"What do you do when that guy who nobody invited shows up to the party? This past Monday that guy was Sen. John McCain and that party was the climate change hobbyhorse - dominated by Democrats.
McCain is here in Oregon not to stir up voter support, but to, as it were, "stir the turd" when it comes down to who can stand on the environmental plank in their platform come November.
So, Oregon, meet Sen. McCain, rising environmental advocate, and Mr. McCain, meet Oregon, a place and collection of people who log, fish, farm, recreate, advocate and at times commit arson as part of their performance in what it means to be both socially and environmentally responsive. Regardless of what their beliefs may be, a lot of Oregonians think they own the truth, or at least one part of it, when it comes to sustainable living.
When a movement gains strength and momentum because it has a rhetorical "other" against which to define itself and to demonstrate moral and ethical integrity, it feels like a defeat when that other decides to join the winning team.
If nobody in the U.S. openly proclaims that climate change has no human caused component and we need not make any adjustments, then where could environmental activists put their energy? Well, into solutions of course.
So, Sen. McCain, you may be lipsynching to get voters in the November election, but I'm going to interpret your moves as sincere, and more importantly as a massive success of climate change activists. The "there is no climate change" boat has sunk, and I am honored and excited to welcome you and all of your supporters aboard.
You may not have my vote, but in joining a rational and sustainable approach to our environmental challenges you certainly do have my support.