Republicans' Frightening Logic for Being Against Preventing Mercury Poisoning

[marmar]

Hullabaloo, via AlterNet:



Republicans' Frightening Logic for Being Against Preventing Mercury Poisoning


For those who doubt that most of social conservatism is simply tribal identification rather than religion or ideology, check this out, from Right Wing Watch:

Calvin Beinser of the Cornwall Alliance has no scientific credentials but has become the go-to person for right-wing activists on questions of science, particularly climate change. While he lacks any credentials what Beisner does have is close ties to organizations financed by the energy industry and a history of attacking scientists, spreading misinformation, and fueling fears that the environmental movement is a pagan plot to destroy Christianity and kill “about 95% of the human race.”

Beisner is especially concerned about growing calls for environmental protection made by evangelical Christians, and has went out of his way to Green Dragon video series to disparage the EEN for thanking both Republican and Democratic politicians who supported efforts to reduce mercury emissions.

The Focus on the Family letter says it all:

According to the EEN, one of every six American babies is born with harmful blood mercury levels, “which causes permanent brain damage in the unborn and infants.” Therefore, the 12 federal legislators EEN is thanking with radio, TV and billboard ads for supporting the EPA restrictions are “pro-life.”

In truth, only one in every 1,000 American babies is exposed to harmful doses of mercury, and the slight delays in cognitive development it may cause generally disappear by age 7, says Beisner. Moreover, all 12 of the federal legislators EEN is supporting are among the most pro-abortion Congress has to offer. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/750635/republicans%27_frightening_logic_for_being_against_preventing_mercury_poisoning/

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Here's what 'Dr.' Beinser's little gig is about.

"The Cornwall Alliance is a coalition of clergy, theologians, religious leaders, scientists, academics, and policy experts committed to bringing a balanced Biblical view of stewardship to the critical issues of environment and development. The Cornwall Alliance fully supports the principles espoused in the Cornwall Declaration on Environmental Stewardship, and is seeking to promote those principles in the discussion of various public policy issues including population and poverty, food, energy, water, endangered species, habitat, and other related topics.
Press Release."