From SPPI
By Lord Christopher Monckton — The mountains shall labor, and what will be born? A stupid little mouse. Thanks to hundreds of thousands of US citizens who contacted their elected representatives to protest about the unelected, communistic world government with near-infinite powers of taxation, regulation and intervention that was proposed in early drafts of the Copenhagen Treaty, there is no Copenhagen Treaty. There is not even a Copenhagen Agreement. There is a “Copenhagen Accordâ€.
The White House spinmeisters spun, and their official press release proclaimed, with more than usual fatuity, that President Obama had “salvaged†a deal at Copenhagen in bilateral talks with China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, which had established a negotiating bloc.
The plainly-declared common position of these four developing nations had been the one beacon of clarity and common sense at the foggy fortnight of posturing and gibbering in the ghastly Copenhagen conference center.
This is what the Forthright Four asked for:Â
Point 1. No compulsory limits on carbon emissions.
Point 2. No emissions reductions at all unless the West paid for them.
Point 3. No international monitoring of any emissions reductions not paid for by the West.
Point 4. No use of “global warming†as an excuse to impose protectionist trade restrictions on countries that did not cut their carbon emissions.
After President Obama’s dramatic intervention to save the deal, this is what the Forthright Four got:
Point 1. No compulsory limits on carbon emissions.
Point 2. No emissions reductions at all unless the West paid for them.
Point 3. No international monitoring of any emissions reductions not paid for by the West.
Point 4. No use of “global warming†as an excuse to impose protectionist trade restrictions on countries that did not cut their carbon emissions.
Here, in a nutshell – for fortunately nothing larger is needed – are the main points of the â€Copenhagen Accordâ€:Â
Main points: In the Copenhagen Accord, which is operational immediately, the parties“underline that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our timeâ€; emphasize their “strong political will to urgently combat climate changeâ€; recognize “the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 C°†and perhaps below 1.5 C°; aspire to “cooperate in achieving the peaking of global and national emissions as soon as possibleâ€; acknowledge that eradicating poverty is the “overriding priority of developing countriesâ€; and accept the need to help vulnerable countries – especially the least developed nations, small-island states, and Africa – to adapt to climate change.
Self-imposed emissions targets: All parties will set for themselves, and comply with, emissions targets for 2020, to be submitted to the secretariat by 31 January 2010. Where developing countries are paid to cut their emissions, their compliance will be monitored. Developed countries will financially support less-developed countries to prevent deforestation. Carbon trading may be used.
New bureaucracies and funding: Under the supervision of a “High-Level Panelâ€, developed countries will give up to $30 billion for 2010-12, aiming for $100 billion by 2020, in “scaled up, new and additional, predictable and adequate funding†to developing countries via a “Copenhagen Green Fundâ€. A “Technology Mechanism†will “accelerate technology development and transfer†to developing countries.
And that’s it. Expensive, yes. Unnecessary, yes. But earth-shaking? No.
oooh! Is that LATIN ?? Impressive indeed! What is this sour lemons from Lord M.?! A victory is a victory. But I guess the riech-wing is never satisfied.
The term is sour grapes, the term sour lemons means nothing because lemons ARE sour. Grapes are normally sweet. And no, I don’t think this is sour grapes at all. I think he is illustrating the complete failure of the Copenhagen meetings. If antything he sounds happy about it.
Are you jealeous that the Lord Monckton uses Latin? I don’t really care. I don’t speak Latin, but I know that it is a language that is still in use today because of its precision. It means what it says. Not like English where one word can have multiple meanings, and is therefore open to interperetation.
I meant sour grapes. The term sweet lemons has a meaning too, that is why I mixed them up. And I’m not jealous, I actually congratualed you all several times. If you remember correctly I even predicted that exact outcome. I told you not to worry about it. Now you should focus on Cap and Trade- really that is a bad deal. The climate will continue to mess with us, and maybe someday you will be effected enough to take notice. But as you usually say- we will by then be powerless to do anything about it. Such is the human animal.
Get spell check.
The USA will pay its share with either freshly printed dollars from Ben Bernanke’s printing press, or borrowed dollars from China.
Toyota or whatever your name is. Hard to spell. I agree. China only can carry us so far then their back starts aching as well as their pocketbook.
It isn’t funny… Bush sold us off piece by piece to China, a communist country no less. And you all act like Obama is some communist. Who is the real communist…?? And so far I don’t like what Obama has done re: the financial oligarchy. But maybe it was necessary to avoid a Great Depression. I still wish he would have let those bastards swing in the breeze, and fail. Rewarding crooks by giving them more money is outrageous. But that is what we have come to. No monopoly is good, and we have plenty of them in this country. We need to break them up, we need another Teddy Roosevelt. And then we could use another FDR. But don’t worry Paul, I don’t think we’ll get either one of those, even when it’s too late. We got foxes guarding the hen house, have had for 30 plus years now. We are headed for a big fall. And then China will own us outright.
Rob will you please stop blaming everything on George Bush? I invite you to do some research as to why China has bought so much American debt. It may surprise you to learn that it had little to nothing to do with Bush. So please stop it. You are really abroken record when it comes to blaming everything on Bush.
I have no time any longer for a marxist, socialist, far left wing leaning person that has no soul. You waste my time as well as others. Your rants/raves, demeaning others has come to and end. Kiss Alinski’s feet and build an alter. I’m sure he would be amused by your dedication to his pursuit wouldn’t he?
Have a relaxing Christmas Eve, at least I did after going to Church or is that a swear word for you???? Wait until 2010 BOY!!!
So I can understand why you don’t like FDR, but Teddy was a Repub. What’s the deal with you Paul?
What you seem to fail to understand is that party means next to nothing. Actions matter. Teddy was not a great president.
Dan, you are kidding me, right? That’s pretty much all I’ve been saying here for months now….! Sheesh ! So anyway…. in the past I think there was a difference in the parties. And their actions as Presidents were much needed and clearly effective. I didn’t say T.R. was a great president, now did I?? Nope. What are you saying? That FDR was a better President? What?? You guys really are as clear as mud most of the time.
There is a difference in parties. It’s called mind-set. Democrats, not all, believe everything is a “right,” and “share the wealth.” Moderates/conservatives believe that you “earn everything from hard work”, not entitlements/hand outs. There is a hell of a difference that you don’t seem to understand nor I believe you ever will with the chip on your shoulder that you continue to carry.
So Paul, you are disgreeing with Dan too then, correct? Does he happen to be soul-less also, or is it just me…? Amazing how you can discern such things.
And, back to the issue, what happens when people continually work harder, and “earn” less and less (buying power)?
Perhaps you shouldn’t even bother even trying to answer these questions, since you rarely ever do anyway. And maybe you could stop “answering” other’s questions for them, and start answering the ones directed at you instead. Just a suggestion.
Myself, I have to continually work harder and harder and increase my income because of continual tax increases and inflation brought about by irresponsible spending of dollars that don’t have a basis in reality being printed around the clock. Government is the cause of the diminishing returns on my labor. If it keeps up, eventually what will happen is we either succumb to a communist tyranny or we will collectively do what Jefferson prescribed.
Talk about a broken record… Communism died a long time ago now. You are two decades behind the times Dan. Fascism is the “real thing”, to borrow a quote from a world-wide corporate jingle.
Disagreement is good. That said, At least we talk, don’t yell, and have normal discourse that you seem to lack with you non-stop attacks to anyone that disagrees with your assessment . You will never change. I cannot answer a negative with a negative.
Actually, my last post was merely questions, as many of them are. And the observation that you choose not to repsond to most of my questions. And as directly above you simply change the subject when it suits you. That’s your prerogative, but it adds nothing to this site, other than your lame insertion that “disagreement is good.” I believe that disagreement is only a beginning for what can come from it, good or ill. By itself it is neither good or bad.
I observed that you finally disagreed with Dan on something. The majority of right-wingers rarely do that. The left-wing perhaps does it too much, to their own I mean. But anyway, I wanted to see if you would actually enter into an actual discussion with Dan about that. But per usual for the right, you did not. It is reflective of the personality of the right. It actually is what makes you a strong entity. However, it is very authoritarian, and rather mindless. And by authoritarian I am referring to the follow-the-leader, and support your side no matter what the heck it does. It is a strength, for certain, but not one for the long haul obviously.
Do I believe “Teddy” was a good President? No, Did he start our National Parks, yes. I never agreed with his policies. Dan is correct on old Teddy, the Hunter that he was. As to parties? I, as well as others that I talk to have a problem with both parties and I am sure Dan agrees. We need people, whomever they may be to come out and run for office that truly believe and will follow through on their convictions even though they will take heat from everyone, Democrats, Republicans, Independents included. that will take common sense and major personal sacrafice. I cannot think of one person Republican, Democrat or Independent that is willing to run the country of America without putting their finger to the wind following the polls. All I know, as others I talk to, we have a long road in front of us if things keep going as they are today. In over 60 years of observing all parties, I have never seen the split between opinions so divided. It is finally time to join forces. The question is, “Who will lead the Charge??”
I will lead…if Rob says “Global Warming is not Bush’s Fault”. I know…asking too much. I am not a fan of FDR or Teddy. I think FDR was the camel, and we’ve been worse ever since. I want a certain Alaskan governor to run in 2012, as far as 2010 goes, lets overhaul both houses and start fresh. Exception being Bachman! (also Inhofe)
Hal, I never ever said global warming was Bush’s fault. I surely don’t know where you guys come with some of your “thoughts.” And all I can say is if you are pro-Palin, then we are so far apart on what we think is genuine, good, and intelligent we might as well be from different galaxies. Some of what I do here is experimental of sorts. To see if an average Liberal like myself has anything in common with others, on the Right. I have looked for common ground, in addition to challenging others in different ways about a varitey of things.
And Michelle Bachman has made many very strange statements, very strange, even alarming. I guess your preferences for who you want to make decisions about your life, liberty and future likely says a lot about you. I apologize now, if in the future here, I show a lack of respoect for you.
Hal, we are actually thinking out of the box. What is needed is a person he/she that is willing to risk their careers, etc. to put their foot into the arena. Unfortunately, as previously stated, one little blemish, absent a good attorney, makes anyone that may be totally qualified a moot point. Damn, I wish people with qualifications such as common sense, dedication, business sense, understanding of economics, working with companies, organizations in a positive way that help change American unfortunately never run for office. They don’t want to be in “People” Magazine “Us” etc.
Finally, why does the government want to try Terrorists in criminal court in New York? Not in a military Tribunal? It’s not a traffic offense, or is it? Does it depend upon the speed of the plane? “Houston, we have a problem.”
Paul, I agree. But it isn’t going to happen until some very basic, yet big, changes are made in our political and electoral processes. I’ve been waiting many many years for all those brave people you speak of. Very few slip thru, and when they do they are suffocated by the hoards of the shallow and the evil. YOu can keep wishing for that, but it is useless obviously with the system we have in place.
I will not “wish for it” I will VOTE for it!
Good luck with that. Wasn’t GW the MBA Prez…? Hmmm. And thanks to him we not only have a problem in Houston, but Everywhere.
Negative thoughts bring negative results. Positive thoughts as well as “action” brings positive results. I sense you seem to want to talk not take the walk called dedication to changing the way things are that you dislike. I also note that you seem to simply roll over to your logic that everything will stay the same. With your attitude, it will.
Yes, I am very negative. After 30 years of neo-liberalsim and neo-conservatism (same thing in my book) I have been beaten down like many average Americans have, and I am damn sick and tired of it. Beaten down and negative, yes, very true…
Your people are running things, and have for 30 years, whether you will admit it or not (I know you won’t). So I think that is why you are still hopeful and optimistic. You and yours have every right to be. It’s your world, you and yours created it, enjoy it.
There is not one Republican or Democrat out there today that I would vote for. Was at Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s first meeting to say he was thinking of running for Governor and I was very impressed with him. Am I now? He must address cap n trade, climate changes issues that he is now backing for which I disagree and He seems to be putting his fingers in the wind as they all do. As stated, when a person, he or she stands up and tells it the way it is (factual data) and is honest with the public, then and only then will I vote for that person. One caveat, they had better do what they say after elected. That’s the problem in a nutshell, they rarely ever do. Finally, I’m a PMA guy. Positive Mental Attitude. When times get tough I’m driven to get better and let nothing negative take me down. Try it sometime.
Translating the title: A montanha pariu um ridÃculo camundongo (português). The mountain has given birth to a ridiculous mouse. This title is just perfect and say everything in few words. That’s exactly what The Copenhagen Summit really has accomplished!
It’s the POLITICAL process that is completely broken Paul. Why can’t you admit that and get on board with basic changes that many other countries have figured out and have implemented successfully?? I’m not saying “they” are perfect either. BUT, we gotta do something to the process, meaning the election process and how they are funded, plus other things. Get on board man!
Name me one Country? Norway? 36% tax, you included, even if you earn $10,000.00 or less? Name one and give us all examples of how they are to be “The Example” to use going forward. Name the Countries, I’m curious.
I agree Paul, I thought Pawlenty was heading in the right direction until he started waffling on the climate. We do not need another environmental zealot. I want a person who thinks for themselves, no finger to the wind. I don’t want a SUPER FAR RIGHT person, but I want someone much farther then now. It’s not good when Lieberman is considered conservative compared to this gang. I was a Thompson guy until he dropped, where do we get another Reagan? I do not want to “get on board with other countries” Actually that phrase insults me. I am proud that we DON’T do what other countries do. This is the largest experiment in Government ever attempted, a democratic republic. We have the best economy as far as potential goes, yes there are setbacks, but that is all part of the system. Every person in this country has the opportunity to succeed, I would not want to live anywhere else. I have lived in other countries, (3 different ones) I have vacationed in many more, the U.S. IS the only place to live. I reject living as other countries do, we make our own rules here and that is what the forefathers fought for. Rob, I am also waiting for the name of the country you would have us emulate.
OMG, what a sorry old platitude that is! Unbeleivable. Yes, let’s make all the same bad mistakes Europe has made over th last 200 years because we are too damn proud (stupid) to learn from someone else. Geeeeez that makes me so proud to be an American. Thanks so much there Hal.
Thank you Hal, I thought that I was on an Island. I, as well as you have been in numerous countries around the world and I know of no other country when the plane is on “final approach” to Minneapolis do I feel so good about being an American! It’s like night and day. Bye the way, (Governor T Paw) was going the right direction when he ran, unfortunately the ethanol lobby got involved as well as others. Minnesota farmers were hurting then and they still are in a major way today. Bio fuels? I have no problem with as long as they are harvested/used wisely. Unfortunately that is not the case. Finally, Yes, setbacks are part of the system. Always have been, always will. Now I hope it warms up after all this Global Warming we have been having. Have you any candidates in your mind? Let us all know. Democrats or Republicans.