Hypocrisy, or what?

[absolivious]

More updates about that great internet inventor/environmental guru...
(as found in OFF MAIN STREET Buffalo News - 7/14/07)

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a former vice president of the United States to your event?
You’ll have to provide a generous lecture fee and meet a lengthy list of contractual requirements, as the University at Buffalo learned this spring.
Former veep and current environmentalist Al Gore spoke at UB in late April, and this prompted a few questions.
How much does Gore cost? Does he have to be picked up from the airport in a hybrid limousine? Does he insist on a hotel that runs on solar power?
UB gave the answers in response to a Freedom of Information Law request.
First, he doesn’t come cheap. Gore received a $100,000 fee.
The contract stipulated that UB pay for first-class airfare, a car service, accommodations and meals for Gore and an adviser.
Gore also approved in advance any related events, promotional material and “backdrops, banners, scenery, logos, settings, etc.”
It even spelled out the time Gore spent signing posters for sponsors — 10 minutes — and his need for 30 minutes of downtime before talking.
No hybrids or solar power specified, so UB was able to meet every requirement except one: Gore’s request for “absolute confidentiality” for the contract’s terms and conditions.
Written by Stephen T. Watson with contributions from Tom Precious, Phil Fairbanks, Jay Tokasz and Brian Meyer.

[run4it]

I'll give you an 'or what' on this one.

First of all, $100k is pretty darn cheap when you're talking about a former VP of the US. Want to take a look at how much Cheney pulls down? And he doesn't even have an important cause to back himself up with (other than completely skewing Constitutional balance...but I digress).

Second, go find me a high-profile lecturer who WON'T require amenities such as air fare, car service, hotels, etc. It just simply won't happen. And considering the entire thrust of his campaign, I can see why he wouldn't want Coal Companies of American banners behind him.

Seriously....if you want to bash Gore, then there are probably some good reasons to do it. But misquoting him (internet) and trying to complain about his (pretty damn inexpensive, all things considered) speaking engagements is, well.....see below...

[run4it]

I seriously don't understand this. A guy dedicates his life to help solving a problem he truly feels is not only prescient, but urgent. If you want to disagree with him, then go ahead (and ignore science...but that's another issue). But why in the world do people feel the need to tear him down at every opportunity, when he's doing the best he feels he can to help not only his neighbors, but the entire world. Call it naive if you like, misguided if you feel the need, but that sort of determination is certainly nothing less than noble.

I hate to talk about a "vast right wing conspiracy" but do you hear anyone bitching about Newt Gingrich's speaking deals? How about felon Tom DeLay?

::crickets chirping::

No...because they're no longer in the government, and what they do is their freaking business.

[300miles]

go find me a high-profile lecturer who WON'T require amenities such as air fare, car service, hotels, etc. It just simply won't happen.

But those other lecturers aren't pretending to be trying to save the earth now are they?

Gore is using the environment to create a career for himself, make himself rich, and keep his political aspirations relevant. Reducing his own environmental waste seems to be a much lower priority.

That also goes for all those celebrities at the Live Earth concert. The Black Eyed Peas for example routinely brag about how many jets or hummer limos they require for each concert.

Hypocrisy at its finest.