Al Gore At The Gate

[RestoreGore]

Peter Michaelson: Al Gore at the Gate
Submitted by BuzzFlash on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 4:31am. Guest Contribution
A BUZZFLASH GUEST CONTRIBUTION
by Peter Michaelson

Al Gore has graduated from making movies to making revolutions. He is about to incite the masses on behalf of his earth out of balance. As he announced this weekend, he plans to launch a global-warming political movement that will seek a "freeze" on carbon emissions. With Gore in the vanguard, a people-powered initiative can succeed.

Global warming is directly related to our system of economics, and particularly to capitalism's remorseless expansionism. To succeed, Gore has to challenge this feature of capitalism. Like our expanding universe, capitalism (its Big Bang erupted in manufacturing England about 300 years ago), has refused to slow down. It could have taken a respite and focused on the development of high-technology alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels, which would have been creative and profitable. Instead, in its hubris and stupidity, it became chronically bloated, and now gives off a stench that's sickening the planet itself.

The gaseous discharge from the world's daily combustion of eighty million barrels of oil could choke a Black Hole. Oil companies tell us that, thankfully, we'll be able to increase this rate of consumption (and discharge) for decades to come.

The expansionism that is killing us is also achieved through unrestrained increases in manufacturing, resource depletion, low-wage workers, and consumer debt. It's not going to stop because we're recycling more paper and plastic.

More at the link.
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/contributors/622

Thank you to Mr. Michaelson for writing a cogent and intelligent take on what Mr. Gore is now doing without all of the childish 2008 cheerleading and speculation that diverts and clouds this crucial issue. Mr. Gore is now the main cog in this wheel of vision that will get this revolution rolling. That is a position so much more important now than any president of any country, as he seeks to finally bring the people to the place our Constitution has been leading them to all of these years.

Mr. Gore now has the chance to be the moral inspiration for an unprecedented grassroots movement in this country that not only shapes the future of our environment, but our very future as a Democracy. Coincidentally, Dec. 16, the day Mr. Gore plans to discuss his movie at a conference call with people he thinks truly care for this issue is also the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. I don't know if he realized that when the date was set, but the corrolation is very clear.

This is OUR chance to start that revolution we so desperately need to save not only our planet but our Democracy. And it is a peaceful revolution that seeks change through the very principles that guided the making of our nation. Mr. Gore is now our missive and our muse in this cause. He is now the central figure in what could well become the most groundbreaking movement this country has ever seen if only people would stop being distracted by media hype and speculation, and start really rolling up their sleeves to become a part of it. People write blog posts in the huffington post asking him to lead? Well, they obviously aren't paying attention, because he is leading. Just because he is not leading the way they want for their own reasons doesn't change that fact.

I for one thank him for this, and state that I am proud and grateful that he now stands on the mountain out here with us, and I stand with him in conscience ready to work side by side with him in this cause for our planet and our Democracy.

[JNelson6563]

1. President Gore's been an excellent leader

And from the bully pulpit of the WH he could be even more effective.

Julie

[RestoreGore]

2. Not in this current system he can't

Especially when people keep spending all of their time harassing him instead of working to CHANGE that system.

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

33. I think you are being just a little too unkind about that...

I think people who are relentlessly pushing him on the political issue (running for President) by and large realize that having the most powerful position in the world is the best to place to be to have a significant and timely influence on the issue that moves him and them the most: our planet's well-being.

Also, it is not like the political hounding is happening only from passive cheerleaders. Most who are most vociferous about this seem also to be active participants in the here and now of environmentalism, much as I am.

So may be you should pause just a little before asking people to back off the "harassment", because there is space and time to do both. I understand your point, but if on the Democratic Underground we do not have the liberty to cheerlead for the most deserving Democrat...

[RestoreGore]

35. No one is stopping you

But it sure seems that if you do not wish to get into that mode here yet you are castigated here for it, and frankly I find that to be ridiculous.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

3. I'm ready to vote Gore for Prez

As Prez, he could do some good on environmental problems. But first, as a candidate, he needs to move on to other issues. "The Environment" will not get him elected, it's just not enough of a hot-button issue for most folks.

Regards.

[RestoreGore]

4. People just don't get it

No wonder he has no plans to run again.

[JNelson6563]

5. Not to ruin your day but

he hasn't ruled it out.

I am aware of your position that you do not want him to run. Why you chose the screen name you did is a mystery.

Julie

[RestoreGore]

6. That's really not the issue here

But if you really want to know, go to http://www.patriotsforgore.com. I was supporting him in 2004 to get him "restored" in the purest sense of the word as well as working to get his name on primary ballots in states that allowed write ins, when I saw just what this system is all about in trying to do what I did then which I believed was the right thing, even to be ridiculed by other Democrats and Gore supporters for doing it for all of their talk of the stolen election. So don't think by ridiculing my handle here that you somehow have tarnished my credibility based on my current stance. You haven't. I can then only imagine what Mr. Gore has seen in his twenty five years in the beltway, and I am NOT going to harrass him about running for anything now which takes time away from doing what we need to do to mitigate a crisis that has truly become bigger than we are. I trust his judgement, and I respect what he is doing now and see the urgency and immensity of the task he has before him.

And no, I don't want him to run now because I think what he is now doing for our world and our future far surpasses the petty, mundane, political/ media BS that we are already seeing. He is a good man and he deserves better than that, which is why I support his efforts NOW to see a sea change in the entire system of government we now have that is not really a Democracy, and which has become nothing more than a whorehouse. If you support him running in this system, you then support this system of corporate bribes, election theft, and war criminals running roughshod over our Constitution with no accountability. I do not, so as I stated in my original post, I stand with him NOW in conscience to work WITH him NOW regarding this climate crisis and in bringing about a new Democratic dialogue. Hate to break it to you, but that isn't going to happen in two years. Right now we are at a crucial stage in this country where we NEED to have that grassroots movement FIRST in order to change this system enough so that good men like Al Gore do have a chance should they ever decide to run for office without needing MILLIONS TO BUY THEIR WAY IN. You tell me what Democratic candidate who will run will not be a MILLIONAIRE and will not be a part of the media conglomerates that pump out nothing but BS 24/7.

Perhaps besides knowing it is sadly the only way that sells his DVD in this country, that is also why he says he has not ruled it out, because he has faith that the people as a whole will support his endeavors now because they really want to see those changes too. However, it would seem that so many are only into him running without having to be a part of any real grassroots movement that would require any real work or sacrifice on their part. So to be blunt, cheerleading alone on these blogs isn't going to get it done, and until this system is one in which Jefferson would be proud to run in were he still alive, you can count me out in cheerleading for it.

I stand with Al Gore as a citizen advocate for our planet to CHANGE that to realize an ideal it seems so many have forgotten: The power of the people's voice. I think that is a pretty damned important position to have right now. And actually my handle fits very well now, because Mr. Gore has been restored to the man he has always wished to be able to show to the public. The man free of owing noone but himself any explanation for how he thinks and acts.

[JNelson6563]

14. Yes, I know your views

you've stated before how you think Gore can be so much more effective for the environment as a high profile individual than as the most powerful elected leader in the world. Odd that.

I did not *ridicule* your screen name, I said I found it a mystery why you chose it since you are adamantly against anything to do with restoring Gore to his rightful place at this time, or anytime in the future.

It's sad that you think Gore is so limited as to only be able to achieve great things when it comes to the environment. I'd like to see him utilize his full potential by being in a position to bring his passion and good sense to many aspects of our society.

Julie

[RestoreGore]

21. Then help him take this message to Congress now...

Simply because it MUST be done, because it is this crisis and THEIR intervention regarding it plus government on all levels from city, municipal, to state legislatures that we should be concerned with now. This IS the issue now, and he is on the cutting edge of it in as much as being the catalyst for government, business, and the grassroots to come TOGETHER to solve it before it is too late. This is bigger than a Presidency to me and I suspect him right now. And I truly am getting weary of the questioning of my credentials because I support his endeavors because they don't include the usual "run Al run" mantra. I happen to think there are more important things to focus on right NOW. As I stated, if we as a PEOPLE work to give this country a government Jefferson would envy, then you would have to push your way in front of me online to support this man for President if HE wanted it. However,that is not going to happen in the next year, and it is ultimately what HE WANTS, and if this now is truly what HE WANTS, I respect and support it and him.

[LSK]

24. I guess you didnt hear, the Democrats now control Congress

1st time since 1994.

Maybe you missed the news??

Folks like Barbara Boxer will control important committees.

:shrug:

[RestoreGore]

28. And I guess you didn't see my response to you below

But yes, good about Ms. Boxer and yes I read and wholeheartedly agree that Congress needs to know what their duty now is to bringing forth legislation that is not halfhearted on this issue...but try getting legislation through Bush's veto. There are no guarantees on this. It will take more than that now. It will take US putting pressure on all levels of government, which is the entire point of what Mr. Gore is now doing by recruiting US and businesses in this fight. State by state is also the strategy I believe will be most effective now in turning the tide on this on a national level.

[Mabus]

26. So, because Gore didn't run when you wanted him to

you don't want him to run at all? Isn't that a bit childish, selfish and short-sighted? fwiw, it sounds like you are "punishing" Gore because he didn't do what you wanted when you wanted him to do it. He told you, and everyone else, that he didn't want to run in 2004 but you didn't listen to him then. Instead, you ran off and tried to convince him to do something he didn't want to do. When he didn't, it appears you've gone off on another of your own personal crusades to discourage others who support him. Right now, from all reports, he hasn't completely run out seeking the office but you don't hear that part.

And, btw, Gore is no where near as myopic as you are. Gore is a man of great vision and he understands that all things are connected. Global climate change has far reaching impacts. Climate change affects the health, economy and the future of our planet. If some of us, who have been long time Gore supporters want to encourage him and maybe, just maybe, get him in the race for 2008, what is the harm? If nothing else, we are letting the rest of the world know that our concerns are aligned with Gore's.

I've been a fan of his since 1988 and I've campaigned for him when he said he wanted to run. I wanted him to run in 2004 too. But guess what, when he said "no" and endorsed Dean I went to work for Dean. I worked hard enough that I became a Dean delegate to the DNC. I listen to Gore and I understand what he says. He's holding the door open this time and I'll do whatever I can to get him to it wide open and walk on through.

Finally, if his only concern is about global climate change why does he give such eloquent and fiery speeches on other political issues? Not to mention his upcoming book is called an "Assault on Reason" which has been described as "a less-than-flattering assessment of the Bush administration." (source: http://p232.news.mud.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061212/ap_on_el_pr/presidential_politics_books) Now, why would he write a book about that?

[RestoreGore]

30. Why are you attacking me?

Do you have anything to comment on regarding the content of the op? I think I explained myself on your personal intimations clearly enough in another post here, so I don't see the need for the personal attack. I also see his point that it is time to move on, and I have. And just to make clear, I stated I don't want him to run in 2008 and the reasons for that, I didn't tell him what to do like those who keep harrassing him to run do, and would never presume to do that. Thinking the climate crisis is the most crucial and important issue right now is also far from being myopic, it is being responsible and moral. And as to why he would write a book like, "The Assault On Reason?" Perhaps it is because he is an American who cares about where this country has gone and wants to share that with others to spark a dialogue? Perhaps it is even because he is not a candidate and can write as candidly as that? Are you suggesting the ONLY reason he would write a book like that would be because he wants to use it just to run for President? That his motive for doing so is not sincere? Sorry, I don't believe that for a second, and I am surprised you would for someone who claims to have supported him for so long. This is in his heart and I don't think he needs an ulterior motive to express his views.

[Mabus]

32. If I wanted to comment on the OP, I would have

but I didn't. Instead I expressed my opinion on a subthread topic that caught my interest.

As for personal attacks, I don't think I did that. I expressed an opinion based on what you wrote, much the same as you do whenever there is a thread expressing support for a Gore candidacy.

I also didn't say that focusing on climate change is myopic. I said you were. I'm saying that you seem to see Gore as a one issue person. He isn't. He has a populist vision that encompasses a lot of issues most of which are affected by global climate change. For example, in the war in Iraq we are using depleted uranium. Guess what that does to the health and environment? Do you think that war doesn't destroy trees, affect water quality or hurt human health? Do you think he doesn't care about these things? Do honestly think that when oil wells are set on fire that it doesn't affect the environment in areas far away from Iraq? If you don't, then you are indeed myopic in your outlook.

And, yes, by writing "The Assault on Reason" he is opening the dialogue on a whole host of issues, not just climate change. He has been, and remains, a statesman. He means what he says and he has said he hasn't closed the door on seeking the presidency. If he wants encouragement then I am willing to give it to him. IMHO, you didn't listen to him in 2003 and you aren't listening to him now. If he is holding the door open then why shouldn't we ask him to step through? I'll stop supporting the idea of a Gore presidency when he tells me to just like I did in 2003. I listened to him and followed his lead in 2003 and supported Dean. You, on the other hand, went on a fool's errand when he said "no" and now you're punishing him.

Furthermore, he has single-handedly changed a lot of minds about climate change. People trust him and they are starting to listen to the other things he says. I have friends who are just discovering the speeches that Gore has made since 2000 and they are seeing him in a different light and they want him to run. They understand that he has been more correct on the issues that matter than anyone else.

If you don't want him to run, that's fine. If a number of the rest of us want him to run, what's wrong with that? Until the day he comes out and says, unequivocally, that he does not want to run I will support him as a possible candidate.

[RestoreGore]

34. Excuse me...

But I am discussing THE ISSUE HE IS TALKING ABOUT and one THAT I AM INTERESTED IN. That doesn't make me myopic. Do you believe that about others here who only post on one forum on one topic? And you don't know what he is really thinking about regarding 2008 or why he is saying what he is saying. You are simply speculating. I personally believe he knows that should he not leave the door open a bit (as he has only been doing since right before this movie premiered) he will fall off the press page. And if so, I find that to be a sad statement on the media and this process. And if not, I will support his decisions WHEN THE TIME COMES, but it too soon NOW to be obsessed with only that. Talk about myopic.

And OF COURSE I know he cares about Iraq, depleted uranium, the affects of war on the environment, and other matters such as that, as do I as it is PART of the environment and this crisis in total. That is actually what this op in context was actually about if you had taken the time to digest it. And again, it is only December 2006 and much can happen in 23 months. So why do you castigate me because I won't go along with your way of thinking? Isn't that hypocritical? And I am listening to him now. I am supporting his effort wholeheartedly and NOT making it a political issue.

It is also very telling that you would call a sincere effort to see him restored a fool's errand especially when thousands who signed a petition on that matter agreed with me. He also did thank me for it when I met him last July. You only then showcase your own personal jealousies and have taken this thread off the tangent by infusing such personal remarks which I will from this point ignore. At least I stood by my convictions, and in the end I did what I had to do to vote for Kerry. But he at least knew where my heart was, and I will never regret it regardless of your insults.

So as for punishing Mr. Gore, that is just a stupid meanspirited comment. I actually and honestly believe at this point after all the shit that has gone down that he is too good to run for president AT THIS POINT and agree with him that he can better serve by now changing the minds of the American people about a crisis that threatens our VERY SURVIVAL, and will continue to support him in that vein. I now hope that is clear to you.

[Mabus]

37. Your agenda has been clear for quite a while

From what I can tell, it is to jump on every pro-Gore thread that doesn't concentrate on the environment and discourage people from supporting him on any other issue. You also like to try to bully people by insinuating that they aren't doing enough to stop climate change.

I'm not castigating you. I'm just trying to understand you. I'm also doing my best to let you know that you are hurting Gore. Don't you understand that whenever you jump on a thread and criticize people for supporting Gore that you hurt him and all the causes he embraces? You are implying that he is one-dimensional and that his only cause is global climate change. Gore is, like every human being, multi-dimensional. He can fight several battles at once and still keep his eyes on the ultimate prize - our planet and its future. Please stop pigeon-holing Gore. He is a visionary. He helped get us the internet. He helped bring us video sharing via Current TV before youtube started. He has spoken out on media bias. He was right about telling Bush to fire his economic team. He was right to call out Trent Lott and his racism. He was right about Bush politicizing the IRW. He has given us ways to communicate to each other and he gives speeches on a number of political views. Why can't we combine the two?

I'm not jealous. LOL. Far from that. fwiw, I talked to Tipper and Al last year at a private party in Nashville. I was introduced to them by their friends. We had a conversation and guess what? He mentioned some of the things I told him concerned me in his next speech. He probably mentioned them more because Tipper thought they were good points. I'm not jealous. I have no reason to be.

And by the way, I also signed petitions in 2003 and 2004. I also donated to the Carthage ad. I did a lot of things to support him and encouraged him to run in 2004, even after he said he wouldn't but, unlike you, I haven't turned my back on all his messages. You have no idea what I have and haven't done.

Ignore me if you want but at least I hope I've given you some things to think about.

[RestoreGore]

38. And you have no idea what I have or haven't done

so do consider yourself on ignore.

[Mabus]

39. Well, so much for discussion

I hope you at least consider my plea to you. Please stop trying to make Gore a one-dimensional, single-issue person.

[NYCGirl]

9. Why are you always so surprised that people talk politically on a POLITICAL

WEBSITE? That's why we're all here.

[RestoreGore]

10. And this IS a poltical article I posted

Just cheerleading for Al Gore to run is not political in the sense of really discussing politics. It entails much more than that, which you obviously don't understand.

[NYCGirl]

11. And what you don't understand is that many of those "cheerleaders" are doing

much, much more to help the cause of climate crisis in their daily lives of which you have no idea. Constantly berating people does not help either the political or non-political aspects of this.

[RestoreGore]

16. Then practice what you preach n/t

[NYCGirl]

17. If you lay off everyone. NT

[RestoreGore]

19. I will post whatever the hell I want here within the rules of this forum

And you would do well to filter me if you don't like it. I saw no derision in the OP, just facts. Truth hurt?

[NYCGirl]

20. And so will I. Ain't freedom grand? NT

[proud2BlibKansan]

41. LOL

:rofl:

[ThomWV]

12. You're Right - But I'm Not Worried - His Other Qualifications ShineToo

Although at the moment his focus is on Global Warming it can certainly be said that Al Gore has a broad base of experience. From a military correspondant in Viet Nam to US Senator and Vice President, the man has traveled the world in what I hope will prove to be preparation for his Presidency.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

13. Yeah, I agree

He just needs to bring up those other areas and issues (again). Global Warming isn't the issue that wins elections.

As president, he can do a lot, including work on environment problems. Certainly more than he can as a citizen/film-maker.

[vote 4 democracy]

15. He is talking plenty about the war and the criminal behavior of this administration

the need for accountability, economics, the gammot. He can and has talked about a lot more than the environment. He is right that global warming is A (if not THE most) critical issue but the fact that he's still talking about other issues and ALWAYS says "I haven't completely ruled it (POTUS) out" with a grin which tells me he's running and thank God for that!!!

[RestoreGore]

18. So he has to run for President in order to talk about accountability?

I would think his more than a quarter of a century in Washington DC and his current status as a statesman (besides the fact that he above all of that is an American who cares about his country) would be enough reason for him to be able to discuss those issues without having an ulterior motive attached to them as is constantly suggested.

[cascadiance]

23. Al Gore has always been a very thoughtful man in his job...

Getting elected in Tennessee as Senator isn't an easy thing for a Dem to do.

As for his position on the war, I think he does put a lot of thought on what's right for the country, not just catering to be pro-establishment/pro-war or being anti-establishment/anti-war.

He was actually one of the few Democrats that voted for the first Persian Gulf War, even though now he's expressed himself quite well why our current war effort in Iraq is the wrong thing to do. I want someone that thinks like that, doesn't necessarily always go with the majority to follow the crowd, but thinks about what is right for his constituents, the grass roots. That is also what I've liked about Russ Feingold too. Russ has pulled out of the race at this point. Al Gore hasn't told us yet whether he's in or not for sure. I'm still hoping that he'll enter.

Even though I was one who almost voted for Nader in 2000, because I felt that Gore at that time was trying to be too much "not Clinton" then instead of himself, I think he's grown and learned a lot from that experience, and I know we won't see the same campaign we saw then were he to run again. I think he's have different groups that he'd be working with that are more interested in serving the interests of us the people, and not special interests, than he did then. James Carville probably won't be one of them this time around as an example.

[demnan]

7. Thanks for posting

I love Al Gore. I campaigned for Clinton the first time because Al was added as VP. Whatever he choses to do in the future, he'll have my support.

[RestoreGore]

8. Thank you n/t

[LSK]

22. what could be more powerful to combat Global Warming than

President Al Gore with a Democratic Congress???

:shrug:

[RestoreGore]

25. An informed citizenry holding their feet to the fire...

And taking action themselves en masse. Just because the majority may be Democrats doesn't mean they will automatically do it. You also won't stop the Arctic from being ICE FREE in thirty years by just signing a piece of paper. We need action on a national scale to back it up on a global scale NOW. How do we do that when this man still has to explain to Americans what global warming even is? It isn't as easy as it sounds. And again, you think the current political system isn't as toxic as Mr. Gore has stated himself? If it isn't we wouldn't still have to be trying so hard to get them to LISTEN about this THIRTY years after he started warning about it.

[LSK]

27. With his movie and book, he has done all he can as a private citizen can do

What he is left with is continuing on to speak to groups and continue to travel and speak at conferences.

However, as President, when he makes speeches, it will be in every paper in the world. CNN would have constant coverage.

He would not get nearly the media coverage as a private citizen as he would as a President.

And I do not share your views on the current political environment. This past election showed that the Grassroots have a voice, that the MSM and Corporations can be defeated.

[RestoreGore]

29. I'll believe it when I see it

When all Democrats refuse corporate money, the media starts educating instead of brainwashing, Congress calls for impeaching Bush, and calls and implements paper ballots across the board without any stipulations. And actually, if Mr. Gore truly wants to continue with just focusing on this issue which I think he should, even a new cabinet position where he could do that and still be in every paper in the world (which is actually is now BTW) and influence legislation and oversee action on this issue would be something I would greatly support.

[LSK]

31. I dont even know how to respond to this

You are all over the place.

Are we talking about 2009+ when Gore might be President??? So what does impeaching Bush have to do with that?

Are we talking about corrupt Democrats taking Corporate money??? Who would that be? Do you have any that are on the take from Exxon?

Are we talking about election reform that Howard Dean has said should be done and many Dems in Congress support???

Are we talking about whether the MSM would cover a President Gore?

What exactly are you talking about?? I cant debate 10 different issues in one response.

[RestoreGore]

36. I was responding to this comment you made

"And I do not share your views on the current political environment. This past election showed that the Grassroots have a voice, that the MSM and Corporations can be defeated."


About the political environment. Help you?

[RestoreGore]

40. Al Gore Delivers Surprise Speech To Clifbar & Co.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061211005371&newsLang=en