A memory of Minnesota

Years ago, I used to take great delight in watching self-important University of Minnesota administrators and professors trek across the river to St Paul to appear before legislative hearings to set them straight. The politicos, not giving a tinker's damn for their self importance, their titles, or anything else in regards to the academics, usually handed them their heads.

And they would slink back across the river to the hallowed halls of academe muttering about how stupid the people of Minnesota were to elect such dunderheads.

I thought of this today when I read an article about Sen. James Inhoffe (R-OK) and his trip to Copenhagen. It did not go well.

Inhofe scheduled a brief visit to Copenhagen -- arrive, spread nonsense, fly back -- but his stay was poorly timed. When the right-wing Oklahoman got there, it was early morning, and no one was around. He was able to arrange zero meetings, met no foreign officials, and had no discussions with U.S. negotiators.

Eventually, Inhofe aides were able to corral some journalists into attending a hastily-arranged media availability, where the strange senator proceeded to share his belief that the United Nations came up with global warming as an elaborate hoax, and only the "Hollywood elite" believe the scientific evidence.

A reporter from Der Spiegel told the senator, "You're ridiculous."

Soon after, Inhofe dashed back to the airport for the nine-hour flight back to D.C., having accomplished nothing.

Oh well. Back to the US, muttering all the way.

I wonder who paid for the trip?

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