Setting the record straight on climate and funding

Monte Heil accuses me of having Trump Derangement Syndrome. If that means I recognize that Donald Trump is a convicted felon, coup plotter, sexual predator and would-be dictator who struggles to form coherent sentences — then yes, I do.

On the other hand, Mr. Heil suffers from Democrat Derangement Syndrome. He and his peers have expressed similarly strong feelings toward Clinton, Obama and Biden.

To the issue at hand: Mr. Heil has provided no positions by Fred Singer. I’ve done what research I could and reiterate that the most apparent finding is that most of Singer’s financial backing comes from the fossil fuel industry. That suggests a vested interest in claiming that global warming and cigarette smoking are beneficial to the planet and to us.

I know Mr. Heil and others will be pleased to hear that this is the last time I will respond to any of his attacks. Trying to reason with bald-faced liars — or doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results — is madness.

Mr. Heil’s complete and total falsehood: that Earthjustice and the World Wildlife Fund websites plainly state they take government funds. Here’s what the sites actually say:

Earthjustice states, verbatim: “We do not accept any government funding.” Their income breakdown: 88% from individuals, estate gifts and foundation contributions; 10% from non-financial donated services; and 2% from court awards. Period. End of story.

WWF’s website shows: 14% from government grants; 27% from individuals; 25% from non-financial assets; 12% from endowments; 9% from corporations; 7% from foundations; 5% from the WWF network; and 1% from other sources.

If interested, check: [email protected] and worldwildlife.org/about/financials.

LAWRENCE FURY

Sandpoint