When America first discovered its conservationist soul, it was a Republican President, Teddy Roosevelt, who delivered eloquent words and tough action to make conservation efforts a priority and reality. Thanks to him, both parties have kept the issue on their respective party platforms ever since.
Senator John McCain is sometimes erroneously compared to Teddy Roosevelt. Some of his supporters claim to see him as the genuine conservative with a maverick progressive streak in the T.R. mold.
These are the the king of statements Roosevelt made. However, unlike McCain they were followed up with meaningful actions.
"The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem it will avail us little to solve all others."
- Teddy Roosevelt, Address to the Deep Waterway Convention, Memphis, TN, October 4, 1907
McCain's newest ad falsely and ineffectively tries to mirror this simple eloquence.
The ad ends with a simple message: “Reform. Prosperity. Peace.”
If only McCain’s words matched his deeds like Teddy.
When McCain talks about “Reform. Prosperity. Peace.” he has trouble with his environmental record:
“Reform”
McCain Receives "0" on League of Conservation Voters 2007 Scorecard
McCain has a lifetime LCV score of 24 percent
Of course, if you count all the votes he’s missed lately, that number surges to 26%.
McCain Accepted $291,658 from Big Oil in 2007
“On average, Senators voting for big oil tax breaks and against incentives for renewable energy and efficiency in 2007 received $195,973 in campaign donations from the oil industry during this decade. In 2007 alone, Sen. McCain received $291,658 from the oil and gas industry.”
“In 2007, McCain was the only senator who failed to vote on a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Energy Independence and Security Act. This vote was about whether to close $13 billion in tax breaks for major oil and gas companies to invest in new clean energy technologies such as wind and solar, and efficiency. Sixty votes were required for passage. The motion was rejected 59-40.” (CQ.com; HR 6, Vote #425, 12/13/07)
“Prosperity”
McCain Boasts of Global Warming Record, But Solutions Are Absent From His Website
Go visit johnmccain.com’s section on climate change (here’s the link). Notice anything? Probably not, because he has the same old Republican response (which means not much). Go to Sen. Obama’s page (check it out). Notice that it actually has a detailed set of plans? That’s because he wants to do something to solve the problem, not just talk about it.
“Peace”
Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%)
Amendment to improve the energy security of the United States and reduce United States dependence on foreign oil imports by 40% by 2025. The amendment seeks to reduce usage by 7.6 million barrels of oil a day, out of a total usage of 20 million barrels of oil a day. The bill without amendment seeks to reduce usage by 1 million barrels of oil a day.
(Reference: Energy Policy Act of 2005; Bill S.Amdt. 784 to H.R. 6 ; vote number 2005-140 on Jun 16, 2005)
Teddy had a saying, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." Well, McCain talks the talk, but he’s got no stick, and he’s going nowhere but back home to Arizona.