well. But in a recent article in the Journal of Political Economy by James Snyder and David Stromberg, brought to my attention by Professor Seth Masket writing …
Continue reading “Journalism and Political Polarization”
CONTINUE READINGThe Coal Mining Stream Buffer Rule Evokes Firestorm of Protest. #getagrip
Political polarization has gotten to the point where there would be immediate denunciations if the President issued a proclamation honoring apple pie. Another intrusion into consumer choice, besmirching those who prefer cherry and pumpkin! Another blatant overreach by an out-of-control, incipient tyrant! Not only is every executive action accompanied by loud resistance, but the same explosion of …
Continue reading “The Coal Mining Stream Buffer Rule Evokes Firestorm of Protest. #getagrip”
CONTINUE READINGThe Tea Party, the GOP, and the Environment
According to a recent study, non-Tea Party members of the GOP are actually a bit closer to Democrats than to Tea Party members on environmental issues. That creates a conundrum for the GOP. More than half of Republicans support the Tea Party, and supporters tend to be more active than others. Yet the Tea Party …
Continue reading “The Tea Party, the GOP, and the Environment”
CONTINUE READINGEnvironmental Values and Political Polarization
While we all wait for tonight’s election returns, it’s worth taking a look at some of the trends that driving the votes. We’re been seeing a lot of polls lately about candidates, but in some ways issues polls are more interesting. Many people have noted the decline in support for environmental values among the public. …
Continue reading “Environmental Values and Political Polarization”
CONTINUE READINGJoin Our Mailing List
Climate policy is changing rapidly. Stay in the loop with expert analysis via email Monday - Friday.
