The Al Gore Thread: 'Former Vice-Presidential' Edition

[StorminNorman]

Al Gore lives a carbon neutral lifestyle. He spends his own money to offset everything he does.

How does that make him a hypocrite?

And even if he didn't, it still wouldn't make him a hypocrite. He's saying something needs to be done, and something does. That doesn't make him a hypocrite. Al Gore could go live in the mountain without any technology, and not using any gas or electricity that would have no effect on the planet at all.

The truth is that real change will only come from energy efficency mandates handed down by the government, and investments in alternative energy.

Who does he pay? Does throwing money at the problem take away the evil carbon emissions he puts in the air? The evil green house gases can be bought and bribed?

 

[Kelly]

Al Gore lives a carbon neutral lifestyle. He spends his own money to offset everything he does.

How does that make him a hypocrite?

And even if he didn't, it still wouldn't make him a hypocrite. He's saying something needs to be done, and something does. That doesn't make him a hypocrite. Al Gore could go live in the mountain without any technology, and not using any gas or electricity that would have no effect on the planet at all.

The truth is that real change will only come from energy efficency mandates handed down by the government, and investments in alternative energy.

Personally I like Al Gore, and I think he is doing exactly what he should be doing and that is living his life as an educator, not as a President. With that said, he should IMHO, change some of his lifestyle. IF HE DID THAT, I believe that it would be one of the strongest motivators of his cause that he could give.

We are ALL, in some form or fashion hypocrites to our beliefs. It does come with the territory of being human. BUT, in Mr. Gore's case, he definitely could make some major changes to his daily lifestyle, and with that only strengthen his stand, WITHOUT hurting his lifestyle.

Right now, there is no stronger proponent of "Green" out there than what Brad Pitt is doing in New Orleans. The fact that he is building Eco-Friendly homes at nearly the same cost as normal homes, is IMO, kicking everyones ass that says they are "green friendly".

As an educator, the best way to lead is by example. That of course goes for any field you may work in, but in the area of educating people on the environment. Walking your talk, goes a hell of a long way.

 

[The Senator]

Al Gore lives a carbon neutral lifestyle. He spends his own money to offset everything he does.

How does that make him a hypocrite?

And even if he didn't, it still wouldn't make him a hypocrite. He's saying something needs to be done, and something does. That doesn't make him a hypocrite. Al Gore could go live in the mountain without any technology, and not using any gas or electricity that would have no effect on the planet at all.

The truth is that real change will only come from energy efficency mandates handed down by the government, and investments in alternative energy.

I'm gonna call BS on that one.

While I certainly agree with what Al Gore says, I think it is useless trying to make excuses for his actions, especially since they so obviously go against everything he has been promoting for the past few years.

Right now, the only way for Americans to become less energy dependent is to take matters into their own hands. In my house, we have replaced every incandescent light bulb with a florescent light bulb (that does not include exterior lights, for obvious reasons). We do not turn on the AC unless it is 85 degrees or unbearably humid. We drive less, eat less, use less electricity. We do this because, aside from going out and buying a hybrid car which we cannot afford at this time, there's nothing else we can do.

When I find an apartment this fall/ winter, I will probably repeat many of the same things.

Al Gore is a hypocrite, because his actions go against what he's been preaching these past few years. However, it doesn't make his message any less significant. It just reflects poorly on him.

 

[rdh007]

How about we change this thread title to "Are All Politicians Hypocrites"?

Then we can all discuss how Bush Jr. may or may not be literate and oversees the Dept. of Education. Couldn't make it to his National Guard duties and oversees the Dept. of Defense. Traded away Sammy Sosa and oversees the Dept. of Commerce.

 

[rdh007]

we have replaced every incandescent light bulb with a florescent light bulb (that does not include exterior lights, for obvious reasons).

I did the exterior ones and didn't have any trouble last winter. Of course, due to global warming, there is no winter...

 

[The Senator]

How about we change this thread title to "Are All Politicians Hypocrites"?

Then we can all discuss how Bush Jr. may or may not be literate and oversees the Dept. of Education. Couldn't make it to his National Guard duties and oversees the Dept. of Defense. Traded away Sammy Sosa and oversees the Dept. of Commerce.

Well, I believe the person being discussed is Al Gore, so I don't see why we need to discuss Bush or anyone else...

 

[Matt]

I concur...

Spoiler

but really? Trading Sammy Sosa? That has to be the dumbest thing he has done, including all his **** ups as president.

 

[The Senator]

I did the exterior ones and didn't have any trouble last winter. Of course, due to global warming, there is no winter...

Well, we have pretty bright "fog lights" (my parents call them that, I don't know if that's the technical term), so I'm not sure florescent lights would be able to make up for their brightness. At their current state, they illuminate most of the backyard.

 

[Marx]

Edit

 

[rdh007]

Well, we have pretty bright "fog lights" (my parents call them that, I don't know if that's the technical term), so I'm not sure florescent lights would be able to make up for their brightness. At their current state, they illuminate most of the backyard.

Ahhh, I was only replacing some lights right by the door. You're probably correct.

Well, I believe the person being discussed is Al Gore, so I don't see why we need to discuss Bush or anyone else...

I was referring to this exchange:

His electricity usage went UP 10% over the last year. I don't believe he went out and got a 10% larger house.

You could power 55 average American houses with the power Gore used. Thats ridiculous and irresponsible.

Its important because he is the figure head of his movement. He is the one getting awards and Noble Peace Prizes. He is a hypocrite and a phony.

I am not using this thread as a way to bash his Global Warming little movement - I will allow far more qualified men do that. I am simply calling out one of the biggest con men in American politics.

Bigger than the man who conned us into some ******** oil war and 4,000+ troops killed for a nonsense reason.

con men?
why would you call him that, I mean, unless you're willing to call each and every politician, including both McCain and Bush "con men" you are a bit mistaken.

he owns a large house, so comparing his use of electricity to the "average American home" is either maliciously misdirecting information or simply and foolishly wrong.
plus, add to that the fact that he runs a business from said home.
when I am shown figures of similar homes and their "foot prints" I will call him a hypocrite, in the mean time, I think that since, no one so far has died because of Gore's claim, you should do a thread on that one guy that says he is the "war president" and paints everyone who disagrees with him as "anti American" and yet never even served in Vietnam.

I mean, to me, THAT is a hypocrite.

We'd already opened it up to other politicians and that was sort of inevitable, so I figured why not include everyone or we'll have to make a thread for everybody but the great Rick Santorum.

 

[The Chairman]

Also - if you could provide me anything where Bush tried to paint those who disagreed with HIM to be un-American or un-Patriotic, I would love to see it.

"If you're not with us, you're with the terroists."

Check and mate.

 

[StorminNorman]

"If you're not with us, you're with the terroists."

Check and mate.

The statement was made to foreign leaders - not American citizens.

 

[Spider-Bite]

Personally I like Al Gore, and I think he is doing exactly what he should be doing and that is living his life as an educator, not as a President. With that said, he should IMHO, change some of his lifestyle. IF HE DID THAT, I believe that it would be one of the strongest motivators of his cause that he could give.

I do not want somebody who lives carbon neutral to change into the rest of us.

Who does he pay? Does throwing money at the problem take away the evil carbon emissions he puts in the air?

yes actually.

I'm gonna call BS on that one.

While I certainly agree with what Al Gore says, I think it is useless trying to make excuses for his actions,

none necessary

especially since they so obviously go against everything he has been promoting for the past few years.

not true

Right now, the only way for Americans to become less energy dependent is to take matters into their own hands.

Not realistic

The only way is for big government intervention. There will always be Americans who forget to turn the light off, or drive too much. We need a different economy that isn't based on oil, and that will come from big government, not the free market, or capitalism, or individuals choosing on their own to use less.

 

[StorminNorman]

yes actually.

So money actually removes carbon from the atmosphere? Really? Great! We have found a solution! There is no crisis!

 

[Spider-Bite]

So money actually removes carbon from the atmosphere? Really? Great! We have found a solution! There is no crisis!

by spending money to create energy, using methods that don't produce carbon in the atmosphere, such as solar power, he is producing electricity for other people to use,who otherwise would have bought their electricity from their local supplier and would have put lots of carbon into the air.

Of all the people to ***** at, people ***** at the guy living a carbon neutral lifestyle? How stupid is that? Seriously.

He could stop doing everything he's doing right now, and stop using gas or electricity, and the amount of carbon in the air would be exactly the same as it is now.

And it is not profitable for him to live this lifestyle. He doesn't save money. He loses money.

 

[StorminNorman]

by spending money to create energy, using methods that don't produce carbon in the atmosphere, such as solar power, he is producing electricity for other people to use,who otherwise would have bought their electricity from their local supplier and would have put lots of carbon into the air.

Of all the people to ***** at, people ***** at the guy living a carbon neutral lifestyle? How stupid is that? Seriously.

He could stop doing everything he's doing right now, and stop using gas or electricity, and the amount of carbon in the air would be exactly the same as it is now.

And it is not profitable for him to live this lifestyle. He doesn't save money. He loses money.

He can't complain about the costs because he advocates everyone to live this sort of life style.

The thing is that Gore CHOOSES to live in a large house that requires ridiculous amounts of electricity. He then has decided to take steps that increase his own use of electricity from this year from last.

 

[The Senator]

Not realistic

The only way is for big government intervention. There will always be Americans who forget to turn the light off, or drive too much. We need a different economy that isn't based on oil, and that will come from big government, not the free market, or capitalism, or individuals choosing on their own to use less.

Well, we won't magically get from "dependency on oil" to "energy independence" over night. No one can pass a realistic law which would make that transition almost instantaneously. For now, we have to rely on Americans to do their part, until some piece of legislation is passed which gets us one step closer to energy independence. Then we have to wait for another to get us another step closer, then another, and another... we are so dependent on oil there is absolutely no realistic way we can get rid of our addiction in such a short period of time.

And, while we're waiting for new energies, what do you suppose we do in the mean time? Consume less? Drill for oil domestically? Or some other solution?

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Well, I believe the person being discussed is Al Gore, so I don't see why we need to discuss Bush or anyone else...

but here's the kicker.
why exactly does this merit discussion, it's not even a matter of perception.
and actually any comparison would be applicable If I followed your "rape" comparison, it would be like a guy stealing your television and you catch up with him and he is standing next to Mussolini.
and you point at the other guy and say "you disgust me!" while Mussolini sits there eating a plate of clams and smiling.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

He can't complain about the costs because he advocates everyone to live this sort of life style.

The thing is that Gore CHOOSES to live in a large house that requires ridiculous amounts of electricity. He then has decided to take steps that increase his own use of electricity from this year from last.

so then, you're saying that If Al Gore didn't live in a large house, both him and his message would be pure and thus you'd immediately build an earth ship to live in?

 

[Kelly]

Personally I like Al Gore, and I think he is doing exactly what he should be doing and that is living his life as an educator, not as a President. With that said, he should IMHO, change some of his lifestyle. IF HE DID THAT, I believe that it would be one of the strongest motivators of his cause that he could give.

I do not want somebody who lives carbon neutral to change into the rest of us.

That makes no sense....

 

[Kelly]

by spending money to create energy, using methods that don't produce carbon in the atmosphere, such as solar power, he is producing electricity for other people to use,who otherwise would have bought their electricity from their local supplier and would have put lots of carbon into the air.

Of all the people to ***** at, people ***** at the guy living a carbon neutral lifestyle? How stupid is that? Seriously.

He could stop doing everything he's doing right now, and stop using gas or electricity, and the amount of carbon in the air would be exactly the same as it is now.

And it is not profitable for him to live this lifestyle. He doesn't save money. He loses money.

I'm not *****ing about him at all, I'm simply saying he has put himself (by choice) into a situation where his energy consumption will be scrutinized, and SHOULD BE scrutinized. If you are going to tell other people how to live a "green" life, then he needs to be an example. Because he has put himself in the spotlight (by choice) as the "voice of the green" then he needs to do more to be an example.

It's very simple actually. If you are going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk. No one is saying he isn't doing some good things in his lifestyle. What people are saying is, "put up or shut up". Put your money where your mouth is.

 

[zanos]

I back what Gore has said and done for the enviroment but he's a hypocrite. These technologies weren't just invented last year. Solar panels have been around for ages!!

 

[StorminNorman]

so then, you're saying that If Al Gore didn't live in a large house, both him and his message would be pure and thus you'd immediately build an earth ship to live in?

I'm saying that if Al Gore wants everyone to change their way of life to one that is more "Earth" friendly - he should heed his own advice.

If Al Gore made the sacrifices he expects the rest of us to make - he would have the credibility to do so and look far less like a hypocritical ass.

 

[Marx]

A friend sent this to me. The response came via perezhilton.com (so take it for what you will.)

(In regards to the concerns over Al Gore's home energy use.)

------------------------------

Mr. Gore's spokesperson reached out to us to set the record straight.

"I had the chance to read your blog today and wanted to take a chance to clear the record:

1. The Gores undertook a three plus year renovation that concluded in November 2007 with the issuance, in November 2007 of Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the US Green Building Council.

2. As part of this renovation, the Gores have:
-Installed a geothermal system for heating, cooling and hot water
-Installed 33 solar panels
-Completely retrofitted their appliances, windows, ductwork, insulation, and lighting.

3. Since the renovations were complete, the Gores have saved 40 percent on their site energy use (which is a combination of electricity and natural gas bills–the two major sources of global warming gases).

4. The Gores also purchase their electricity, through their utility, from the Green PowerSwitch program–which means that their electricity come from solar, wind and methane gas.

So, in summary, the Gores have: made their home more energy efficient, the produce electricity from renewable power (solar, geothermal) and they purchase renewable power. No one is perfect, but they are doing their part. Finally, the Gores are also donating a substantial amount of their personal time to educate the public about the climate crisis as well as donating the proceeds of their work to charity. They have donated the proceeds of the Nobel Peace Prize, "An Inconvenient Truth" (the book and film), and Mrs. Gore's photography to the Alliance for Climate Protection and The Climate Project."

 

[The Senator]

How the hell does Al Gore produce his own geothermal energy? Don't you need, you know, a ****ing geyser for that?