6 chapters across the catalog
President Barack Obama announced his rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, citing national interest. The discussion posits that the decision was influenced by major Democratic donors Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, who profit from transporting oil via rail lines like Burlington Northern. It is noted that thousands of miles of other pipelines have been laid since 2010 without similar public outcry.
Elizabeth Warren, Keystone XL and Warren Buffett's Trains
Senator Elizabeth Warren's opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline is analyzed as a potential favor to major Democratic donors Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. The hosts argue that blocking the pipeline forces Canadian oil onto Buffett's Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway, creating a financial bonanza for the rail industry. They characterize Warren's "jobs and environment" rhetoric as a distraction from the underlying "money and power" dynamics.
Keystone XL Pipeline Vote and Barbara Boxer's Visual Aids
The Senate vote on the Keystone XL Pipeline is analyzed, focusing on Senator Barbara Boxer's use of a allegedly photoshopped image of a playground near a refinery. The hosts argue that the environmental concerns regarding the Port Arthur refinery are exaggerated and that the pipeline's impact on job creation is being misrepresented by both sides.
Keystone XL Pipeline and Climate Change Skepticism
The Republican-controlled Congress is debating the Keystone XL pipeline, with Senator Mary Landrieu pushing for a vote. A CNN segment featuring Robert Zimmerman and Ron Christie highlights the partisan divide over climate science, specifically the claim that the Earth has cooled over the last decade.
President Obama denies the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, claiming the 60-day review period mandated by Congress was insufficient. The hosts argue that Obama is ignoring a law he previously signed as part of the payroll tax cut deal. They characterize the move as a display of executive overreach.
Provisions within the tax bill force President Barack Obama to make a public decision regarding the Keystone XL pipeline permit within 60 days of enactment. The legislation references Executive Order 13337 and mandates action through the Secretary of State. The hosts note that this specific requirement received minimal coverage on mainstream news outlets like CNN.
