Most Americans can't do basic algebra. I've done years of modeling complex systems, and I know more than 99.9% of Americans do about the relability of said models. The GW models are a crock, give me a number you want and I'll come up with a legitimate looking model that justifies that number.

All that man-made GW hysteria proves is that if you tell non-thinking people something often enough they'll believe it.

But do we really believe that the world warming a couple degrees will doom us all? Humans are great adapters.

I don't really have an opinion one way or the other about someone hanging a banner on Rushmore, and I think that some of the evidence that humans are causing global warming (and what consequences that might have) is dubious at best, but that's neither here nor there.

It always fascinates me how caring and eco-conscious climbers generally make themselves out to be. I mean, let's be real with ourselves here: We often drive hundreds of miles in our gas burning cars, camp in pristine wilderness, strap on shoes (made from petroleum and leather and shipped from China), tie in to a nylon rope (also made from petroleum, and probably shipped from China), and load ourselves down with all manner of aluminum biners and pro (all of which uses massive amounts of electricity to produce and then is shipped overseas) so that we can feel good by not killing ourselves doing something that the vast majority of people would say is a downright silly pastime. Then we turn around and say "damn all you people who are destroying the planet for no reason!" In other words, if it's something we want to do (and don't get me wrong, I love me some climbing), then it's perfectly justifiable, but everyone else are just irresponsible assholes because they throw out their junk mail instead of recycling it. Hypocrisy, anyone?

You may be a wizz at the economy, but that statement shows just how ignorant you are about ecosystems. Sure, it may not "doom us all" but I assure you it will have SEVERE consequences.

Edit: To put it in a way you might relate to, consequences that would way exceed 1500$ per family.

What, you've climbed Rushmore and are here to tell us that despite all appearances in photos and video it actually isn't choss?

Actually, I know a few things about the area:

1. it's in the middle of bum fuck South Dakota
2. it's off limits to climbing
3. it looks like complete choss

Given these three points I see no compelling reason to drive to South Dakota, and while I'm being REALLY frank I could give a fuck if it collapsed into a pile of rubble and am endlessly amused that all of this is pissing people off, especially you.

Go organize an adopt-a-crag or something.

... quantify it for me then ...

... but I could make a good case that ...

... You're blowing smoke.

I fixed that for you.

This debate is like abortion, certain sides will never truly agree, because it's the fundamental principles that drive us apart. What this kid should be applauded for is actually standing up for what he believes in.

It's people like that who gave us women's right to vote, and de-segregation of blacks and whites. It's people like that who care enough for a cause to hold their leaders to a higher standard, and demand that their voices be heard.

We heard your opinion already. Put down the whiskey and read what you typed tomorrow.

PS - and I'm being completely sincere here, your photo portfolio is pretty awesome and, in a way, makes me sad. you've been to so many beautiful places and yet seem completely ignorant about how your stance here will negatively impact those places.

I'm full of opinions but it's good to stick to things you actually know something about. I've climbed in the Rushmore area, it's a beautiful area and the climbing is superb and solid, (and a bit run out!) I'd move to Rapid City before I'd move any where in N. Carolina. Sweltering wasteland.

You're exactly right. NC sucks. It's way too hot, even in the mountains, and there is really no climbing either. Unless you are a surfer who likes mediocre waves you should probably just stay out of the whole state.

I don't really have an opinion one way or the other about someone hanging a banner on Rushmore, and I think that some of the evidence that humans are causing global warming (and what consequences that might have) is dubious at best, but that's neither here nor there.

It always fascinates me how caring and eco-conscious climbers generally make themselves out to be. I mean, let's be real with ourselves here: We often drive hundreds of miles in our gas burning cars, camp in pristine wilderness, strap on shoes (made from petroleum and leather and shipped from China), tie in to a nylon rope (also made from petroleum, and probably shipped from China), and load ourselves down with all manner of aluminum biners and pro (all of which uses massive amounts of electricity to produce and then is shipped overseas) so that we can feel good by not killing ourselves doing something that the vast majority of people would say is a downright silly pastime. Then we turn around and say "damn all you people who are destroying the planet for no reason!" In other words, if it's something we want to do (and don't get me wrong, I love me some climbing), then it's perfectly justifiable, but everyone else are just irresponsible assholes because they throw out their junk mail instead of recycling it. Hypocrisy, anyone?

You're blowing smoke.

The 'monument' at Rushmore is, was, and will always be a memorial of desecration.

Apparently, the 2.4 Million visitors in 2008 disagree...

You're exactly right. NC sucks. It's way too hot, even in the mountains, and there is really no climbing either. Unless you are a surfer who likes mediocre waves you should probably just stay out of the whole state.