Inhofe's Experts

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Periodically, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) unveils a list of "prominent scientists" who he claims agree with his rejection of evidence of global warming. His latest update was published about a month ago, and according to the far-right Republican, he's up to 700 names. Generally, conservative activists find this pretty impressive. After all, if a U.S. senator can point to 700 "prominent scientists" who are global warming deniers, then those mean ol' liberals shouldn't be allowed to say there's a scientific consensus on climate change.

Problems arise, however, when Inhofe's work is subjected to scrutiny. For example, some of the senator's scientists are actually economists. Others are scientists and inventors who have "no expertise in climate science whatsoever." Many are on ExxonMobil's payroll.

But an alert reader brought this item to my attention, and it's my favorite.

One of the listed prominent scientists is Chris Allen, who holds no college degree, believes in creationism and belongs to a Southern Baptist church. Allen is a weatherman at the FOX-affiliated TV station in Bowling Green, Ky.

On pages 227-228 of the report, Inhofe identified Allen as a meteorologist and quoted from his "scientific writing" -- a blog -- about global warming.

"[J]ust because major environmental groups, big media and some politicians are buying this hook, line and sinker doesn't mean as a TV weatherperson I am supposed to act as a puppy on a leash and follow along," wrote Allen. "All of this (global warming alarmism) is designed to get your money and then guilt you in to how you live your life."

Allen's blog rejects global warming, in part because he doesn't believe "God would allow humans to destroy the earth He created." He's also argued that his perspective on science has value, despite not having a background in science, because, "The way I see it, some people are too smart for their own good."

The point here is not to pick on a TV weathermen, who is obviously entitled to his opinions. Rather, the point is that a U.S. senator labeled this man a "distinguished scientist" and "a meteorologist," whose "expertise" on climate change should cast doubt on overwhelming scientific evidence.

Something to keep in mind the next time Inhofe is on Fox News boasting about his latest "report."

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/