Chris Matthews Calls Global Warming Skeptics 'Pigs' During Hurricane Sandy Rant

MSNBC host Chris Matthews went on a wild rant against those who don't believe in man-made global warming in the wake of Hurricane Sandy Tuesday.  During his excoriating comments, Matthews targeted the left's favorite super-villains -- the Koch brothers -- in particular.

Speaking with Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Oppenheimer of Princeton University, Matthews began by warning that "there's no other planet to go to if the atmosphere begins to be destructive of our living here."

Congressman Markey wasted no time in referencing the Koch brothers, saying they want to keep "tax breaks" for big oil but "do away" with breaks for alternative forms of energy, and that they'd keep us dependent on foreign oil by modifying fuel efficiency standards.

Matthews interjected:

"Well, Professor Oppenheimer, back in the ‘60s, we called such people pigs.  Pigs.  No, really, they don’t care about the planet, they don’t care about the destruction of war.  All they want is what they got, their stuff. And they want more of it.

"Is that what we’re facing here, just greed?  I’m not talking about the guy working in the coalmine.  That’s hard work.  I’m talking about people who won’t listen to you, won’t listen to science because they want more stuff."  [Emphasis added]

Here is video, via MRC-TV:

Even Professor Oppenheimer seemed a little uncomfortable by the turn of events, telling Matthews he isn't big on "name calling."

Newsbusters' Noel Sheppard spoke with Mark Holden, Senior VP and General Counsel of Koch Industries about the interview, and related:

"Representative Markey’s comments about Koch’s views on corporate subsidies were false – we are on the record as opposing all subsidies, including subsidies to oil companies. Likewise, Rep. Markey, who opposes expanded oil and gas exploration and production in the US, falsely claims that Koch is somehow increasing dependence on oil from foreign countries, " said Holden via email.

According to Koch Family Foundations, Sheppard adds, the Koch brothers have pledged or given roughly $1 billion to "further cancer research, enhance medical centers, support educational institutions, sustain arts and cultural institutions, and conduct public policy studies."

Holden reportedly concluded by noting that Matthews has something of a "reputation" for making "emotional and ill-advised comments."

(H/T: WeaselZippers)

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