Campaign Coverage: Al Gore’s Mile-High Speech

One of my favorite speeches of the Democratic Convention was former V.P. Al Gore’s.  Since watching & reading both versions of An Inconvenient Truth, I’ve respected Gore’s involvement with the climate crisis.  This is one reason why watching “Recount” on HBO was truly depressing – especially when reflecting on Bush’s enviro-damage record during his presidency…

Gore’s speech endorsed Barack Obama, using some clever enviro-catch phrases comparing him to John McCain ( i.e.: John McCain, a man who has earned our respect on many levels, is now openly endorsing the policies of the Bush- Cheney White House and promising to actually continue them. The same policies all over again?  Hey, I believe in recycling, but that’s ridiculous). Gore also said “scientists tell us the very web of life is endangered by unprecedented extinctions”, a reminder of why possible changes to the Endangered Species Act are currently urgent.

Gore emphasized how crucial enviro-issues are for the next person in the Oval Office.  For example, Gore said “Many scientists predict that the entire north polar ice cap may be completely gone during summer months in the first term of the next president.”  This is alluding that by next Summer, we may able to get beach-front property in Central NJ instead of going down to our beloved Avalon.  While this may be an exaggeration, predictions like these point out that the clock is ticking and we need to pay attention.

The economy and gas prices are reasonable concerns for Americans.  The need to pay attention to our renewable resources for cost-effective energy and the creation of new jobs for Americans is important as well. This will allow us to stabilize the economy and cut fuel costs.  This is why Al Gore’s words on these issues are so relevant to this election, and why Americans should be thinking about how the next president (and political party) will impact our energy plans and future.

Read Al Gore’s entire speech here.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher