Today, the Nobel Committee awarded the 
Peace Prize to Al Gore (and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – The IPCC). Despite lots of criticism from right-wingers and lifestyle purists – Al has done a heckuva lot to put the urgency of climate change onto the public radar. We’re very happy for him.
And we think he should go to jail.
Specifically, he should go to jail on RAN’s November 16-17 Day of Action Against Coal Finance. As reported in Nicholas Kristof’s NYT column on August 16, Al is on record as saying: “I can’t understand why there aren’t rings of young people blocking bulldozers … and preventing them from constructing coal-fired power plants.”
Well, Al, it’s because by the time they’ve rolled out the bulldozers, it’s already too late. That’s why Rainforest Action Network, Coal River Mountain Watch, Appalachian Voices and thousands of supporters are mobilizing to stop Bank of America and Citi from financing coal extraction and the construction of those coal-fired power plants. These two banks are financing billions of dollars for the coal industry – while neglecting investments towards a clean, renewable energy future. We at RAN want you to join us (and maybe even Al Gore!) in telling these banks – Coal is Over. Fund the Future.
If you, too, think Al should stand beside the grassroots movement against coal – go ahead and sign our petition asking him to be arrested with us. I will personally guarantee you that if Al is going in the slammer, I’m coming with him.
-Matt
PS – you don’t actually have to be arrested to be a part of the Day of Action! All sorts of actions are effective and important – from teach-ins to flyering to photo-ops and more! Do what you can – where you can!
Nice. Action on good concepts is the only way. Who will the next generation (14 now and just waking up) persecute for climate change?
this is great Matt, I was actually just checking to make sure someone had posted this. perfect timing, I hope to hear that Gore will participate!!
Draft Friedman too! I’d like to see him do more than talk smack about our “quiet” generation.
Why don’t we organize a “shut the coal plant spring break” for next semester? We want to show how serious we are, right? Are people interested in this. RAN, Appalachian Voices, and all the other no coal people could help us out. We don’t have to literally “shut down” coal plants (unless we really have the guts), but we can stage major protests at coal plants and even ask workers to stop working for the day. Anybody want to do this?
Hey Carlos,
sounds like a great idea. It could go along with Mountain Justice Spring Break, as a national action for people who can’t make it to MJSB. I’d work on it with you! Could be a great follow up to the national energy competition.