Meanwhile, back at the ranch

[TexasBushwhacker]

I'm not sure if this article has made it to DU yet, but it's interesting nonetheless. Is it just me, or is this kind of like a vegan owning a cattle ranch?

"George Bush’s policies on just about everything to do with the environment are wrong headed and destructive, but you cannot say the same for his ranch in Crawford Texas. Amazingly, given his oil industry links, Bush’s ranch is off-grid, boasting a range of eco-features including geothermal heating and cooling, that would make Leonardo di Caprio proud. The passive-solar house is positioned to absorb winter sunlight, warming the interior walkways and walls. Does his inside knowledge lead him to suspect that he will need it to survive a downturn very soon? To see full details on the house, click here:

Bush acquired the Prairie Chapel ranch in Crawford, Texas, in 1999, and construction of the house was completed 2001. A White house press release of the time – showing their lack of connection with environmentalist concerns, commended the President for his use of a gas-guzzling Gator to help clear trails through “jungly” vegetation.
The place looks its best near dusk when the light is orange in the west and pale purple in the east and deep blue in the dome of the sky. Karen P. Hughes, counselor to the president, said, Bush has put in place “responsible environmental policies” at his 1,600-acre ranch. “He has installed a very environmentally friendly heating and cooling system, and he has put in place a system to recapture groundwater.”

Rainwater and household wastewater are reused for irrigation. First lady Laura Bush, is restoring native wildflowers and grasses on the property. The only sounds are the chatter of birds and the murmur of the breeze through the leaves of live oak and cedar elm trees. A short distance from the house are clusters of vivid bluebonnets and a sparkling pond, even though watchful Secret Service agents stand guard a few hundred feet from the low-slung limestone building, and telescopes for spotting intruders are set up under trees."


http://www.off-grid.net/2007/02/18/meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch/

[phantom power]

1. It's pretty easy to build a stylin' earth-ship if you're rich.

There's no down-side for them. It certainly doesn't strain their pocketbook, and it gives them a bit of green-washing cred.

[beezlebum]

2. i told my mom the other day

that bushco KNOWS full and well that global warming/climate change is a very real threat and that it will be here yesterday- they are simply milking the very last profit they can before time for a dem to act on it.

i got a little tinfoily, but i went on to theorize that all the "signing statements," all the vague laws that makes anyone terrorists, and do away with habeas corpous et al- these are for when the american populace, and the rest of the world, begins feeling the cataclysmic effects of climate change, including resource wars and chaos on a national level as people seek higher ground and shelter from the storm and food and clean water.

the wealthy, having always had the advantage, will STILL have the advantage when the rest of the world is suffering, which is why they have treated it as if they either didn't believe it or plain didn't care. they know that not only will changes in environment affect billions worldwide, but naturally, the economy will suffer like nothing we have ever seen before.

but the likes of bushco and exxon corporate etcetera will have LONG been prepared, because while the rest of the world (mostly this country) sits and wonders which story to believe, it was building its secure compounds and assuring it would be safe. and i'm certain crawford is not its only safe haven.

:tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat: :tinfoilhat:

[LiberalEsto]

3. Dubai, Paraguay, the Caymans

I'm sure they've got some nice hideouts built for when the air goes bad and the seas have gone toxic. But they will be stuck inside for the rest of their lives.

[beezlebum]

4. yep

:tinfoilhat: :scared: :scared: :scared: :tinfoilhat: