NYT editorial: A Prize for Mr. Gore and Science

[DeepModem Mom]

A Prize for Mr. Gore and Science
Published: October 13, 2007

One can generate a lot of heartburn thinking about all of the things that would be better about this country and the world if the Supreme Court had done the right thing and ruled for Al Gore instead of George W. Bush in 2000. Mr. Gore certainly hasn’t let his disappointment stop him from putting the time since to very good use.

Yesterday, the Nobel committee celebrated that persistence and awarded the Peace Prize to Mr. Gore and a panel of United Nations scientists for their efforts to raise awareness of the clear and present danger of global warming....What the citation didn’t mention but needs to be said is that it shouldn’t have to be left to a private citizen — even one so well known as Mr. Gore — or a panel of scientists to raise that alarm or prove what is now clearly an undeniable link or champion solutions to a problem that endangers the entire planet.

That should be, and must be the job of governments. And governments — above all the Bush administration — have failed miserably....

***

While other leaders are beginning to recognize the urgency of climate change and the need for ambitious and costly solutions, Mr. Bush and his administration still drag behind: conceding the obvious only when there is no remaining choice, boycotting any initiative that is not their own and rejecting any action that might cut into the immediate profits of industry....

Having squandered the last seven years, Mr. Bush is unlikely to change. Mr. Gore and the United Nations panel of scientists have shown how much citizens with courage and determination can do.

Now it’s up to Congress, the presidential candidates and other world leaders to take up their challenge and the challenge of the Nobel committee. We cannot afford to squander any more time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/13/opinion/13sat1.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[eppur_se_muova]

1. ... and for rationality in general. nt

[man4allcats]

2. Although I voted for Al Gore in 2000, I might not have thought

of him at that time as someone after whom I might want to consider modeling my own personal approach to adversity. Not that he didn't fight for his rightful claim to the office of the Presidency - he did. But when it became clear that the deck was stacked and "resistance was futile," he could have just sulked off in a petulant can-kicking mode never to be heard from again, and few could have blamed him. Instead, he chose to act presidential - five appointed Supreme Court minions be damned. Through his remarkably well orchestrated efforts to address an issue that bears dire consequences not only for the United States but indeed the entire planet, he assumed the Presidency in ways George Dubya Bush couldn't even begin to imagine. Gore wasn't in it for the glory; he was and is in it because he gives a damn.

Yes, I voted for Al Gore in 2000, but I understand him better now than I did then. Here's to you, President Gore! :toast: I congratulate your accomplishments, but more than that I thank you for reminding me that the important thing is doing what's right. I wish Congress could be convinced of that, but be that as it may, history will note that you stood strong and true. I am honored, Sir, to be able to say I voted for you.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Great post, anotheryellowdog -- thank you!

"Through his remarkably well orchestrated efforts to address an issue that bears dire consequences not only for the United States but indeed the entire planet, he assumed the Presidency in ways George Dubya Bush couldn't even begin to imagine."

[man4allcats]

4. Thank you, DeepModem Mom.

Coming from you, the compliment is considerable. Thanks also for the NYTimes link. I am not a primary poster myself, but I always rely on the posts of you and a few others for really solid info. You go, girl! :hi:

[Cronopio]

5. I became much prouder of my vote for Gore in the weeks after Election Day 2000.

The way he dealt with the situation even when much of his own party (the DLC wing) was leaving him out to twist in the wind was and still is a prime example of how a true President deals with a crsis. Even when I disagreed with his tactical judgements at the time, it was clear to anyone who wanted to see it that he was always putting what he felt were the interests of the country and democracy ahead of the interests of his career.

Many Dems and Repubs still think of him as stupid for doing that, but that attitude is a statement about them, not Gore. And its their attitudes that have brought America down to where it is today, not Gore's.