PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Romney Comments Not Rocket Science

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Mitt Romney got a laugh from his audience at the GOP convention when he said, “President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans, (Romney bites his lip, crowd laughs, hoots, whistles) and to heal the planet. (Crowd chuckles) My promise is to help you and your family.” (Wild, sign-waving ovation)

Most Republicans don’t buy the science on global warming, so Romney cracked his cynical little joke to an appreciative audience, but how does one justify the notion that ignoring the reality of rising sea levels is helpful to anyone?

American civil engineers, and engineers all overthe world, are busy right now designing the pump stations and seawalls of the future to protect coastal cities against the imminent threat of rising seas. This massive engineering eff ort is happening worldwide, despite the GOP wish to believe otherwise.

How do we know about rising greenhouse gas concentrations and the ominous temperature spikes in Earth’s troposphere and stratosphere? We know because we have research rockets and satellites up there. We’re talking about rocket science. Dr. James Hansen, one of the most prescient and respected climate researchers, works for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, thefederal agency responsible for directing America’s rocket science research.

Yes, the foundation for the science of global warming and climate change is rocket science.

I remember a time, not so long ago, when everyone, even the staunchest of Republicans, had a high regard for rocket science.

GEORGE DEAN PATTERSON

Elkins VOTE WITH

COMPASSION

Iam asking for voters

to look at the (medical marijuana proposal on the) November ballot with compassion, and not fear.

There are thousands ofdisabled veterans like myself, and other sick and dying people in this state, who are begging for the relief that’s available from a simple plant.

Those who will abuse marijuana will do that. Don’t allow fear to harm those who truly need this law to pass.

Sick and dying people need you to overlook the abusers and consider their chronic pain, and wasting from serious diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis and posttraumatic stress syndrome.

Doctors already know of the benefi ts. Please allow Arkansas doctors to give their patients the best medicine, all the best medicine.

JIM HALE

Kingston