A libertarian think tank removed a controversial billboard after only a day after widespread complaints. The Heartland Institute sought to discredit those who believe that climate change is real by connecting the belief to domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, aka “The Unabomber.”

“I still believe in Global Warming. Do you?” read the text accompanying the infamous mugshot of a grizzled Kazcynski. The image was displayed on an electronic billboard outside of Chicago, where the Heartland Institute is headquarted.

A press release from the organization said that this would be one of a series of billboards highlighting notorious figures who have spoken publicly on climate change, including Charles Manson and Osama Bin Laden. But the removal of the billboard suggests the whole series has been scrapped.

Even some of the Institute’s supporters found this tactic to be wrong, probably because it has nothing to do with the scientific evidence of the issue. A congressman set to speak at an upcoming climate change deniers event threatened to pull out over the “name-calling”; and a popular skeptic meteorologist called the episode “unproductive.” Obviously, climate change scientists and environmental advocates had even harsher words.

I think the Heartland Institute proved an important point- but not the one they intended. They proved that they are politicizing science, making it about “whose side are you on,” rather than what the facts say.

What do you think?

[via The Washington Post]

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