# Stupid Republican idea of the day **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897 "2009-03-26T18:48:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 91
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1801 "2010-06-30T10:07:57Z")
Have we discussed [this gem](http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/the-gaggle/2010/06/18/who-is-joe-barton.html#)from Joe Barton yet? > [@](#): > > Wind is God’s way of balancing heat. Wind is the way you shift heat from areas where it’s hotter to areas where it’s cooler. That’s what wind is. Wouldn’t it be ironic if in the interest of global warming we mandated massive switches to energy, which is a finite resource, which slows the winds down, which causes the temperature to go up? Now, I’m not saying that’s going to happen, Mr. Chairman, but that is definitely something on the massive scale. I mean, it does make some sense. You stop something, you can’t transfer that heat, and the heat goes up. It’s just something to think about. Yes, the former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee implied that wind is a finite resource and wind farms cause global warming. It makes you feel good about how this country has been run, doesn’t it? I think there are fourth-graders with a better understanding of climatology than this guy. (I’m not sure when exactly he said this - it’s not clear from that article but it seems to be Obama-era - but I think the amount of stupid in that gives it a long, long half-life.) ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1802 "2010-06-30T13:04:47Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Have we discussed [this gem](http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/the-gaggle/2010/06/18/who-is-joe-barton.html#)from Joe Barton yet?Yes, the former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee implied that wind is a finite resource and wind farms cause global warming. It makes you feel good about how this country has been run, doesn’t it? I think there are fourth-graders with a better understanding of climatology than this guy. > > (I’m not sure when exactly he said this - it’s not clear from that article but it seems to be Obama-era - but I think the amount of stupid in that gives it a long, long half-life.) He’s also the same genius who stumped out Energy Secretary with a grade-school question about oil. So goddamned stupid… -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1803 "2010-06-30T13:18:20Z")
> [@Merijeek](#): > > He’s also the same genius who stumped out Energy Secretary with a grade-school question about oil. Wow… > [@](#): > > Barton: Dr Chu, I don’t want to leave you out. You’re our scientist. I have one simple question for you in the last six seconds. How did all the oil and gas get to Alaska and under the Arctic Ocean? > > Chu: (Laughs) This is a complicated story, but oil and gas is the result of hundreds of millions of years of geology and in that time also the plates have moved around. And so, it’s a combination of where the sources of the oil and gas… > > Barton: Isn’t it obvious that at one time it was a lot warmer in Alaska and on the North Pole? It wasn’t a big pipeline that we’ve created from Texas and shipped it up there and put it under ground so we can now pump it up? > > Chu: No, there are continental plates that have been drifting around throughout the geological ages. > > Barton: So it just drifted up there. > > Chu: Uh…That’s certainly what happened. It’s a result of things like that. > > Chairman: The gentleman’s time has expired. How do you respond to a US Congressman with significant influence in the field of energy legislation who asks questions so fundamentally bizarre that you’re left wondering whether he’s so clever he’s leading you into some “gotcha” situation or he just really is as utterly clueless as he appears? Either way, I’d be stumped how to respond too. Maybe the oil got there via those internet tubes? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1804 "2010-06-30T13:20:36Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > How do you respond to a US Congressman with significant influence in the field of energy legislation who asks questions so fundamentally bizarre that you’re left wondering whether he’s so clever he’s leading you into some “gotcha” situation or he just really is as utterly clueless as he appears? I am sure it was a veiled gotcha, trying to expose an atheist who didn’t believe god put the oil under Alaska for us to use. Only a godless heathen could believe oil is not part of some divine plan. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1805 "2010-06-30T13:46:27Z")
[NRCC chairman Pete Sessions, whose job it is to increase GOP ranks in the House, says Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) will likely retain his post as the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Asked last night after a House vote if Barton may face further repercussions for apologizing to BP CEO Tony Hayward, Sessions told reporters that Barton’s already paid his penance. “I don’t think that’s the direction we’re headed in,” Sessions said. “…I believe that Joe has adequately addressed the issue.”](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/nrcc-chair-pete-sessions-says-no-further-punishment-for-barton.php?ref=fpblg)[sup]\*[/sup] [sup]\*[/sup]Yeah, uberugly link, isn’t it? but I avoided using the quote button. I suppose it’s hard to read, and ugly, so not a good idea for daily use. ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1806 "2010-06-30T13:48:58Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > [NRCC chairman Pete Sessions, whose job it is to increase GOP ranks in the House, says Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) will likely retain his post as the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Asked last night after a House vote if Barton may face further repercussions for apologizing to BP CEO Tony Hayward, Sessions told reporters that Barton’s already paid his penance. > “I don’t think that’s the direction we’re headed in,” Sessions said. “…I believe that Joe has adequately addressed the issue.”](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/nrcc-chair-pete-sessions-says-no-further-punishment-for-barton.php?ref=fpblg)[sup]\*[/sup] > > [sup]\*[/sup]Yeah, uberugly link, isn’t it? but I avoided using the quote button. I suppose it’s hard to read, and ugly, so not a good idea for daily use. Huh? He was basically let off the hook less than a week after he shat out this load. This is old news, homey. -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1807 "2010-06-30T14:20:45Z")
> [@Merijeek](#): > > This is old news, homey. Sure, just providing context on Barton’s current party standing, lest people think him some sort of maverick. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1808 "2010-06-30T14:31:39Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I am sure it was a veiled gotcha, trying to expose an atheist who didn’t believe god put the oil under Alaska for us to use. Only a godless heathen could believe oil is not part of some divine plan. If you look at Chu’s responses he is progressively dumbing down his answers as he goes: Barton: [question] Chu: [Technical answer] Barton: [Bizarre question] Chu: [Simple answer] Barton: [Stupid comment] Chu: [Extremely broad, basic answer] Presumably if they hadn’t run out of time Chu would eventually have been drawing Barton little pictures of dinosaurs. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1809 "2010-06-30T14:36:38Z")
I ran across [this story](http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=7527491) via CNN, regarding Republican Congressman Mark Kirk - now running for the Senate - who recently apologized for embellishing his military record / service … a common theme these days, so it’s hardly earthshaking news … … however, the funny bit is right at the end of the article: “Kirk is also accused of exaggerating his teaching career nearly 30 years ago. When asked if there were any other misstatements he might want to clear up, the congressman said he did not recall anything, but if there is something in the future he will apologize.” ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1810 "2010-06-30T18:48:44Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > I ran across [this story](http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=7527491) via CNN, regarding Republican Congressman Mark Kirk - now running for the Senate - who recently apologized for embellishing his military record / service … a common theme these days, so it’s hardly earthshaking news … > > … however, the funny bit is right at the end of the article: > > “Kirk is also accused of exaggerating his teaching career nearly 30 years ago. When asked if there were any other misstatements he might want to clear up, the congressman said he did not recall anything, but if there is something in the future he will apologize.” His latest excuse on the military thing was, “I wasn’t thinking”. …that people were going to check in on it? -Joe ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1811 "2010-06-30T18:56:36Z")
> [@Merijeek](#): > > His latest excuse on the military thing was, “I wasn’t thinking”. > > …that people were going to check in on it? > > -Joe Well, he’s ONLY going for a Senate seat! It’s not like anyone cares about those. ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1812 "2010-06-30T19:04:07Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Well, he’s ONLY going for a Senate seat! It’s not like anyone cares about those. Yeah, exactly. Look where that thinking got Alvin Greene. ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2010, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1813 "2010-06-30T19:11:19Z")
> [@descamisado](#): > > Yeah, exactly. Look where that thinking got Alvin Greene. Look at where it got Rob “How’s my hair, and don’t try to spell” Blagoyovittchie. -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1814 "2010-07-02T14:58:39Z")
Wow. Just wow. This is some fine grade stupid. Be careful with it. No, really. You may think it’s funny and all, but make sure you hold tight when getting to the last sentences. RNC Chairman Michael Steele Says [We Shouldn’t Be In Afghanistan; Calls It Obama’s War Of Choice](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php) [ > [@](#): > > Keep in mind again, federal candidates, this was a war of Obama’s choosing. This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." > > “It was one of those, one of those areas of the total board of foreign policy [“in the Middle East”? – Note: The audio is not quite clear in this section.] that we would be in the background, sort of shaping the changes that were necessary in Afghanistan as opposed to directly engaging troops,” Steele continued. “But it was the president who was trying to be cute by half by flipping a script demonizing Iraq, while saying the battle really should be in Afghanistan. Well, if he’s such a student of history, has he not understood that you know that’s the one thing you don’t do, is engage in a land war in Afghanistan? All right, because everyone who has tried, over a thousand years of history, has failed. And there are reasons for that. There are other ways to engage in Afghanistan.” ]([http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php)) ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1815 "2010-07-02T15:07:35Z")
I love how history always starts over at the beginning of a Democratic administration, don’t you? ---
**Author:** ![Merijeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Merijeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merijeek)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1816 "2010-07-02T15:09:15Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Wow. Just wow. This is some fine grade stupid. Be careful with it. No, really. You may think it’s funny and all, but make sure you hold tight when getting to the last sentences. > RNC Chairman Michael Steele Says [We Shouldn’t Be In Afghanistan; Calls It Obama’s War Of Choice](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php) > [URL=“[http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/steele-afgahnistan-a-war-of-obamas-choosing-that-us-didnt-want-video.php)”] Bush was a complete fucking disaster. But because he was a Republican, it never happened. But, Steele is too. Soon enough he’ll never have happened either, and between him and Jinal the GOBP will have ended their experiment in reflexive tokenism. -Joe ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1817 "2010-07-02T19:16:35Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > I love how history always starts over at the beginning of a Democratic administration, don’t you? We have always been at war with Eastasia. Doubleplusungood falsethink! ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_Stimulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1818 "2010-07-02T20:09:04Z")
> [@Digital\_Stimulus](#): > > GOP Congressional nominee from New Mexico [suggests putting landmines on the US/Mexico border](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/15/politics/main6583678.shtml)… A follow-up to the above post: the first image in [this article](http://theweek.com/article/index/204633/tea-party-jesus-pointed-or-pointless-satire) concerning the ruckus about “Tea Party Jesus” is the Tom Mullins quote referenced. While merely incidental, I figured readers of this thread would be amused by Tea Party Jesus… ---
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2010, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1819 "2010-07-02T20:27:21Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I am sure it was a veiled gotcha, trying to expose an atheist who didn’t believe god put the oil under Alaska for us to use. Only a godless heathen could believe oil is not part of some divine plan. No, it was a gotcha ya about global warming. Because if there were plants and animals and stuff in Alaska once upon a time to create oil, then obviously the whole global warming thing is just liberal hysteria. Dead giveaway: “Isn’t it obvious that at one time it was a lot warmer in Alaska and on the North Pole?” ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/1820 "2010-07-03T11:26:07Z")
Which, of course, reveals that someone has no idea what ‘continental drift’ is. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=90) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=92)