Al Gore Warns Congress That Earth Has A Fever

The last time Al Gore showed up in Congress was 2001 to tell everyone that George W. Bush was the winner of the 2000 election. That time he was the loser, but today he came back as an Oscar award winner and hero to some Democrats. Gore told the overflow crowd that “our world faces a true planetary emergency”. He brought with him boxes full of letters from people asking Congress to take action on global warming now. Gore said, “The planet has a fever,” “If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don’t say, `Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it’s not a problem.’ If the crib’s on fire, you don’t speculate that the baby is flame retardant. You take action.” Gore appeared before a joint hearing by two House committees, and later spoke before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Gore didn’t go unchallenged. Texas Rep. Joe Barton told Gore, “You’re not just off a little, you’re totally wrong,,,,,Global warming science is uneven and evolving.” Barton was also a bit upset that Gore didn’t provide a written statement of his testimony until two hours before he was supposed to speak, “How are we supposed to prepare questions for our esteemed witness when we’re given the testimony two hours before he shows up?” Barton asked. Gore also was questioned by Texas Republican, Ralph Hall, who was worried that regulations to help cut greenhouse gases would hurt the energy industry, and therefore; the U.S. economy. In the Senate meetings, Republican Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma told Gore that “Some of the statements you have made have inaccuracies and are misleading.” Inhofe then grilled Gore about his own personal energy use, and kept cutting off Gore when he tried to respond. The exchange got heated enough that Chairwoman Barbara Boxer had to stop them. Boxer explained to Inhofe that the Democrats are now in charge since the last election, and it was time for him to shut up. Gore invited Inhofe to a private breakfast to discuss it later. Gore likes to talk over food. On his way out Gore was questioned about his presidential bid in 08 and he didn’t say no, instead he said, “I don’t have plans to run for president again.” If you would like to see his whole 37 minute testimony to the House Energy & Science committees click here.
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Alan Cosgrove