I didn't know where to put this, but it involved Al Gore so...

http://www.theage.com.au/news/busine...816810708.html

AL GORE, the man who five years ago won the popular vote but lost the US presidential elections by a few hanging chads, has a stark warning for all investors.

"Capitalism is at a critical juncture," he says, arguing that the focus on short-term results is undermining issues such as the long-term sustainability of profits, how a company relates to the community and its employees, and the environment.

Australia's politicians might prefer to quietly retire after securing lucrative business consultancy deals, but Gore is out to make a noise as co-founder and chairman of British-based sustainable investing company Generation Investment.

"If in the process of proving our business case that it is just good common sense to take these matters into consideration when making investment decisions, we can encourage other investors to do the same and have an impact on the behaviour of the market, then that's all for the good," he says.

Generation was formed when Gore met former Goldman Sachs chief executive David Blood and they began mulling over how to combine conventional equity market analysis with longer-term judgements about sustainability.

In an interview with The Age on the eve of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia conference, which he addressed in Melbourne last week, Gore says the payment structure for asset managers must reflect shareholders' long-term interest.

Generation is only paid after three years of returns, and then only if it beats the benchmark.

Retail investors are clamouring for a change to long-term sustainable goals, he says, with consumers pushing for lower carbon emissions as global warming awareness grows.

The refusal of the US and Australia to sign the Kyoto pact that Gore helped draft clearly annoys the former US vice-president. He draws parallels between those who dispute global warming, and its investment implications, with Neville Chamberlain and others who wanted to appease the Nazis before World War II.

Winston Churchill warned in the 1930s that a storm was gathering and democratic nations would be forced to "sip from the bitter cup" until they reasserted their moral authority.

"The time of half-measure has passed. We are entering a period of consequences," says Gore, quoting Churchill.

Global warming isn't funny, but I couldn't help but laugh when I read this. We know Gore is a big fan of S&H's work, so he probably believes in TFT. Reading this, one may come to the conclusion that Gore thinks global warming is the crisis. It is the Nazi, US politicians are Chamberlain, and he is Churchill.

:shock: :shock:

If Mr. Gore is to be the equal of Mr. Churchill, is he a rather accomplished artist in any medium? Does he, too, lack any known political principles?

Originally Posted by MichaelEaston

Reading this, one may come to the conclusion that Gore thinks global warming is the crisis. It is the Nazi, US politicians are Chamberlain, and he is Churchill.

Does this mean Gore is willing, if need be, to fight alongside of a Stalin, former murderer of some 30,000,000 of his own, to destroy, kill and maim countless millions more as Sir Churchill did? I do wonder, sometimes, how many millions Gore would be willing to sacrifice to, um, re-Balance the Earth; to return us to the days of the horse and buggy, before internal combustion threw the precious planet out of whack.

Giddyup, horsey, giddyup!

Originally Posted by MichaelEaston

Global warming isn't funny, but I couldn't help but laugh when I read this. We know Gore is a big fan of S&H's work, so he probably believes in TFT. Reading this, one may come to the conclusion that Gore thinks global warming is the crisis. It is the Nazi, US politicians are Chamberlain, and he is Churchill.

:shock: :shock:

I would suggest reading Gore's book Earth in the Balance to get a first-hand account of what he truly believes.

Al Gore "Views the elimination of the combustion engine as solution to a greater threat to our security than terrorism or war":

• "We now know that their cumulative impact on the global environment is posing a mortal threat to the security of every nation that is more deadly than that of any military enemy are ever again likely to confront. ... I support new laws to mandate improvement in automobile fleet mileage, but much more is needed. ... it ought to be possible to establish a coordinated global program to accomplish the strategic goal of completely eliminating the internal combustion engine over, say, a twenty-five-year period." (pages 325-326)

Is there any surprise, then, that the Clinton Administration took such a nonchalant view of terrorism while working overtime to get Kyoto signed?

Certainly we can live with a few 9/11s and a lot fewer automobiles. We cannot, however, live without Kyoto.

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Al Gore "Views the elimination of the combustion engine as solution to a greater threat to our security than terrorism or war":

• "We now know that their cumulative impact on the global environment is posing a mortal threat to the security of every nation that is more deadly than that of any military enemy are ever again likely to confront. ... I support new laws to mandate improvement in automobile fleet mileage, but much more is needed. ... it ought to be possible to establish a coordinated global program to accomplish the strategic goal of completely eliminating the internal combustion engine over, say, a twenty-five-year period." (pages 325-326)

So, what's your problem with eliminating the internal combustion engine? Even GWB thinks fuel cells are the wave of the future. Do you believe it's all hooey, and we can just keep on drilling ... forever?

Yeah. 8)

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Al Gore "Views the elimination of the combustion engine as solution to a greater threat to our security than terrorism or war":

• "We now know that their cumulative impact on the global environment is posing a mortal threat to the security of every nation that is more deadly than that of any military enemy are ever again likely to confront. ... I support new laws to mandate improvement in automobile fleet mileage, but much more is needed. ... it ought to be possible to establish a coordinated global program to accomplish the strategic goal of completely eliminating the internal combustion engine over, say, a twenty-five-year period." (pages 325-326)

Yes, that is the favorite passage that is usually quoted in an effort to make Al Gore look like a kook.

It looks less out of the mainstream now than it did fifteen years ago. Surprise, surprise.

Originally Posted by Kiff 1961

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Al Gore "Views the elimination of the combustion engine as solution to a greater threat to our security than terrorism or war":

• "We now know that their cumulative impact on the global environment is posing a mortal threat to the security of every nation that is more deadly than that of any military enemy are ever again likely to confront. ... I support new laws to mandate improvement in automobile fleet mileage, but much more is needed. ... it ought to be possible to establish a coordinated global program to accomplish the strategic goal of completely eliminating the internal combustion engine over, say, a twenty-five-year period." (pages 325-326)

Yes, that is the favorite passage that is usually quoted in an effort to make Al Gore look like a kook.

It looks less out of the mainstream now than it did fifteen years ago. Surprise, surprise.

Well, which is it? A platform for giddyup, horsey kooks or a paragraph in the next Democratic Party Platform?

I certainly hope it's the latter, the GOP could use a few more seats in Congress. And I could use a few laughs. :wink:

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Kiff 1961

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Al Gore "Views the elimination of the combustion engine as solution to a greater threat to our security than terrorism or war":

• "We now know that their cumulative impact on the global environment is posing a mortal threat to the security of every nation that is more deadly than that of any military enemy are ever again likely to confront. ... I support new laws to mandate improvement in automobile fleet mileage, but much more is needed. ... it ought to be possible to establish a coordinated global program to accomplish the strategic goal of completely eliminating the internal combustion engine over, say, a twenty-five-year period." (pages 325-326)

Yes, that is the favorite passage that is usually quoted in an effort to make Al Gore look like a kook.

It looks less out of the mainstream now than it did fifteen years ago. Surprise, surprise.

Well, which is it? A platform for giddyup, horsey kooks or a paragraph in the next Democratic Party Platform?

I certainly hope it's the latter, the GOP could use a few more seats in Congress. And I could use a few laughs. :wink:

Gosh, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. :wink:

Sincerely,

A giddyup, horsey kook. 8) 8)

I thought I'd just take this opportunity to state, once again, that Al Gore is the total shit. 8)

You know, I have seen a few threads here that are dedicated to thinking Gore is the grey champion (for whatever reason). It turns out Gore wouldn't disagree.

Originally Posted by MichaelEaston

You know, I have seen a few threads here that are dedicated to thinking Gore is the grey champion (for whatever reason). It turns out Gore wouldn't disagree.

Hmmm,... wonder what HILLARY has to say about that? :wink:

Originally Posted by MichaelEaston

Global warming isn't funny, but I couldn't help but laugh when I read this. We know Gore is a big fan of S&H's work, so he probably believes in TFT. Reading this, one may come to the conclusion that Gore thinks global warming is the crisis. It is the Nazi, US politicians are Chamberlain, and he is Churchill.

:shock: :shock:

I have been saying for many months now that I think Gore is strategically positioning himself to be the Grey Champion. If he were successful he would be the first GC who knows he's a "GC".

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, keep your eye on this man. I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I have been saying for many months now that I think Gore is strategically positioning himself to be the Grey Champion. If he were successful he would be the first GC who knows he's a "GC".

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, keep your eye on this man. I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

Do you really think Gore would run for president again? I mean, he's been pretty adamant never running again since his bad 2000 experience, and made no bones about it. But maybe he's just playing it cool?

I think Gore could very well end up the GC (wishful think maybe though? heh), but I think this may be another case where the GC is not the president (see Ben Franklin). I know things can change a lot in three years, but I unfortunately don't see Gore running for--or winning--the presidency in 2008.

Originally Posted by albatross '82

I think Gore could very well end up the GC (wishful think maybe though? heh), but I think this may be another case where the GC is not the president (see Ben Franklin). I know things can change a lot in three years, but I unfortunately don't see Gore running for--or winning--the presidency in 2008.

If you look through books of famous quotes, you will see Ben Franklin, Churchill and Abe Lincoln have more than a few entries. They had a gift for saying a lot in a few words. Gore is famous for a non inspiring delivery of non inspiring words. He's not alone. Bush 43 has his famous imitation of a deer-in-the-headlights.

I sometimes wonder if being Grey Champion is as much about presenting new ideas in a way that those listening can accept them, as being the source of great ideas.

Anyway, while I am with Gore on a lot of issues, I am not inspired by him as a potential GC. I can't see anyone who can stand in the shadow of Franklin, Lincoln or Churchill as orators or writers, let alone having the ideas and convictions required.

Originally Posted by Bob Butler 54

If you look through books of famous quotes, you will see Ben Franklin, Churchill and Abe Lincoln have more than a few entries. They had a gift for saying a lot in a few words. Gore is famous for a non inspiring delivery of non inspiring words. He's not alone. Bush 43 has his famous imitation of a deer-in-the-headlights.

I sometimes wonder if being Grey Champion is as much about presenting new ideas in a way that those listening can accept them, as being the source of great ideas.

Anyway, while I am with Gore on a lot of issues, I am not inspired by him as a potential GC. I can't see anyone who can stand in the shadow of Franklin, Lincoln or Churchill as orators or writers, let alone having the ideas and convictions required.

I think Gore has progressive ideas, but you're right, he isn't the greatest speaker or writer. Doesn't have the charisma of past GCs.

When I think of great Boomer orators, I think of old Bill Clinton. I'm sure many others do too. He may not be up to GC level, but he's at least pretty close. He was the most memorable speaker at the '04 Dem convention after all. Made me forget about that other guy reporting for duty.

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

My eye is on Hillary for said role. I strongly suspect that she has the best chance of stepping into that slot in E2K+8.

Originally Posted by Prisoner 81591518

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

My eye is on Hillary for said role. I strongly suspect that she has the best chance of stepping into that slot in E2K+8.

Although Hillary is a shrewd politician and might make an effective President, she doesn't have the stateswomanesque quality about her that I would associate with a GC.

Originally Posted by scott 63

Originally Posted by Prisoner 81591518

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

My eye is on Hillary for said role. I strongly suspect that she has the best chance of stepping into that slot in E2K+8.

Although Hillary is a shrewd politician and might make an effective President, she doesn't have the stateswomanesque quality about her that I would associate with a GC.

Did Lincoln have said 'statesmanesque' quality, at first? Did FDR, at first? I'm not looking forward to her in the Oval office with anything but foreboding. Nonetheless, the idea has, for me, a definite air of inevitability.

Originally Posted by Prisoner 81591518

Originally Posted by scott 63

Originally Posted by Prisoner 81591518

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I see potential for this man leading some type of Left-of-Center Populist movement for E2K8.

My eye is on Hillary for said role. I strongly suspect that she has the best chance of stepping into that slot in E2K+8.

Although Hillary is a shrewd politician and might make an effective President, she doesn't have the stateswomanesque quality about her that I would associate with a GC.

Did Lincoln have said 'statesmanesque' quality, at first? Did FDR, at first? I'm not looking forward to her in the Oval office with anything but foreboding. Nonetheless, the idea has, for me, a definite air of inevitability.

While it is true that Lincoln was a little rough around the edges, I think he demonstrated his statesmanship early on.

Originally Posted by In the First Lincoln - Douglas Debate (August 21, 1858), Abraham

But in the right to eat the bread, without leave of anybody else, which his own hand earns, he is my equal and the equal of Judge Douglas, and the equal of every living man.

Not too shabby, I think.

I would define Statesmanship as the ability to state Ideals in plain yet eloquent terms, in such a way that people are willing to accept your ideals. Lincoln understood this, too.

Originally Posted by Later in the same debate, Abraham

In this and like communities, public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed. Consequently he who moulds public sentiment, goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. He makes statutes and decisions possible or impossible to be executed.

Unfortunately, FDR's early writings are not so imprinted in my brain where I could easily discuss them but he did manage to win an election in 1932 - he must have been offering something halfway decent.