To the Journal editor:

If you search you might find a few folks who still believe in a geocentric solar system. They would point up to the sky and say, “see, the sun revolves around the earth.” A seemingly observable truth, but scientifically erroneous.

Most experts and scientists agree that climate change is taking place and that it is due to human activity. I am sure that even Galileo and Copernicus had their steadfast doubters.

When in need of consultation regarding a possible brain tumor, it would be foolish to seek the advice of your mechanic.

Just as it would be unwise to ask an oncologist to diagnose the sputtering idle on your vehicle. Prudence dictates that we follow the guidance provided by our experts and professionals: engineers, doctors, and scientists. Advice that many politicians need to be reminded of.

When politics is involved, you should always follow the money, and ask who has something to gain or lose.

In 2012 Exxon had $110.6 billion in (gross) profit.

By the end of 2022, Exxon profits were up to $114.19 billion (macrotrends.net Exxon gross-profit). According to Reuters (Feb 8 Big Oil), 2022 was a record year with large oil companies taking in $219 billion in profit.

Fearful of the Green Energy policies of President Obama and later President Biden, the Gas and Oil Industry cranked up their lobbying efforts of Congress, aiming to buy politicians who would protect their interests.

From 2012 – 2020, political contributions from oil companies totaled $305 million, with over 86% going to the Republican Party.

In the election of 2020 alone, the GOP pocketed $63.6 million, with Donald Trump as the greatest recipient (Gas & Oil Lobbying Statista.com Aug 25).

As with many political issues, be aware of the self-serving interests of corporate money, and the money of the extremely wealthy. With the amount of money involved, lobbying now seems more like a legal form of bribery and graft than free speech. Because of it, too many politicians place the interests of lobbyist, and their own careers, over the interests of their constituents.

Over 50 years ago, free market guru and economist Milton Friedman nailed it when he argued that, within legal boundaries, the sole social responsibility of business is to increase its profits.

Profits are given priority over your quality of life and wellbeing, and that of generations to come.

MAX GRAVES

Marquette