August 9, 2008
Anyone can champion the Earth when it's easy, yet too many remain silent when it's hard.
The forces behind oil are taking charge in the great energy debate – and the issue of global warming has virtually disappeared from the political campaign, with barely a word from its strongest advocate.
11 comments:
Fantastic article. It's gotten so bad that the House Republicans think they're showboating on Capitol Hill is bringing down gas prices:
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16450.html
But if no one else will talk, only the House Repulbicans idiocy will be heard.
Al Gore is wise to stay on the sidelines for now. He undoubtedly figures he can't count on Barack Obama to stand firm on energy issues, as they relate to the climate crisis. Why should Al actively and aggressively take on a highly-visible supportive role at this point, aligning himself with the indecisive, opportunistic, flip-flopping Obama?
Gore has exercised visionary leadership on the issue of climate change. He has done more than any other individual to "register" the importance of the climate crisis in the minds of people throughout the world -- from school children to reality-denying members of the Bush Administration.
Thanks, in large part, to Al Gore's relentless evangelism on the climate crisis, the environmental issue is an electoral issue. However, I believe he's keeping his powder dry as far as jumping into the campaign because he has come to the sad conclusion that he cannot rely on Obama to take a firm, unswerving leadership role on the climate crisis.
Al Gore is using his personal energy for full-immersion "politicking" as a climate-czar for the world. If he got too aligned with Obama, his efforts would be diminished and ridiculed because Obama is not reliable.
Go find someone else to blame. Like the two guys who are running for president.
Yes, it would be unwise for Mr. Gore to align himself with Obama here and publicly criticize Mr. McCain. On the right, Gore is one of the most hated men in America.
I agree that it might make more sense if Obama were more consistent on the climate crisis issue and environmental issues for Mr. Gore to be more supportive of him. As it is, I think Gore will be more effective in staying on the sidelines.
On the other hand, Mr.Gore made a recent policy speech for the US to get behind wind energy. Did Obama use that event to push for alternative energy? I don't think so.
Obama would have a better energy record in the future than McCain. But at the moment it is hard to say how forceful his actions will be. The fact that Republican propaganda for off shore drilling has swayed public opinion towards such drilling and Obama has wavered does not encourage me. Why should Gore be encouraged?
Judged by their rhetoric you might think Obama and McCain disagree dramatically on energy. But their "agendas" overlap substantially
As I said, Al Gore is wise to stay on the sidelines as it pertains to taking sides in the presidential campaign. Obama is not reliable on important issues -- specifically on energy and the climate crisis.
(But also on FISA, the death penalty, faith-based initiatives, etc. etc. etc.)
Thank you for an editorial that calls out Al Gore when he deserves it.
Without taking sides in the Presidential contest there are still innumerable ways he could be much more strongly shaping the debate, testifying in Congress, pressuring both candidates, linking rebuilding our infrastructure and the end of the war to creating green jobs. It's called Political Theater and he doesn't need concerts to do it. Just more grit.
Licking his wounds from the ugly fray of 2000 is one thing. Never again taking a chance is another.
Al Gore was willing to take chances on the environment years ago, when he was ridiculed as "Ozone Man" (and worse).
How do you know he isn't putting pressure on the candidates? Are you a mind reader? Are you privvy to Gore's daily activities, phone calls, meetings, etc?
AL GORE BLASTS OIL DRILLING AT NETROOTS NATION
AL GORE ON MEET THE PRESS -- TRANSCRIPT -- INCLUDING COMMENTS ON OIL DRILLING
You might want to take a look at those links above.
For those of you who choose to criticize Gore for not endorsing a candidate in 2008 (you must mean your Chosen One Obama) "when it mattered," keep in mind that Gore's early endorsement of Howard Dean in 2004 is viewed as a reason Dean's chances for the nomination went into a tailspin.
Gore was severely criticized for his endorsement of Dean -- he was demeaned for butting in too early. Dean's campaign soon became a target of attacks and eventually failed, with Gore's early endorsement being credited as a factor.
In The New York Times, Dean stated: "I actually do think the endorsement of Al Gore began the decline." The Times further noted that "Dean instantly amplified his statement to indicate that the endorsement from Mr. Gore, a powerhouse of the establishment, so threatened the other Democratic candidates that they began the attacks on his candidacy that helped derail it."
Dean's former campaign manager, Joe Trippi, also stated that after Gore's endorsement of Dean, "alarm bells went off in every newsroom in the country, in every other campaign in the country," indicating that if something did not change, Dean would be the nominee.
So, I would suggest that you put a sock in it, and knock off criticizing Al Gore for his reluctance to endorse your Mr. Walk on Water Obama early in the 2008 campaign cycle.
Al Gore knows what he's doing. And has learned how to get things done. Why don't you find something else to bitch about that's relevant?
Even Arnold Schwarzenegger has shown real guts in criticizing McCain and praising Obama. If a Republican like Arnold can be so forceful, where's Al Gore?
Name one reason Al Gore should PRAISE Obama on the environment, climate change, oil drilling...?
Name one!
You can't. Because Obama has done NOTHING that warrants praise on those issues. Not one thing.
I'm with fact checker.
Al may have been elected pres in 2000, but at the moment, he is not an elected official, does not have the Power a senator has to introduce or block legislation. These guys running for pres have the power and influence. If they wanted to prove their leadership skills, they could, but they choose not to.
Al has done what he can so far to inform and influence us. He can't hold the our hands forever.
Thanks anonymous!
Al Gore has the arrows in his back to prove that he has taken unpopular, but principled, stands -- for years.
WE CAN SOLVE IT TELEVISION AD THAT WILL APPEAR DURING THE OLYMPICS, STARTING TODAY
Go to here for information on Al Gore's organization that calls on REAL PEOPLE TO HELP GET THE JOB DONE.
Common sense says drilling in protected areas is not the answer. Switching is.
Switching to 100% clean, renewable electricity within 10 years.
Switching now to clean energy sources will revitalize our economy -- we can be global leaders in developing and manufacturing clean energy technologies. It will enhance our national security -- reducing the pressure on our troops to protect oil supplies and avoiding the worst climate impacts in politically unstable regions of the world. It will make high gasoline prices less of a burden in our daily lives -- enabling us to transition to clean plug-in hybrid electric cars. It will help solve the climate crisis -- if we fail to act soon, the consequences for our children will be dire.
And the next time you hear someone say that drilling is the answer, speak up! Why expand drilling when we can expand safe and abundant renewables?
Speak up and TELL OBAMA THAT HIS WEASLEY, CRAVEN, DOUBLE-TALKIN', MAYBE, WE'LL SEE, HAVE IT BOTH WAYS POSITION ON OFFSHORE DRILLING IS UNACCEPTABLE. TELL OBAMA YOU WANT A STRAIGHT ANSWER FOR A CHANGE! NOT A POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT, COVER HIS ASS ANSWER.
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