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Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.
There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.
Although all public relations professionals are bound by a duty to not knowingly mislead the public, some have executed comprehensive campaigns of misinformation on behalf of industry clients on issues ranging from tobacco and asbestos to seat belts.
Lately, these fringe players have turned their efforts to creating confusion about climate change. This PR campaign could not be accomplished without the compliance of media as well as the assent and participation of leaders in government and business.
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psst. it's "manipulative," not "maniputalive."
Damn spellcheque is never there when you need it ...
... and by the way, am I violating some rule of blogdom to correct really stupid spelling mistakes when they are pointed out?
Don't ask, don't tell
In a fit of optimism and curiousity, my Dad purchased his book 'The Skeptical Environmentalist' when it was first published, for me and my sister. I remember quoting from his book like an idiot thinking that I was so clever to present a different point of view as well as feeling a vauge sense of hope that the science was alarmist. 8 years later I'm looking at the book that I just pulled from my bookshelf greatful that I won't have to buy a new roll of toilet paper this month.