John McCain Tells Republicans The Truth: There Is Global Warming.

The presumptive (I use that term because of what Ron Paul's supporters have in store for John McCain) Republican nominee and "Maverick", John McCain, has acknowledged -- to the chagrin of some Republicans, I'm sure -- that global warming is undeniable and the country must take steps to bring it under control while adhering to free-market principles.

Riding on the "truth express", John McCain said:

"For all of the last century, the profit motive basically led in one direction - toward machines, methods and industries that used oil and gas," said McCain. "Enormous good came from that industrial growth, and we are all the beneficiaries of the national prosperity it built. But there were costs we weren't counting, and often hardly noticed. And these terrible costs have added up now, in the atmosphere, in the oceans and all across the natural world."

Taking a swipe at President Bush, McCain said:

"I will not shirk the mantle of leadership that the United States bears. I will not permit eight long years to pass without serious action on serious challenges. I will not accept the same dead-end of failed diplomacy that claimed Kyoto. The United States will lead and will lead with a different approach - an approach that speaks to the interests and obligations of every nation."

As for animals knowing more than people appear to know, John McCain said:

"You would think that if the polar bears, walruses, and sea birds have the good sense to respond to new conditions and new dangers, then humanity can respond as well."

Then demonstrating that the Maverick may be back, McCain said:

"As never before, the market would reward any person or company that seeks to invent, improve, or acquire alternatives to carbon-based energy," he said. "More likely, however, there will be some companies that need extra emissions rights, and they will be able to buy them. The system to meet these targets and timetables will give these companies extra time to adapt - and that is good economic policy."

My comment: The Maverick is back, at least, to protect the environment, and we applaud him.