Your Holiness:

As world leaders contemplate a climate agreement, many look to you for guidance. We commend you for your care for the earth and God's children, especially the poor. With this letter we raise some matters of concern that we ask you to consider as you convey that guidance.

Much of the debate over environmental stewardship is rooted in a clash of worldviews, with conflicting doctrines of God, creation, humanity, sin, and salvation. Unfortunately, that clash often works its way into the very conclusions of environmental science.

Rather than a careful reporting of the best evidence, we get highly speculative and theory-laden conclusions presented as the assured results of science. In the process, science itself is diminished, and many well-meaning moral and religious leaders risk offering solutions based on misleading science. The effect, tragically, is that the very people we seek to help could be harmed instead.

Specifically, the scientific method demands that theories be tested by empirical observation. By that test, computer climate models of the warming effect of enhanced atmospheric carbon dioxide are wrong. They therefore provide no rational basis to forecast dangerous human-induced global warming, and therefore no rational basis for efforts to reduce warming by restricting the use of fossil fuels or any other means.

Further, we ask you to consider that substituting low-density, intermittent energy sources like wind and solar for high-density, constant energy sources like fossil fuels would be catastrophic to the world's poor.

A relationship can have complex and unique needs at any given time, so there isn't really a "one size fits all" panacea for troubles. But of all the specific actions we can take to improve our relationships, I have found none that apply as often or as effectively as this:

Be playful.

Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it's more challenging than meets the eye, and there are clear guidelines for it to work:

We have to play as an ally, as a member of the same team; we have to be for our mate, our child, our friend; and the play must have a spirit of love, kindness and optimism, as opposed to cynicism or sarcasm. There cannot be bitterness or resentment clouding the play; it's the combination of creative, interactive flow and positive emotions that elevates us.

If you're up for the challenge, you're in for some pleasant surprises.  Here's how to be seriously playful.

New Year's resolutions are difficult to keep. That is why I find it easier to make them for others, rather than myself, as part of my other-people improvement program.

The country would not be on the road to ruin if those in government would follow the New Year's resolutions I propose for them, starting with President Obama (as part of my fantasy world).

Resolution #1:  The President should start telling the truth.

As is well known, the president has difficulty telling the truth, which, as most children learn at an early age, can lead to many troubles.  He must have a review committee to verify the truth of his statements and speeches before he makes them.  This would also have the side benefit of causing the president to say far less.

Resolution #2:...

I was tempted to drop off the "-ets" but this is a family-friendly website.  Two friends of mine specialize in helping people do this, Joel Nagel, whose Caye Bank in Belize focuses on private offshore accounts, and Mike Cobb, whose ECI Development creates escape havens in Central America.

Joel and Mike just told me they are holding a Seminar on Offshore Asset Protection Strategies in Gaithersburg, Maryland this Friday, December 20.  It's 12 Noon to 2.  It's only 20 bucks to attend.

They'll be discussing the latest on FATCA Fascism, offshore banking, the key questions to ask regarding buying property overseas, their Top Ten asset protection strategies, and can answer whatever questions you may have.

If you live anywhere near the DC area, I suggest you strongly consider being there.  To do so, give Valerie Espinoza a call at 786-738-6038 or 800-959-6422 - email her at vespinoza@granpacifica.com.  Again, it's 20 bucks and that includes lunch. Gaithersburg, Maryland, this Friday the 20^th.  Could be the most valuable lunch you've had in a very long time.