Is the House Trying to Start a Trade War? » The Foundry

Is the House of Representatives trying to start a trade war in the midst of the worst economy in a generation? Sure seems that way. When the House passed the Energy and Water appropriations bill they included a protectionist provision that is not only misguided, but it is poorly applied. The law states:

“None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to purchase passenger motor vehicles other than those manufactured by Ford, General Motors, or Chrysler.”

Not only does this bill ban foreign competition, but it names just three companies that can receive contracts. This is pretty extraordinary, even for protectionists.

Stupidity taxed | Herald Sun Andrew Bolt Blog

In reporting this news, The Age, otherwise known as The Daily Lentil, interviews three locals - two organic food extremists who dismiss the science, and one consumer advocate who wishes butchers would advertise organic meat more conscientiously. A bit like their global warming, coverage, actually.

Canada and Japan blocking climate-change deal, Sir David King warns - Times Online

Canada and Japan were blocking a possible deal on climate change at the Copenhagen summit, Sir David King, the former Chief Scientific Adviser, warned yesterday.

Speaking at the World Conference of Science Journalists, Sir David said that the two countries had stepped into the breach left by the Bush Administration, which had strongly resisted cutting CO2 emissions.

“Copenhagen is faltering at the moment,” said Sir David. “The Americans are now fully engaged. But several countries are blocking the process.”