Right-Wing / Libertarian Think-Tanks

I interviewed the spokesman for the CATO Institute for my third book, Renewable Energy — Following the Money, and I have to say that it was a profound experience.  Here’s a group whose only reason for being is its attempt to prevent the U.S. government from helping Americans lead better, healthier, and longer lives.

As one can expect, the lines of argumentation were so ludicrous it was hard for me to believe I just heard those words uttered by a grown man.

My favorite: climate change won’t inflict any real damage for at least another 50 years, so there is no reason to take action until then.

My response: “Suppose you’re a smoker, and your doctor showed you your chest X-ray, pointing to a tumor on one of your lungs. Then he says, ‘This cancer won’t kill you for at least five years, so it would be a good idea to quit smoking five years from now.’ I don’t find your reasoning any better than this.”