Many of our leaders love to play make-believe when it comes to climate change.

First, they tell us we are pretty much doomed. President Obama did this in Alaska a few weeks ago. He has also told our military cadets that climate change is the biggest worry we face. To me, this is make-believe. Because the science simply does not support this theory of calamity.

Our leaders also play make-believe when they assure us that this is important to the public. It is not. According to too many polls. It ranks way down on the list of concerns for Americans.

Here is the greatest bit of make-believe: We will do something about this make-believe calamity. Not likely.

We are not going to drive fewer cars. To believe we will is fantasy. Yes, we will drive a few more electric vehicles. But the electricity for them comes mostly from burning fossil fuels. So we may feel good driving them. But we gain little for the environment.

We are not going to radically cut our use of fossil fuels. Because solar has its limitations. And wind has even more. If we have an astounding breakthrough in solar technology all bets are off. But until then…

Here is a fairy tale in the midst of our make-believe: Chinese will slash their use of fossil fuels. So will Indians. And Africans. And other third worldians. They will not. They will burn more next year than this year. And more in each succeeding year for decades.

These people laugh at our silly treaties and Kyoto-type agreements. They know they will increase their fossil-burning for years to come. Despite what those silly delegates concoct.

Would you like to suggest how to get these people to change course? Shall we send Obama to speak with them? Now, or after he escapes the White House?

He likes to speak to big crowds. Imagine if he could appear before a few billion Indians, Chinese, etc. To argue his case for cutting back.

These people are just beginning their use of energy from fossil fuels. Many have had little or no electricity. No air-conditioners. No cars. No running water. No heat except from cow dung or wood. No television or computers. Or appliances.

Only now are they acquiring enough wealth to be able to consume energy. Energy that will make their lives more livable. And safer. And more hygienic.

I would love to hear him tell these folks to cut back their energy use. “Drive less, folks. Do more biking. Walk, walk. Use mass transit. Spend more to buy electric cars. Turn off your air-conditioners. Lower the heat in your homes. And remember, those computers use a lot of energy. I know you have only just got used to these luxuries. But you’ll have to get rid of some of them.

“And tell your leaders to stop building new coal-powered plants to provide electricity. These plants will contribute to a great calamity. So you will just have to cut back on using energy. Maybe go back to burning cow patties.”

He might have a few billion listeners when he starts talking. By the end most will be gone. They will motor off. Or turn to their computers. Or switch channels. All the while laughing up their sleeves.

“These Americans! They love fantasy, don’t they? Make-believe. They love to make funny.”

From Tom...as in Morgan.