Spring Break
Abstract:
Saving the environment is not about protecting the fish and the birds, according to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It is about protecting the human race. Kennedy, nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, spoke at Western Hall Wednesday as part of Western's theme, "Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility."...
Originally posted byStephen Triesch
I did some fact-checking on Kennedy's claim that Bush weakened mercury regulations after receiving $100 million from the utility industry. First of all, I believe that Bush left intact President Clinton's stringent regulations for reducing mercury in the water supply. There was considerable debate at the time, and - after review - Bush let the Clinton rules stand.
As for the $100 million, for the combined 2000-2004 elections, Bush received $560 million in contributions, of which $372 million were individual contributions, $141 million were federal matching funds, and $41 million were from all PACs and businesses COMBINED. Oil, gas, manufacturing, and construction combined for about $11 million, and "utility" contributions were so small - probably under $2 million - they didn't even form a separate category. In short, Kennedy is either lying or seriously mistaken.
As for Kennedy's claim that the public is "not aware of environmental issues," that is also preposterous. Environmental issues comprise a significant portion of news coverage both at the national and local levels. "Global warming" is a household word, and environmental topics have been inserted into the curricula of virtually every school district in the country.
Stephen Triesch
posted 10/05/07 @ 3:19 PM CST
As for the $100 million, for the combined 2000-2004 elections, Bush received $560 million in contributions, of which $372 million were individual contributions, $141 million were federal matching funds, and $41 million were from all PACs and businesses COMBINED. Oil, gas, manufacturing, and construction combined for about $11 million, and "utility" contributions were so small - probably under $2 million - they didn't even form a separate category. In short, Kennedy is either lying or seriously mistaken.
As for Kennedy's claim that the public is "not aware of environmental issues," that is also preposterous. Environmental issues comprise a significant portion of news coverage both at the national and local levels. "Global warming" is a household word, and environmental topics have been inserted into the curricula of virtually every school district in the country.