Gingrich promotes tax credit on carbon, opens door to torture

In today's interview with the Washington Times, the suddenly ubiquitous Newt Gingrich talks up his "green conservatism" (Ea).

America could just as easily issue a tax credit for reducing carbon emissions at the same economic differential as a tax on carbon. At a minimum, this tax credit would have the same result on carbon emissions without sending more money and power to Washington.

However, I argue such an approach would actually be more effective, because Americans respond better to incentives than to punishments.

He also shuts the door on torture; then opens it a bit.

I am totally opposed to the United States using any form of torture to obtain information as a matter of public policy. Under extraordinary circumstances, the government has a duty to do what it takes to protect Americans, but such cases must be personally authorized by the president.

(Ea) As a matter of narrative structure, Gingrich could only be referring to torture. He categorically dismisses X; then uses two qualifiers.

1) "Under extraordinary circumstances"

2) "such cases must be personally authorized"

If torture were anathema, why would there be extraordinary circumstances prescribing personal, Presidential authorizations?

If you're for torture, at least spare language its wrath.