Dear Mr. President:Given the effect of ClimateGate on the whole discussion about reducing carbon emissions to "save the planet", I'd doubtful that any promise made by Obama would be ratified by the Senate. Cap-and-tax is pretty much dead, along with anything else related to restrictions on freedom or higher taxes associated with climate change.
I would like to express my concern regarding reports that the Administration may believe it has the unilateral power to commit the government of the United States to certain standards that may be agreed upon at the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The phrase “politically binding” has been used.
Although details have not been made available, recent statements by Special Envoy on Climate Change Todd Stern indicate that negotiators may be intending to commit the United States to a nationwide emission reduction program. As you well know from your time in the Senate, only specific legislation agreed upon in the Congress, or a treaty ratified by the Senate, could actually create such a commitment on behalf of our country.
I would very much appreciate having this matter clarified in advance of the Copenhagen meetings.”
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Democrat Challenges Obama on Carbon Promises
Sen. Jim Webb from Virginia is a Democrat, and upon hearing that Obama was going to make promises to the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen on the part of the United States, Webb decided to remind him that he doesn't have that authority:
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God bless Senator Webb also for his judicious use of the word "unilateral." (The hint that Obama's senate tenure might not have been long enough to expose him to procedures involved in making American law ain't a bad touch either.)
President Bush was the "unilateral" guy, as I recall. But at least Bush's unilaterality (which could be a legitimate topic of criticism) was only in regard to the United States making decisions on its own behalf vis a vis other nations, whereas President Obama's unilaterality would commit every American man, woman and child to his politically correct vision of the universe (or so he might wrongly suppose).
Oh, how I will be glad to see him waving his last farewell from Marine One when it whisks him back to life in the private sector. Until then, it's nice to see some clarity coming -- from of all places! -- the other side of the aisle.
Ann's New Friend......Very good post, you are right on the mark.
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