From IHM School

John McCann - Class of 2010

February 11, 2010

Dear Mr. President,

I am a nineteen-year-old citizen who is imploring you to note an issue that is holding back this great nation from reaching our fullest potential. I can’t tell you how glad I am to hear you say that you look at man-made climate change with scientific consideration. With scientific backing, one can reaffirm that his opinion can be proved; and people who base their opinions off of scientific proof are wise indeed.

The issue that I feel needs noting is that man-made climate change isn’t scientific. Opposed to the popular belief, many reputable scientists state that the amount of carbon created by man’s technology is minute compared to the massive amounts being emitted from the planet’s wild life and oceans (not to mention the fact that carbon doesn’t affect the temperature; the temperature affects the carbon). These facts and other scientific evidence against man-made climate change are stated in Martin Durkin’s “The Great Global Warming Swindle.”

The fact that such a scientifically shaky theory of man-made climate change is getting so much credibility, publicity, and funds is ridiculous. And if this foolishness were going on when we were strong and not twelve trillion dollars in debt, it would be just that foolishness. But, sadly, we are far from being strong; we are twelve trillion dollars in debt and still digging. What I propose is that you revaluate your view on man-made climate change and question the reliability of this “irrefutable scientific evidence.”

I’m sure you can see the folly of this current state of affairs. There is absolutely no reason why we should let these alarmists keep stealing from the people of this great nation by use of fear. You can inform the people of the real impending danger of our economic standing and re-channel the “fear money” that is currently being put toward man-made climate change and put it toward the real threat. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[signed]
John McCann
15 Morgan Road
Richmond, NH 0347

Variations of this letter were sent to NH Representative Barbara Richardson, NH Senator Molly Kelly, US Congressman Paul Hodes, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and US Senator Judd Gregg

Received 3/15/10 – A handwritten, handmade card with the following quote from Thomas Jefferson: “In matter of style, swim with the current; in matter of principle, stand like a rock.”

3/13/10

Dear John,

Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I respect your views on global warming. I am concerned about what is the result of the melting glaciers, etc. in whatever is the way in which these changes are occurring. In any event I do believe our dependence on coal burning plants for much of our energy is not helpful for us and our planet. I hope we will develop more environmental-friendly sources of power.

You sound like a very thoughtful young man and I wish you success in your future.

Sincerely,

[signed] Barbara Richardson

Received 4/2010

March 17, 2010

Dear John,

Thank you for contacting my office about climate change legislation. I appreciate hearing from you about this critical issue.

It is time to get America running on clean energy. We have a historic opportunity to transform our economy and become a global leader in clean energy technologies. Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emitted in our country, in concert with the global community, is the only way we will begin to curb the negative consequences of climate change and drive our transition to a clean energy economy. It is time to act.

Confronting climate change is an environmental and economic imperative for our state. In New Hampshire climate change is already altering the beautiful landscape of our state, and scientists have documented warmer winters with less snowfall and the earlier arrival of spring. As a state where tourism is our second largest industry, we simply can’t afford to lose our ability to offer snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, or our first-rate skiing — a $650 million annual industry alone.

As we consider legislation establishing a clean energy incentive program for our economy, keeping household and business energy costs low is a priority for me. I support a market-based climate program that keeps costs to consumers low, incentivizes clean energy technologies and makes meaningful reductions in carbon emissions. An economy-wide, clean energy incentive program is the best way to achieve significant carbon reductions. Most importantly, this program will drive innovation in American-made clean energy technologies like wind, solar and biomass, creating American jobs and helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The Senate is still working on the details of its energy and climate bill that we hope to bring to the Senate floor later in the year.

New Hampshire is already leading the way in market-based clean energy incentives as a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a regional effort to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. We must continue to build nationally on the important work of this regional program to restore our global leadership and get America running on clean energy.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me, and please do not hesitate to contact my office with any future concerns.

Sincerely,

[signed] Jeanne Shaheen

United States Senator

Received April 22, 2010

April 23, 2010

Dear Mr. McCann,

Thank you for contacting me about the scientific evidence of our planet’s changing climate. I truly appreciate hearing from you, and I am working hard to stand up for New Hampshire’s interests in Congress.

Since 2007, when the diverse panel of scientists on the Intergovernmental Panel on Global Climate Change published their report, countless other peer-reviewed scientific studies have supported their finding that greenhouse gas emissions are warming our planet. In fact, many studies in recent years show that greenhouse gas emissions by humans are warming our planet even faster than what was previously predicted. If we do not take action to prevent the most extreme effects of global warming, the results could be catastrophic to our public health and safety, as well as our global economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed a detailed scientific analysis, and found that six greenhouse gases “threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.” More information on this study and finding are available on the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html.

Our nations’ defense and intelligence agencies have also recognized the scientific evidence of global warming, and are taking action to understand the threat it poses to our national security. The Department of Defense will include an assessment of security threats posed by climate change as part of its Quadrennial Defense Review, to be published in 2010. The National Intelligence Council has already issued a series of reports entitled “The Impact of Climate Change to 2030.” These reports can be found at http://www.dni.gov/nic/special_climate2030.html. I hope you find this information useful.

On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This bill would set a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions and make significant investments in creating clean, renewable energy in the United States. Transitioning to these new energy sources will cerate new jobs in the U.S. and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This bill is now awaiting action in the Senate. Please know that I will keep your views in mind as this bill moves through the legislative process.

I encourage you to continue to contact me about the issues that are important to you. Please feel free to visit my website at www.hodes.house.gov where you can share your ideas with me, learn about the services I can provide to you, and sign up for my periodic e-mail updates on what I am doing to help New Hampshire.

Sincerely,

[signed] Paul W. Hodes

Member of Congress

Received 5/3/10

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

April 29, 2010

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate hearing your perspective on global warning. Few challenges facing our Nation are more urgent. The facts are clear, and the science is beyond dispute. We know that we cannot keep burning fossil fuels and adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere without consequence. If left unchecked, our continued dependence on these sources of energy will further weaken our economy and threaten our national security.

We are addressing the climate crisis first and foremost by pursuing a clean energy future that makes our country safer and more prosperous. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act puts Americans to work weatherizing homes and buildings, doubling our supply of renewable energy, and advancing scientific research. My 2010 Budget makes further investments in a clean energy economy that will create good-paying jobs through funding for wind and solar power, advanced biofuels [sic], clean coal, and fuel-efficient cars. In addition, my Administration is pursuing comprehensive legislation to move toward energy independence and prevent the worst consequences of global warming while creating incentives to make clean energy profitable in America.

The response to global warning, however, must be global. Just as we work to reduce our own emissions, we must forge solutions that ensure every country does its part.

Our choices as individuals and as a Nation will ultimately define the world we leave to our children. To learn more about my plan to act boldly on global warning and meet our obligation to future generations, I encourage you to join me online at: www.whitehouse.gov/energy-and-environment. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

[signed or stamped] Barack Obama