Christopher Hitchens on Gore, September 24, 2007SLATE

I know Mr. Hitchens may not be popular around here, but he does have intellect, though pickled it may be, some of the insights he shares here are interesting. Plus, he must have access to folks closer in degrees of separation to the Gore sphere (ie the Joel Hyatts, Current, investors) than I do. So, I at least listen to what folks like Hitchens have to say. Such talk represents, IMO, a last gasp for any Gore candidacy.

The currently announced are underwhelming to me thus far and represent another election cycle where those with the attributes truly appropriate to the time, for whatever reason, choose not to run. Just as in the 2000 election, the real tragedy is not the calamity that is but the promise that will never be.

Two observations on this article and the author
The author says Al Gore must kick himself because of taking himself out of the running in 1992

Ahem, Chris Hutchins- Al did not run becuase his son was almost killed in a mysterious hit and run a few years earlier and he devoted his time to saving his son

And number 2-
He calls Jimmy Carter a moron
Loses all credibility with me, as Jimmy Carter is the smartest president who ever was, and the only one who never lied to America, but told the truth, even if the public did not want to hear the truth and allowed the neo-conReagan into office, only after Reagan became friends with Iran and did the Iran-Contra thing

You get a standing ovation from me for this.

I love Jimmy Carter and know that he was a nuclear powered submarine officer in the Navy. Being a former Navy midshipman myself, I know more than most the level of intellect required to perform those duties and do not associate myself at all with Mr. Hitchen's incorrect assessment of Jimmy Carter's brain-power. In fact, he may have been too smart for his own good at times while President (ie getting lost in details of issues).

I had forgotten about Al's son's accident in Maryland around the 1992 election cycle and in hindsight agree that it probably contributed to Mr. Gore's decision not to run.

I am in no way a fan of Mr. Hitchens, but I realize that even the staunchest Republicans and yes atheists can fashion compeling arguments on any number of issues. I try not to let my predjudices cloud my ability to appreciate and at times appropriate good ideas or suggestions even from my enemies or non-believers.

Excuse me Nicholus, but would you kindly explain this part of your comment.
There is not a related reference in the story you posted, and at this point I'm trying not to be more than a little offended. As a devout Agnostic (with Buddhist tendencies), I will speak for the "atheists" and other "non-believers", when I say that your choice of words is a bit haughty or (dare I say it :o ) holier than thou. You seem to be implying that non-believers are like Repugs, in that we both only occasionally have ideas worthy of your time and trouble. I am troubled that you seem to think a non-believer's ideas and arguments are somehow less "compelling" than yours.

And please do not insult our intelligence by lumping us in with the Republicans. :mad:

I only meant that I am not a Republican and am a believer in God. Some folks want to discount nearly everything said by those who don't believe as they do. I am not one of those people. I just sensed an unwillingness to read what Mr. Hitchens had to say because he may not be a Democrat or progressive or be whatever folks who visit this site call themselves or profess to believe.

As for any perceived condescension to non-Christians, I apologize if my words read that way. I value everyone as fellow human beings. I do appreciate where any person I listen to or speak with may be grounded be it as an atheist, agnostic, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian....None of us have a corner on the truth.

OK, thanks for the clarification.

I hope my comment was taken with the pseudo-seriousness that was intended. If not, I apologize too.
You don't have to like what I say - just don't liken me to a Repug! :coolwink: