(Published: August 23, 2005)

Sens. Hillary Clinton, John McCain and two others toured part of Alaska last week to see evidence that global warming is real and an approaching crisis.

Did they find any? They saw glaciers receding, villages threatened by bank erosion and thawing permafrost. The only problem for their claims of proof is that those things have been going on for years, in some cases for centuries.

You don't have to take our word for it — just read the guest column on this half-page by Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu, director of the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is one of the world's most respected Arctic scientists.

Take special note of his statement that Alaska's glaciers have been receding at least since 1800, well before the start of global warming. See also his note that the permafrost is a relic of the Ice Age and has been thawing for centuries.

Dr. Akasofu mentions that coastal erosion in Alaska and elsewhere results from storms generated over open water. The open water has numerous causes, including cyclical changes in ocean currents. "It cannot be concluded that this is a result of the greenhouse effect," he states.

The scientist did not discuss another point well known to other researchers, that erosion problems have plagued villages for more than a century. They began when missionaries came to Alaska and built schools. At that point the villagers ended their nomadic travel from winter hunting camps to fishing camps in summer.

The Native peoples settled close to the schools so their children could attend. Many built homes along the shore to be near their food sources and commuted to hunting grounds. The soils available along ocean and river banks tended to be poor and highly susceptible to erosion. But when a caving bank came close to a building, most structures could be moved beyond erosion's reach. Others could be rebuilt without great cost.

In modern times, homes and community buildings became far more substantial and some were tied into utilities. Moving them is a problem far greater than in years past. And increasing erosion multiplies the number of villages threatened.

So Hillary Clinton and John McCain found what they were looking for. About global warming, Clinton told reporters, "I don't think there is any doubt left for anyone who actually looks at the science."

Like other true believers, the two claimed that most scientists are convinced that global warming is caused in large measure by human activities. That boast rings a lot like the old advertising slogan, "More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette."

Certainly some scientists have stampeded into the global warming camp. But — you should pardon the expression — cooler heads are skeptical.

    The preceeding editorial appeared in the opinion column of the Anchorage Daily News. Whether you agree or disagree with global warming, I thought it was worth repeating. Mainly because I wanted to say to John McCain and Hillary Clinton "would you just worry about your own states?"

"McCain, your state is allowing illegals into the country, and Clinton, your state has some of the highest taxes in the country. I wish you two would worry about your own states and stay the hell out of Alaska."

 "Don't come back!"

 "Don't pretend to have all the answers for other states when your own states are in such disarray."

By the way, here's a link to the rest of the story http://www.adn.com/opinion/voice/story/6 848637p-6744348c.html" title="http://www.adn.com/opinion/voice/story/6 848637p-6744348c.html" target="_blank"http://www.adn.com/opinion/vo...

Until next time, see ya.