Lock box?

Should Gore get arrested protesting coal?

Posted by David Roberts at 9:19 AM on 31 Oct 2007

Read more about: Al Gore | politics | grassroots activism | energy | coal

It's a little sketchily sourced, but according to Mark Hertsgaard Al Gore is "considering" joining the Rainforest Action Network in some direct action protest against coal plants -- which could well result in his arrest.

Hertsgaard thinks it would be a good thing:

If Gore did end up getting arrested during a protest against a coal-fired power plant, it would make front-page news throughout the world and put a spotlight on what some climate scientists and activists consider the single most important priority in the fight against climate change: halting the use of coal as the world's top source of electricity production.

Coby Beck isn't so sure:

Yes it would make headlines, but it seems to me it also runs the risk of sidelining Gore in an issue in which he is arguably the most significant US figure. He could instantly plummet from Nobel laureate to dirty hippie. I don't know what I would do in his situation. Al Gore has said 'Why [aren't there] rings of young people blocking bulldozers and preventing them constructing new coal-fired power plants?' Maybe this is just for young people howling from outside establishment walls and not for suit-wearing, middle aged insiders whispering in the ears of the powers that be.

I have some thoughts, but I'd rather hear from y'all. Do you think Gore should do it?

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4 Comments | Post a Comment

it depends on PR

A stunt like this sends the right message: that Gore is willing to do more than just talk - but get his hands dirty - in the fight against global warming. Coal is public health enemy #1, and it's about time the press covered it.

Also, I'm ready for civil disobedience to leave the realm of "hippies" and be adopted by more respected individuals. Gore will need a good media campaign, though, and maybe some high-profile fellow protesters to keep the media from saying he's gone crazy.

by zacaroni at 11:33 AM on 31 Oct 2007

the hippies vote yes

Obviously, we hippies here at Rainforest Action Network (who asked him to do it) think that Al should come help us out.

You can still sign our petition asking him to participate in our November 16-17 day of action against coal finance.

Luke Smith
Web Developer/Designer
Rainforest Action Network
http://understory.ran.org

by Luke at 1:08 PM on 31 Oct 2007

A selfless environmentalist says...

... no.

There are lots of other internationally respected scientists, artists and politicians that would do an equally good job acting as a pylon for a bulldozer. We can send a powerful message without running the risk of sacrificing Al Gore! We don't need Al Gore! (Yes, we're grownups!)

Nonetheless, I do sincerely wish RAN (and others) all the best.

by pcarbo at 1:42 PM on 31 Oct 2007
[ Parent ]

No, jail is not Al's style

By all means he should demonstrate, but without crossing the no-go line; and he should then visit the prisoners in jail, if they are held for a while; and he should certainly speak outside the jailhouse or courthouse before microphones and cameras, in the way that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton regularly turn up at certain police actions or judicial actions. But I rather agree with Coby Beck, that getting himself arrested will do little or nothing to help the cause of global warming mitigation.

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

by caniscandida at 5:05 PM on 31 Oct 2007

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