One of the things I most appreciate about Joe Bastardi’s book The Climate Chronicles: Inconvenient Revelations You Won’t Hear from Al Gore—And Others is the long historical perspective he brings. Again and again he quotes alarmists about manmade global warming claiming that this or that event, or this or that series of events, or this or that period in this or that place, is “unprecedented” and therefore obviously due to human-induced warming—and then he opens up the history records and shows that they not only aren’t unprecedented but also were superseded repeatedly in the past.

Just now, though, I came to another thing I appreciate about his book: his thoroughly justified condemnation of U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Yes, he excoriates Whitehouse for calling for “RICO-like investigations on scientists who do not believe in human-induced global warming,” but plenty of others have done that. What Joe goes on to show is that Whitehouse, who likes to puff himself in hearings as extraordinarily well informed on climate change, is woefully ignorant of the facts:

I often go after Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse … for his pronouncements on hurricanes being worse now than before. It’s astounding given he is from a state that has been devastated in 1938, 1944, 1954 and 1960 by major hurricanes. But when we look at the hits of majors—1871–1880, 1891–1900, 1911–1920, 1931–1940, 1941–1950, and 1951–1960—all were decade equal to or greater than 2001–2010. Furthermore, the 30-year period from 1931–1960 had 61 hits, or two a year, 27 of which were major (almost one a year). By contrast, the most recent 30 years ending in 2010: 43 hits, 19 majors. Not even close!

Joe’s facts demonstrate that our good friend, physicist Dr. Tom Sheahen (President of the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology), was right when he said in an email to me (which he permitted me to quote here):

I am really getting sick and tired of this blowhard Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) lecturing us for being sinners:

Sen. Whitehouse: ‘Climate deniers’ guilty of ‘grave sin’ & ‘LISTENING TO EVIL VOICES’ – Instead ‘listen to the oceans’

“The climate change problems we are causing by failing to act are a sin, as Pope Francis has flatly declared, but that is not the only sin,” said Whitehouse.

Whitehouse recently celebrated giving his 200th speech on the senate floor about climate change.

Whitehouse is a complete moron, scientifically. He doesn’t know any real science at all. He believes in the mythology initiated a generation ago by Al Gore,  where CO2 emitted by mankind is entirely to blame.

Here’s the reality: There is no such thing as a “climate denier.” That category doesn’t exist. There are certain facts that we all agree on: a) the climate is always changing; b) the globe is warming; c) there is a finite human contribution (e.g., the urban heat island effect).

Where disagreement begins is on the role of CO2 in heating the planet. There is great scientific controversy about that point, because of factors such as how molecules absorb and re-radiate photons at various altitudes in the atmosphere, because of flow via convection of warm air from the surface to the upper atmosphere; and more. It’s a really complicated field of science.

Sheldon Whitehouse has no intention whatsoever to engage in any scientific debate at all. Instead he quotes the entirely false and manufactured statistic that “97% of scientists agree …” and goes from there to further faulty steps:

1) he asserts that he knows the truth perfectly;

2) he asserts that anybody who disagrees with him is a sinner.

I say it’s high time that our religious leaders stepped forth and shouted “Stop!” to senator Whitehouse and similar bloviators. No way is Whitehouse capable of defining some action as a “sin.” His scientific acumen is so weak that he cannot even defend the position he holds, but instead resorts to the “argument from authority” to brush off any scientific disagreement.

We couldn’t have said it better. Whitehouse should adopt a new wardrobe for his next appearance on the Senate floor: sackcloth and ashes, appropriate garb for a penitent.

Want to learn more from Joe Bastardi, one of America’s foremost meteorologists, about how historical data expose the falsehood of climate alarmists’ claims? From now to the end of March, as long as supplies last, the Cornwall Alliance will send a FREE copy of The Climate Chronicles, as our way of saying “Thank you!”, to anyone who donates ANY amount and requests it, mentioning promo code 1803. You can make your 100% tax-deductible donation at our secure online site by clicking on the “Donate” button elswhere on this page, or by sending your check to 3712 Ringgold Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37412.