Climate Deniers

Last night I participated in a candidate debate. When I started talking about the fact that 98% of the world's climate scientists agree that global warming is a fact, I saw several or many people in the audience vigorously shaking their heads "No!" Twenty percent of Canadians are still climate deniers. Climate deniers, many who have never studied climate seem to have convinced themselves that they understand weather patterns and climate change better than 98% of the worlds climate scientists.

Planet S magazine points out that the 2% of climate scientists who disagree with the 98% tend to be less well educated, less published, and funded by "big oil".

I have come to the conclusion that many people simply believe what they want to believe. Science, logic, and fact have little influence on some people.

Canadians should feel proud that the percentage of climate deniers in Canada is much lower than in the USA.
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Below are some teaser quotes from the document linked to above:

"Biased assimilation is the tendency to embrace evidence that supports one’s beliefs
about the world and reject evidence that is inconsistent with one’s beliefs about the world."

"Nevertheless, the magnitude of the costs of global climate change makes it rational for any nation to enter into such a treaty, despite the costs of doing so."


"Unless a similar groundswell of support for reducing the risks of global climate change can be mustered, legislative efforts to restrict fossil fuel consumption are unlikely."


"because of a lack of a scientific consensus on the degree of climate change that the planet will experience, society is unlikely to achieve a consensus on the need to undertake costly preventive measures.  In other cases of scientific uncertainty, people tend to adopt extreme positions, and adhere to them closely, which makes consensus in a large group difficult or impossible."



"Furthermore, the fossil fuel industry has incentives to generate research that muddies the scientific waters."

"Loss aversion and the status quo bias
 People become attached to the status quo."

Friday, October 28
Saskatoon Cycles


Hello,

My name is Robert Judge. I am on the board of Saskatoon Cycles. We
promote cycling as year-round transportation for all ages. With over
1200 members we are now the largest bicycle group in Saskatchewan. Our
rapid growth reflects how urgent cycling issues are with voters and
taxpayers. We are asking 4 questions about cycling and provincial
politics of each candidate in Saskatoon's 12 ridings, and the party
leaders. We will not endorse any party or candidate. We will post all
responses on our website, saskatooncycles.ca and share with the media.
If you are able to answer even one question or make comment, we would
appreciate that.

Note: We are re-sending this email originally from 22nd October
because there may have been some glitches receiving it.

Thank-you for participating. All the best in your campaign.


 1) On average motor vehicles injure 11 and kill 2 cyclists each year
in Saskatchewan. Fear of cars is the largest factor preventing more
people from cycling. Would you have SGI put more emphasis on teaching
motorists to safely share the road with cyclists?


Larry Waldinger: Yes that would help make the roads safer for cyclists who dare to ride on the roads. For those cyclist whose dare not ride on the roads they should be allowed to ride on sidewalks. Common sense should allow pedestrians, strollers, wheel chairs, and cyclists to all safely share the sidewalks. More street corner curb cuts would help all wheeled traffic on sidewalks too.

2) Highway construction workers are protected by buffer zones and a
speed limit with stiff penalties. Tow truck and emergency workers are
protected by a speed limit. Cyclists have no protection. There is no
minimum distance a car must keep when passing a cyclist, and our
members experience cars passing too closely in the same lane. This
safety hazard sometimes includes a spray of mud. What rules would you
put in place to protect cyclists?


Larry Waldinger: Reduced speed limits around cyclists (like school zones) is something that immediately comes to mind. There are probably many other better rules. I notice that when I walk or ride across the 25th Street Bridge in the rain splash from motorists arcs over the protective barrier and splashes me.


3) Given the benefits to the taxpayer of increased cycling, where do
you stand on removing the PST from bicycles and accessories?

Larry Waldinger: That is an awesome idea. I would like to talk to whoever came up with that idea.

 4) Healthcare budgets are ballooning, pushed up by diseases of
inactivity. Studies show that money invested in bikeways is recouped
several times over in lowered healthcare costs. However, municipal
politicians say healthcare costs are a provincial responsibility, and
provincial politicians say bikeways are a municipal responsibility.
Should the province save money on healthcare by helping our cities
invest in safer bikeways? If so, by how much?


Larry Waldinger: Yes. The Green Party of Saskatchewan strongly supports preventive health care. The province should invest A LOT in safer bike-ways because it makes economic sense. One of the obstacles to preventive medicine is that corrective medicine like expensive surgery and pharmaceuticals are better for the GDP, and our society has an unhealthy obsession with GDP.


Also important to consider is the influence the petroleum industry exerts in Saskatchewan. They would not be pleased to see a wide scale shift from the use of motorized vehicles burning their fuels to the use of bicycles. The Green Party is the only party that refuses to accept campaign contributions from any corporations or lobbyists, so you could expect elected Green Party MLA's to act in the interests of the people of Saskatchewan.

“The NDP claims to represent the 99% while receiving donations from the 1%. The conservatives are the 1% squeezing the 99%. The Green Party is the 99%, represents the 99%, and can only accept donations from the 99%.”

University of Saskatchewan Senators intend to present motions regarding Autonomy, Corporatization, Transparency and Communication at U of S Senate Meeting

University of Saskatchewan Senators intend to present motions regarding Autonomy, Corporatization, Transparency and Communication at U of S Senate Meeting

The following are summarized motions that were submitted to the U of S Secretary, by elected senators, for inclusion in the October 15m U of S Senate Meeting Agenda. The motions were twice rejected by the Senate Executive on the basis that they were not “in order” and that they would like to “ensur[e] that sufficient time is given to the Substantive issues that are on the fall meeting agenda.” As they are currently drafted, the U of S Senate Bylaws do not restrict individual Senators from placing motions on the agenda and the Senate Executive has conceded that these motions can be presented at the Senate Meeting for inclusion in the agenda.

That these motions were rejected by the Senate Executive, is just another example of the impoverished democratic climate on the U of S Senate, and emphasize the urgency of having motions such as these on the agenda. These are substantive issues that deserve proper consideration and discussion at the upcoming U of S Senate meeting and these Senators intend to see them discussed. If y0u’re concerned about Autonomy, Corporatization, Transparency and Communication at the University of Saskatchewan, we encourage you and all Saskatchewan community members to attend the October 15m U of S Senate Meeting to show support for these motions.

Summaries of the three motions:

1. In light of an astonishing number of harassment and intimidation cases at the University of Saskatchewan, the senators seek clarification from the Board of Governors around the apparent dysfunctional role of the University administration in matters of dispute mediation and resolution.

2. In the past year alone, it was brought to the attention of the Board of Governors that their chair, Nancy Hopkins, appears to be in a significant conflict of interest by concurrently serving as a Cameco board member; and corporate and government interference has resulted in the inappropriate earmarking of $30 miliion of public money for the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation. Concerned that these instances represent a growing trend, the senators request clarification of issues regarding the apparent inability of the Board of Governors to protect the university autonomy from corporate and government influences. I]

3. At present, communication amongst U of S senators is restrictive and vetted by the University Secretary. USSWORD senators seek the formation of a committee to facilitate communication amongst all senators.

What: University of Saskatchewan Senate Meeting
When: 9:30AM, October 15, 2011
Where: Room 150, College of Law , University of Saskatchewan

Green Party's Larry Waldinger sees campaign surge in Saskatoon

MEDIA RELEASE: Green Party's Larry Waldinger sees campaign surge in Saskatoon

www.saskgreen.ca

Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

WALDINGER HAS THE LEADING GREEN CAMPAIGN IN THE PROVINCE

SASKATOON – Green Party Leadership runner-up Larry Waldinger has bolted out of the blocks and taken a strong lead with his campaign in the constituency of Saskatoon Sutherland. Since the beginning of the year Waldinger has brought in over 25% of all revenue for the party and he has generated approximately twice the amount of donations of the next closest candidate.

Penny Swartz, Treasurer for the Green Party of Saskatchewan attests to the numbers. "Larry Waldinger is an example of a persistent, hardworking candidate that has been able to generate a quarter of the party's income to date to support the financial needs of his campaign."

The Green Party of Saskatchewan has seen a 50% increase in fundraising for the party compared to the entire 2007 election cycle.

Regarding his second place finish in the leadership race held on September 25, 2011 in Regina Larry says, "I am relieved that I can focus exclusively on my campaign. In fact I would have been a little startled to have won the leadership race, since I only joined the party in December. I think some members of the party are still skeptical, but that only makes me work harder."

Larry admits he has spent only a short time in politics. "My limited time in politics has not tied my hands. As a result I have come up with some innovations that have really boosted my campaign."

Larry Waldinger. The Green Party of Saskatchewan candidate for Saskatoon-Sutherland.

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Contact:

Larry Waldinger
Email: lwaldinger@gmail.com
Phone: 306-384-3398 (Home)
Phone: 306-717-7275 (Mobile)

7 Questions for Leadership Candidates Green Party of Saskatchewan Leadership Convention, September 25, 2011

7 Questions for Leadership Candidates

Green Party of Saskatchewan Leadership Convention, September 25, 2011

What inspired you to put your name forward for party leadership?

Larry Waldinger: "I sensed that it would help the party and my campaign at the same time. Also, some people I spoke to were enthusiastic about me running."

What one issue do you feel should be the priority for our provincial election platform?

Larry Waldinger: "It is hard to separate which is more important people and planet or planet and people. If we don't come to grips with climate change it will cause a lot of damage to the planet and a lot of misery to the people, so what I like to say is that climate change is our "signature issue". If I had to choose I would say that climate change is the thing, but we need to balance a little sacrifice now with avoiding mass misery later."

How will you juggle work, family, and leadership duties leading into the provincial election?

Larry Waldinger: "I will balance all of my responsibilities the way I have been and the way I continue to do each day. It's not that complicated. I will work hard at all of my responsibilities. My union (ATU615) has negotiated the luxury for its members of being able to arrange time off from work, so I am able to put my work responsibility on the back burner for a while. In fact I have been doing that for some time. That makes the juggling act much more easy."

Can you please tell us a little about what first brought you into "a life political"?

Larry Waldinger: "I felt an overwhelming need to do something about the many crisis facing us. I started with a donation to the GPS, followed it with an offer of volunteer help, and it all just seemed to flow naturally to where I am at now."

When did you first identify as a Green?

Larry Waldinger: "I think it is in my DNA"

Why should we vote for you?

Larry Waldinger: "People should vote for me because of the passion, energy, and innovation that I have already brought to the table. Since 2010 I have been active, loyal, and dedicated to the GPS. I have experience in leadership positions. Same applies to my candidacy in the Saskatchewan general election to be held on November 7, 2011."

Where can we go to learn a little more about you?

Larry Waldinger: "Google me, click on one of the many links below, or use some of the contact information below to contact me directly:

Larry Waldinger
Email: lwaldinger@gmail.com
Mobile: 306-717-7275
Web: LarryWaldinger.com
Blog :http://gpswaldinger.blogspot.com/
GPS: Green Party of Saskatchewan
Bio Info: Larry Waldinger Biography and Quotes
Facebook: Larry Waldinger for Saskatoon Sutherland (Green Party of Saskatchewan)
Twitter: @VoteLarryW

Or may I suggest to you that you go to the leadership convention...

Thank you,

Larry Waldinger

Media Release LARRY WALDINGER FOR LEADER OF THE GREEN PARTY OF SASKATCHEWAN

MEDIA RELEASE

LARRY WALDINGER FOR LEADER
OF THE GREEN PARTY OF SASKATCHEWAN
www.saskgreen.ca

September 20, 2011

WALDINGER BECOMES THIRD TO SEEK GREEN PARTY OF SASKATCHEWAN LEADERSHIP

SASKATOON – The race for the leadership of the Green Party of Saskatchewan has a new entrant. Saskatoon resident Larry Waldinger has thrown his hat in the ring, joining fellow candidates Victor Lau and Brendan Cross in a race that will be determined at a leadership convention this coming Sunday, September 25 in Regina.

“I want to help breathe fresh air into the politics of our province by leading a party that is dedicated to confronting the major challenges of our time. At this juncture in our province’s history we need to bring people into our democracy, address climate change. We also need to come to grips with the normalization of diseases like cancer, autism, and diabetes.” says Waldinger, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan.

Waldinger says the Green Party of Saskatchewan needs to be engaging citizens on a regular basis and looks forward to the challenge. “For months now I’ve been leading by example by demonstrating this approach. My riding of Saskatoon-Sutherland has done the most outreach, raised the most money, and has the largest volunteer base. As the prospective leader I wish to help other ridings develop a more community-oriented approach to politics,” states Waldinger.   

“Whether it be policy development that reflects the aspirations of our people or by inviting citizens into the democratic process in our 58 constituencies, we are building a party that will alter the shape of Saskatchewan’s political landscape. We are focused and ready to assume this responsibility,” says Waldinger.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow leadership contenders, Victor Lau and Brendan Cross, for their dedication to the democratic life of our party and province. I look forward to discussing the major issues of the day with them and together help to inspire others to become involved,” says the Saskatoon resident.    

For additional comment, please contact:

Larry Waldinger, Candidate for the Leadership of the Green Party of Saskatchewan
Email: lwaldinger@gmail.com
Phone: 306-384-3398 (Home)
Phone: 306-717-7275 (Mobile)