Those bastions of academic integrity, the GOP climate deniers are yet again, caught red-handed in lying, plagiarizing and smearing.

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com

The report aimed to refute, specifically, the “hockey stick” theory introduced by Michael Mann. Mann’s graphs showed the world’s temperature staying about the same for centuries before spiking with the Industrial Revolution.

Barton wanted to take Mann down. In preparation for hearing on climate change, Barton demanded Mann turn over all his raw data and software, as well as information on all his sources of funding.

Indeed, Wegman’s report — which apparently heavily plagiarized textbooks and Wikipedia -- challenged the validity of Mann’s peer review by noting the connections between Mann and the fellow climatologists that reviewed his data, suggesting an untoward coziness.

Outside the committee, the report was seized on by other climate change skeptics, including the Wall Street Journal, which wrote an editorial bashing the idea that there was a consensus that global warming is real:

So “peer reviewed research” for the GOP is copying un-substantiated “scientific” analysis from posters at Wikipedia and cherry picking quotes from textbooks? Can there be any more doubt about the dishonesty and bone headed arrogant stupidity, of the GOP when it comes to this science? It is not just the parroted talking points, it is the utter disregard for any sort of scientific thought or thought process. To them, nature is something that sways her rules based on their opinions.

Barton, a long time denier, who famously does not understand plate tectonics, the same one who apologized to BP for the government holding them responsible for the gulf disaster, is ever ambitious for higher posts. He sees himself as a Patton!

littlegreenfootballs.com