WiredMag: "The Resurrection of Al Gore"

[AtomicKitten]

great article at:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.05/gore.html


On his decision not to run for president in 2004: "In 2001, I wasn't sure I wouldn't run again. Then, September 11 happened. A week later, at , I talked about how all of us had to support the president's leadership. Had 9/11 not happened, I would have made a very different speech and perhaps have taken a different pathway. But I don't know."

On global warming: "I believe we are facing a planetary emergency, a climate crisis without precedent in human history. There is a well-worn cliche about the way crisis is written in Chinese: There are two characters side by side - one means danger; the other, opportunity. I truly believe the 21st century will be a time of renewal."

On Google's leadership team: "I admire their commitment to adding value to the world while earning a profit. I like to think that every once in a while I've been able to contribute something of value to their deliberations, but I don't want to overstate it, because those guys are geniuses."

On China's decision to censor Google: "In the process of giving Chinese users a clear indication of what's being denied them and what's not, Google is generating awareness of what the Chinese government is doing. That has led to a more sophisticated request in China to end this kind of censorship."

On his friendship with Steve Jobs: "I have known Steve for many years. I was a sponsor of the first Apple bill when I was in the House of Representatives. After I left the White House, Steve asked if I would join the board. I was lucky enough to enter the company at a time when it was poised to take off."

On his influence as a private citizen: "I know how much influence a US president can have, even in a world where the marketplace of ideas is cramped and crimped, even in a world where the political system is broken. A president can make a bigger difference than any other person in any other job - if the job is done correctly. But I like to think that I'm able to make a difference as a private citizen, as a businessman, as an American. I've chosen business ventures that not only make money but that also help in some small way to push the world in a better direction."

On the direction of the US: "The conversation of democracy has been hollowed out and desiccated, and it has to be brought back to life. I'm optimistic that it will be."

On leaving Washington: "Moving to Nashville was the healthiest thing I did. We'll sit on the back porch, look out at the yard, the trees, and it's so peaceful and quiet. We just love it."

On when he'll write his account of the 2000 election: "I don't know, I don't know. I might. I don't see that happening anytime soon. I'm busy with the future and the present instead of the past."

[NYCGirl]

1. Thank you for posting this! K&R NT

[Jeffersons Ghost]

2. Here's what makes Gore special and important to me:

Someone better focus on this major problem before it's too late... even slight climate changes have a major impact!


On global warming: "I believe we are facing a planetary emergency, a climate crisis without precedent in human history. There is a well-worn cliche about the way crisis is written in Chinese: There are two characters side by side - one means danger; the other, opportunity. I truly believe the 21st century will be a time of renewal."

[realFedUp]

3. I want more Gore and Tipper too. nt