I don't have many strong opinions about Al Gore's recent speech other than that I think America needs to be reminded that Bush and Cheney are talking about doing something that the United States has never really done, which is to start a war. Unless there is solid proof that Saddam Hussein was behind the 9/11 assaults — and clearly, there wouldn't be a debate in progress if the U.S. presently had such proof — what is proposed is that we initiate this round of hostilities and killing. Does anyone think this won't bite us on the ass in the future? It may be necessary but actions do have consequences.
As usual, Gore's speech is being reviewed as much for its style as content. One level of criticism that I think is unfair is when people accuse him of playing politics and say, as if revealing an ulterior motive, "He's running for president." Why it would be either a secret or a criticism of Al Gore that he wants to be president, I do not know. It's like saying, "Hey, watch out for those Dodgers. I'm beginning to suspect they want to win the World Series." Yes, Gore wants to be president, the same way Bush wants to be re-elected, the way McCain wants to be president, the way darn near every elected official higher than County Tax Assessor wants to occupy the Oval Office. Why is this even the slightest criticism? Isn't it about time we stopped damning politicians for dabbling in politics? Some do it with more grace than others but they all do it. Let's find more meaningful things to condemn these people for. It's not like there aren't plenty from which to pick.