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[Diane_Keaton]

Originally posted by Not Bob
Serious question -- when is it ever ok to talk about the need* to start reducing the consumption of fossil fuels? Let's assume that Ed Begley, Jr. (the dude rides an exercycle to generate power to listen to Amy Goodman on Pacifica radio) is enough of a Not Hypocrite for you, and let's assume that the SUV-driving, private jet-flying former Vice President can't. Where is the line? If I fly commercial, am I ok? Do I have to drive a hybrid? Do I have to compost, or is mere compliance with the Podunkville recycling ordinance ok?

Related serious question -- when is it ok to talk about helping the poor? Let's assume that you agree that Mother Theresa, or your average Franciscan priest, can lecture you on poverty, and that the fancy haircuttted John Edwards may not. Who can? Can Ralph Nader? Can I? What tax bracket must I be in? My haircuts are cheap, but I have 100 channels of HBO in digital, and my cable bill could probably pay rent for a migrant farm worker's family.

And, just for Diane Keaton, a cheap attempt at making a Republican look bad because Hank is making a Dem look bad: Or is this sort of disconnect between one's life and one's political positions one of those things that is OKWRDI? You know, like listening to Ronald Reagan (or Newt Gingrich, or any of the current GOP presidential candidates other than Mitt) talk about family values? Or fiscal responsibility?

*assuming, for the purposes of this question, that there is such a need

You say "Who can...lecture you on poverty." I think anyone *can* lecture on it, but to get people listening to you, I think the speaker needs to take action and not just use words. Donating or fundraising to alleviate poverty or giving time instead (building/constructing, etc.) Unless the speaker has some unique theory on the topic, without the action the words alone won't be so effective. As for Gore, isn't he truly spending time and money on this issue and dedicating himself to it? Who can doubt that? I don't think his flying a jet is going to derail his whole agenda but it wouldn't hurt to walk the walk and also try not to give fodder to hecklers like Drudge, no?