Al Gore on Environmental Issues

"It is really for all of our children and grandchildren and great- grandchildren that we fight to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, and it's for them that we also fight to honor the legacy of Rachel Carson," Al Gore said in one of his speeches. He also addressed that many who are involved in helping the environment as adults started as children or learned of environmental issues as a child like Rachael Carson did.
When I first heard of Al Gore back in the 90s I really liked his stance on environmental issues and began to wonder what he had done during his time as Vice President. I wish I could say that he led the same path he took before becoming elected, but most evidence shows his environmental campaign went down the gutter while in the White House.

Before his presidency he had written a book called Earth in Balance where he expresses his concern on hazardous effects that are taking toll on our environment. He seemed to have a deep passion for saving and helping the environment, but when elected as Vice President in the Clinton Administration he did not do much for his passion. During his administration he said nothing when timber companies began cutting down forests in the Pacific Northwest and said nothing when the administration approved a hazardous waste incinerator in Liverpool,Ohio. There are several other issues where the administration looked the other way, but these are the ones I found to be most disturbing.

I know Al Gore has raised money for environmental issues and has done numerous speeches and has acknowledged global warming and other issues, but no matter what is in the interest of the minority, (business,person, political party etc.) he should always keep the majority in mind. (Environment, which affects everybody) If you advocate and issue stand behind it, even when pressure is strong. I know he did not make the ultimate and final decisions in the Clinton administration, but it does not seem like he spoke up either.
If he does run for election in 2008, hopefully he will be able to make a memorable impression, pass legislation on this problem, and stand up for what he says he believes in.