Al Gore needs to work for global change from the inside

[DesertRat]

San Francisco Chronicle
Michael Yaki
Sunday, July 22, 2007

"The political guessing game of "Will Al run?" -- as in Al Gore, former vice president and putative president-elect in 2000 -- continues unabated. In every interview with Gore in the past year, we have been treated to the spectacle of an earnest interviewer, hoping to make the scoop of scoops, relentlessly badgering the bearded/clean-shaven, flannel shirt/Brooks Brothers, v.2/3/4 Gore on whether he will declare his candidacy. Each time, Gore firmly, if reluctantly, rejects the notion of running.

To be honest, I was not an Al Gore fan in 2000. But like millions of Americans, my admiration for the man has grown over time because of his passion for the problems of climate change. This is not to say that Gore is my man for 2008. Nor is it to say he is not my candidate. Rather, it is to say that if Gore is truly serious about leading the effort to solve, as he has termed it, "the most dangerous crisis we've ever faced," he must look to himself, because that effort must depend on credible, bold leadership inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

(snip)

"It will take more than a village to save the Earth. It will take a president who is willing to lead America down a sometimes painful path of emission reductions. It's more than buying carbon offsets every time you travel on a private jet (if you can afford both). It is, as Gore is wont to say, about making fundamental changes in human behavior, expectations and lifestyle. It may be a nice touch to put solar panels on the roof of one's home, as the Gores are, but how much more symbolic and powerful would it be if Gore made the White House solar?"

(snip)

"But even more daunting, and more urgent, is the need to find cooperation on emission reduction on a worldwide scale. It will take every ounce of diplomatic, trade, economic and even military influence the United States can wield by itself and with its allies to effect change in the developing world. It will take a president who is willing to put all the priority and power of the Oval Office to wage the equivalent of a world war in defense of the planet."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/22/INGKER31MT1.DTL

[rosesaylavee]

1. It is hard to wait

for an answer. I hope we hear from him after his well-deserved vacation is over.

[Mabus]

2. And that's the perfect answer to those who say he should continue what he is doing now

He'll be able to set the course for both America and the world. I believe that Gore can change the course of global history and help save our planet for future generations. I know I make it sound like Gore is some sort of Superman or messiah but don't worry: I know he's human and I know he'll never live up to the expectations that too many have put on him but I believe he can do the job of POTUS like no one else will be able to at this time when something needs to be done.