Kyoto seems to be a choice between an enlightened self-interest, an investment in keeping the entire Earth liveable on a long-term basis, or short-term profits.

Another concern some of us have is how long, in how many ways, on how many issues, the US can continue to be outvoted 160 or 170 to 1 or 8, and still be a world leader.

The land mine treaty comes to mind, the bio-chemical warfare treaty also comes to mind. Both noble ideas, both opposed by the US. Sometimes Libya, Syria, and other nations provide a little support.

U-TURN: BUSH ADMIN OUTLINES 'GLOBAL WARMING' EFFECTS ON AMERICA; ACKNOWLEDGES DAMAGE

In a stunning U-turn for the Bush administration, the United States has sent a climate report to the United Nations detailing "specific and far-reaching effects" that it says "global warming will inflict" on the American environment.

Also for the first time -- the White House places "most of the blame for recent global warming on human actions -- mainly the burning of fossil fuels that send heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere," the NEW YORK TIMES is planning to report on Monday Page Ones, according to publishing sources.

U-turn

Arf