Republicans Are Upset That Martin O'Malley Cited Actual Science On Climate Change And Conflict!!!!

[elleng]

I LOVE it!!!

The candidate links climate change to Syrian conflict. Republicans deem it "absurd."

And conservative media outlets are apparently really mad that reporters, including me, haven't covered O'Malley's comments. But here I am, covering them.

The thing is, O'Malley's comments reflect actual scientific findings published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/omalley-climate-change-syria_55ae7ed0e4b07af29d56793c

[FSogol]

1. Drought

"One of the things that preceded the failure of the nation state of Syria and the rise of ISIS, was the effect of climate change and the mega-drought that affected that nation, wiped out farmers, drove people to cities, created a humanitarian crisis that created the symptoms -- or rather, the conditions -- of extreme poverty that has now led to the rise of ISIS and this extreme violence,"

- O'Malley

Now the GOP will need to pretend that drought cannot cause economic hardships.

[elleng]

2. They will pretend ANYTHING!

[Koinos]

3. Reince Priebus and the "Absurd"

After all, republicans are masters at connecting causes and effects.

For example, gay marriage causes famine, flood, and pestilence.

[MH1]

4. I hope he isn't overestimating the intelligence of the electorate.

Sadly, there is a large swath who can't process "climate changed created ISIS" and will mock it.

He's right in principle, certainly. And I would dearly love to have a President who gets it to that degree about the consequences of climate change. But unfortunately I'm not typical of the electorate.

The problem is, even if in context he explains it very well, so that even an out-of-touch high school dropout could understand it, lots of those people won't even get past the headline on Faux Nooz.

I hope I'm wrong.

[elleng]

5. You may be right,

surely among repugs.
Would be good if DUers would process it.

[MH1]

7. Has this been posted in the Environment/Energy group?

Keeping in mind that discussions can get very lively over there. I think outright denialism is no longer tolerated but some may argue his conclusions. I think most would agree though.

[elleng]

10. Will do, MH1.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[MH1]

11. There's also this from n2doc

http://www.democraticunderground.com/112788637

[elleng]

12. Thanks!

Just posted it in MO'M group and Primaries.

[Koinos]

6. Drought does have economic and -- therefore -- political consequences.

The long-term drought in Iran, along with sanctions, has definitely affected its economy. I would think that has had some effect on their willingness to negotiate an agreement.

And lead, as well as other toxins in the environment, has affected people's behavior and ability to think clearly. Hence, we have the advance of tea party radicals and Donald Trump.

[MH1]

8. Lead - look at Europe vs US

Europe banned lead in paint, gas, etc. about 70 years before the US, if I recall correctly.

It could explain a lot, no?

(I have no idea what the status of lead in paint and gas is in the M.E. I guess IF it is still used, THAT could explain a lot, as well. Throw in the conflicts due to resource scarcity and hello violent extremism.)

[Koinos]

9. Excellent point about Europe!

Violent behavior and lowered IQ have been linked to lead.

Throughout history, most wars have been about resources.

Thanks, MH1.