Beck mocks stimulus bill he doesn't understand
SUMMARY: Glenn Beck mocked the economic recovery package for including "$2.4 billion for carbon capture demonstration projects," adding, "I don't even know what the hell that is." Had Beck attempted to determine "what the hell" carbon capture is before ridiculing it, he would have learned that the provision funds the development of technology that he has previously criticized "liberals in Congress" for "block[ing]."
On January 28, while mocking various provisions of the economic recovery package, Glenn Beck noted that the bill provides "$400 million for global warming research, and another $2.4 billion for carbon capture demonstration projects," adding, "I don't even know what the hell that is." Had Beck attempted to determine "what the hell" carbon capture is before ridiculing it on his Fox News show, he would have learned that the $2.4 billion provision funds the development of technology that he has previously criticized "liberals in Congress" for "block[ing]."
Indeed, Beck's reference to "carbon capture demonstration projects" was to a "Fossil Energy" provision in the bill allocating $2.4 billion "for necessary expenses to demonstrate carbon capture and sequestration [CCS] technologies." According to a January 28 EnergyWashington Week report on climate change-related proposals in the bill, such technologies "form the backbone of attempts to burn coal cleanly." During the June 2, 2008, edition of his then-CNN Headline News show, Beck stated: "The liberals in Congress, controlled by the radical environmental special interest groups, have created a system where it is impossible to develop the next generation of nuclear energy. ... By the way, they've also blocked clean coal technology."
From H.R. 1, the House version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
FOSSIL ENERGY
For an additional amount for ''Fossil Energy'', $2,400,000,000 for necessary expenses to demonstrate carbon capture and sequestration technologies as authorized under section 702 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
Several news outlets have reported that this provision relates to the development of what is commonly called, including by Beck, "clean coal":
- From the January 28 EnergyWashington Week report (accessed via Nexis):
The House is moving closer to its final version of an $825 billion economic stimulus package that would include several climate change-related proposals, including a just-added amendment to extend federally guaranteed loans to biofuel projects that would lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
[...]
Added to the Appropriations Committee's section was $1.8 billion to fund energy efficiency projects on military bases. The committee also maintained a $2.4 billion appropriation for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects, which form the backbone of attempts to burn coal cleanly, and other energy efficiency measures. The Ways & Means Committee advanced an array of renewable energy tax incentives, including a provision allowing renewable energy companies to claim investment tax credits instead of production tax credits, a doubling of the cap on Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and an enhanced research & development tax credit for CCS and other renewable and efficiency projects.
- In a January 24 article in The Intelligencer of Wheeling, West Virginia, political reporter Joselyn King wrote: "There's $2.4 billion for clean coal technology in the economic stimulus package currently before Congress. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved the energy portion of the stimulus package that sets aside $25 billion for energy-related concerns -- including $2.4 billion specifically for carbon capture." King also quoted Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH) saying, "I am very pleased to see that there is $2.4 million [sic] included for carbon capture and sequestration in the House version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. ... I believe this technology is vital to advancing clean coal technologies -- and that such technologies will directly benefit our area."
- In a January 25 Charleston (West Virginia) Gazette article, environmental reporter Ken Ward Jr. wrote: "Coal company officials and their supporters in Congress are working to increase the industry's already large chunk of the economic stimulus package. Lawmakers in the House set aside $2.4 billion in their current version of the legislation for research into capturing greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants." Ward added: "In the Senate, Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., was lobbying fellow lawmakers and President Obama behind the scenes to try to get more money for what supporters call 'clean coal' programs."
From the June 2, 2008, edition of CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: Tonight, America, here's what you need to know. This Congress, this week, is debating something called cap and trade legislation. Oh, I'll have more on that in tonight's "Real Story" and in the subsequent days. But here's a little tease for you.
Congress says opponents of the bill say it'll make gas prices go up. Well, since when did the government become opponents to bills? Because the one that is opposed to this or the one that's saying it will go up is the EPA. Last I checked, that was a government entity. It says it will increase the price of gas by at least $1.50 a gallon. Well, thanks, Washington. That's the kind of relief I was looking for.
What about the damage Congress has already done? The liberals in Congress, controlled by the radical environmental special interest groups, have created a system where it is impossible to develop the next generation of nuclear energy. That's how most of Europe thrives.
By the way, they've also blocked clean coal technology. Have you tried to build a dam? They're building the biggest freaking dam ever built in China. We can't build one here. You go ahead and try to do it.
From the January 28 edition of Fox News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: President Obama's "spending package" is going to cost us over $800 billion, plus another $347 billion -- for what? Interest. And that, by the way, is if we pay it back by 2020, which, of course, we will. We're good for it. Sure.
The interest alone is going to cost us as much as we've spent on the entire war in Afghanistan times two. And what we're doing, they say, is going to make our house worth a lot more. They say that if we look at our country as a house, I mean, it's going to really increase the value of our house, huh?
After all, in the spending bill, there is $1 billion for Amtrak. Here's a train that hasn't made money in 40 years. Two billion dollars for child care subsidies, $400 million for global warming research, and another $2.4 billion for carbon capture demonstration projects. I don't even know what the hell that is. There's even $650 million for digital TV conversion coupons. Good.
A fuzzy Max Headroom.
What was that great line in Annie Hall, where Allen talks about this loser comic he has to write for, something like "Look at him-- he thinks he's so cute, mincing around like that..."
It's not that Beck sucks, it's that he sucks at the easiest job in the world.
I don't know what carbon capture is, but if I were going to opine on it, I'd first sit down and spend a few seconds typing a few letters on the interwebs. I might even perform a couple mouse clicks.
Beck doesn't even have to go that far. He can lift a single finger, point to some intern, and order him to tell him what carbon capture is.
I would, at the very least, pretend that I knew what I was talking about even if I didn't. It works for Bill "War Powers Act" O'Reilly.
You guys don't get it. "Carbon capture" sounds a little like "carbon credits" which of course has to do with Al Gore, which of course means it must be some liberal hoity toity mushy environmental crap, ergo worthy of ridicule.
All I know about "carbon capture" is that PNL (I think) wanted to run some tests in the local area and the proposal upset some environmental groups.
Oh, I can understand mocking a bill he doesn't understand, most of Congress is praising it and I'm not sure they understand the whole thing (either in it's current form or the form it will take after conference talks between the Houses).
I'm simply going to flat out ignore Glen Beck in this post, even though it is about him... and speak specifically about the arrogant yet quite weak minded Republican's within the Congress:
I find it beyond the pale that these clowns can still believe that they can be taken serious... the last eight years these jokers said nothing about all the over spending by Bush...
1) A useless occupation
2) Tax cuts for the rich
3) Cutting spending on social program
4) A massive increase in spending on defense
5) Billion dollar give-a-ways to the banks
6) An economy in ruins by all the above.... (there are more, but you get the idea)
Suddenly now are concerned about all of these things that they now must speak up in defense of the American people???
Whatever drugs these lunatics are taking.... keep them away from the rest of us... because when you live in fantasies like these guys do and think its reality...
Yikes!
And don't get me started about the Republican Congressman that grovelled to Rush Limbaugh the other day...
Someone remind me again...on what network is Glenn Beck's show? Oh, yea,...that would be FOX News. I'll bet they're so proud...
Keep up the good work, Glenn. You too Rush.
The McCain ridicule campaign of 2008 will go down in history as the sorriest attempt to win the presidency because all McCain and his prom date had was ridicule.
That worked out so well for them didn't it?
For a side who's been crowing for years about how their opponents are living in a pre 9/11 world, these idiots don't seem to realize that there is a stark difference between 2007 America and 2009 America.
Things have changed, and not for the better. I doubt the economy will be back to where it was in my lifetime. In order for us to survive this economic freefall, we need to spend money we don't have. It's plain and simple. We do nothing and allow 25 percent unemployment rates or we go for broke and hope we get lucky.
Americans should be ashamed to admit that they'll let people like Limbaugh and Beck influence them. These are two self centered lowlifes who got lucky on the radio.
Why not let Howard Stern settle the matter for us since radio shock jocks are the ones with the most influence in the field of economics these days?
And you've only scratched the surface, plantsman. Obama campaigned on a platform that promised no pork in any spending bill that came before him. Well, as we've seen and as you have pointed out, it's pork as usual. Thatsthatsthatsthats all folks!
Oh good Lord, I'm pretty certain you haven't even read the President's plans which is called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, btw. You can read about it here and tell us specifically what you find so objectionable: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/economy/
Warren Buffet is investing in railroads (although not passengers trains). They may not be profitable right now, but he apparently sees potential in the future. Just sayin' you have to be forward thinking. I'm thinking mass transportation might be a good investment.
Right on, JJ. Sigtek is one of those dead-enders who believe if we just keep giving the fat cats everything they want all will magically be well with the universe.
Fox News should have warnings before their programs for example: These shows offend thinkers, contain right wing propaganda, hate speech and lies. Exposure can cause cancer of the soul, make sure to watch with your logic cap securely in place, may cause severe lowering of I.Q., Live from Fox News it’s Saturday night!, The psychological warfare employed during this program may be harmful to your judgment, I am George Bush and I approve this propaganda, The following is an advertisement for the republican party, Fox News political pundits are paid actors, view at your own risk etc...
MMFA should bottle this headline and just change out the words "stimulus package" for whatever the issue of the day is.
I second that emotion.
Par for the course.
Sadly, for him - and us -, Mr. Beck is little more than a 40 W bulb running on one filament. I don't like to say such things but he's the worst! The few times I have heard him it was apparent that he was badly misinformed. I think Limbaugh and Hannity usually know what they are saying is often wrong but as master propagandists they say it anyway.
If we were not in such dire straits, I'd support nixing "clean coal" altogether. It is an oxymoron. The second law of thermodynamics clearly shows there's plenty of energy in the wind, seas and sun. Furthermore, we have barely begun to explore harnessing the power of methanogenic Archaebacteria.
It might be better to focus on these approaches.
sigtek44bc1345 and Plantsman,
You seem to have something in common with the twit this particular thread is about...
Like him... you guys are mocking a stimulus bill you don't understand!
Me? Mocking the bill? Nah, you misunderstood. I was simply pointing out where Beck got his talking points from. Oh, and pointing out that the person who wrote the WSJ editorial also didn't know that "carbon capture technology" meant "clean coal technology" before he/she mocked it.
I think we all know that "clean coal technology" is an oxy moron.
I knew where you were coming from P-man.