I’m mystified that GOP presidential contenders still get away with dismissing climate change as a a mere “theory” (like gravity?), but even more so when the doubting Thomas comes in the form of Gov. Rick Perry, of the drought-stricken state of Texas — not to mention the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast.

Yet at last night’s Republican debate, he reaffirmed his suspicion of global warming.

Americans want their presidents to be religious. And many people, not just Michele Bachmann, believe natural disasters are a sign from God. But don’t we also need our politicians to believe what our leading scientific minds tell us about the world, too? Couldn’t that also be a message from God? Or do we want a president to adopt more public prayers, instead of adapting public policy, when confronted with an environmental crisis?

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.