Monday Morning Rant 40

It would appear that those who are seeking more accurate research and better science on global warming are gaining credibility. Rather than be dismissed, their assertions are being recognized in ever greater numbers. One after another, eminent scientists in a variety of fields are calling for re-evaluation of the spurious findings of faulty computer models. Others are calling to account the actual costs both in dollars and human misery which would result if the AlGoreists were allowed to prevail.

As the elites call for more and more sacrifice on the parts of the common people to abate this manufactured crisis, we find their consumption of the world’s resources on the increase. They have private jets, mega mansions, with their gluttonous use of various energy sources, and do pretty much as they please while encouraging others with less economic advantage to park their cars, tighten their belts and live in the dark.

The following is in the Greenies website and frankly is more mathematically complex than I have the patience for. The “wonder” quote is in the final paragraph.

An excerpt from Netherlands Atmospheric scientist Dr. Hendrik Tennekes, a scientific pioneer in the development of numerical weather prediction and former director of research at The Netherlands' Royal National Meteorological Institute, and an internationally recognized expert in atmospheric boundary layer processes:

“I adhere to the Lorenz paradigm because I do not want to forget for a moment that small mistakes of whatever kind on occasion have large consequences. As far as I am concerned, the climate of our planet continuously balances on the verge of chaos. In my opinion, optimistic pronouncements about the stability of the climate system are unwarranted and unprofessional. I prefer modesty.”

Dr. Tennekes’ observation of a “planet continuously balanced on the verge of chaos” is the essence of life on earth. We retired early on Saturday night to better prepare for church activities on Sunday. We had spent the day in hard labor getting the yard, garden, house and the rest of our gifts shaped up and presentable. At 2:30 am, I was awakened with the words, “Honey, get up! I can hear the tornado sirens.” I awoke to the chaos of which he speaks. Heavy winds, lightening, thundering, all accompanied by a deluge of near Biblical proportions.

Although I acceded to my spouse’s wishes, as I wandered from room to room shutting windows and locating various animals, I thought of the good doctor’s reference to chaos. I have been in earthquakes, raging blizzards, sand storms, wild fires, floods, tornadoes and seen the nature of our world at its worst. None of it lasts. In no case is it a permanent condition. The ground settles, the waters recede, and rains quench the fires and the placidity returns. Each of these refreshes the planet and we move on. I see God’s hand in all of this and thank Him for sparing me to go on to the next experience. It may not always be so but I am more than willing to understand that in this life there will be more threats from our world.

John McPhee wrote an excellent book, The Control of Nature, which I recommend. Written over twenty years ago it deals with several notable attempts to alter our environment to ease our lives. His first example is the US Corps of Engineers maintenance of the vital Mississippi watercourse. It deals with locks, and levees, and diversion dams and the Corps’ attempts to keep the river under control. For over a hundred fifty years they have worked on it and when Katrina came with a scant few hours of “chaos” their worst fears were realized; over a thousand dead and a city essentially destroyed. Not just any town but one of giant historical and commercial importance. Our largest port crippled and huge numbers of people displaced..

When –not if—the New Madrid fault reaches the breaking point, the result will be a catastrophe on the Mississippi which will make New Orleans look like a childish exercise. It is simply the way the operation of the planet is. The manmade pride which assures the populace of our superiority will disappear and we will see the results of chaos which the Chinese are currently facing after their earthquake.

Is this yet one more prediction of the gloom and doom variety? No, not really, it is simply an appeal to accept what this magnificent earth has to offer and prepare for the next life. Whenever I think of some of the life threatening events I have endured I also think of sitting on a rock at the edge of a mirror smooth lake high in the Rocky Mountains. The arrangement of the scant trees and shrubs overlooked by craggy outcroppings of rock which are an image in reverse on the water is achingly beautiful. It is a physical definition of serenity.

As a professional traveler, I have experienced every state and some foreign countries. In conversation I am often asked which I find the most beautiful. The answer is always slow and somewhat muddy. It is not because I don’t have favorites; it is because in my recollection of each locality I have a distinct memory of something breathtakingly beautiful. It is not what the natural beauty of each state may be but rather the interpretation of what you see. As an example, one sunny day with huge white clouds in North Dakota, I drove by a huge field of sunflowers in full bloom. They seemed to run from horizon to horizon with no variance of color or intensity. Does that make North Dakota the most beautiful state? Not necessarily, but it certainly doesn’t make it rank near the bottom either.

Returning to Dr. Tennekes’ remarks, wisdom demands we anticipate that natural chaos could well disturb the placid scene before our eyes. It is all part of the ongoing changes on the earth from within and the remarkable effects provided from the extremely fragile atmosphere which surrounds it. When all is said and done there is one certain assurance. The chaos will continue and God will provide.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon