Dear Vice President Gore,
Fifteen years ago "10,000 Maniacs" blessed the world with their classic, "These are Days". The song began:
These are days you'll remember. Never before and never since, I promise, will the whole world be warm as this.
And as you feel it, you'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky...
The song continues, counting the wonders and miracles of life -- of this precious time we have on Earth.
Now, we are struck with yet another group of maniacs promising us days that we'll remember. Only this time, they reside in the White House and in the halls of the punditocracy. And, unfortunately, we'll be remembering these days not for their 'wonder and warmth' but rather for their descent into corruption and chaos.
As you might have noticed, we live in pivotal times. As Americans, we've been hornswaggled into believing that our votes are counted, our wars are just, our science is fuzzy, our leaders are moral, and our media is capable. Now most all of us know better so the bliss of ignorance is lost.
And beneath the veil of Fox-fed infotainment obscurity is a painful truth -- that we have allowed ourselves as a society to be drugged into a fearful state of subordinate acceptance. Sometimes I feel our collective brain has deflated to mush. And I'm forced to contemplate the horrors that our children might one day face as a result of our collective cowardice, ignorance and self-righteousness. What did they do to deserve this?
And even though I would like to believe that I, more often than not, serve as at least a symbolic counter to those cultural maladies, I can't help but think that my efforts and level of influence are so miniscule as to matter not. It's a painful feeling, but one that others and I bare with the understanding that our frustration is nothing compared to the suffering of countless millions in this world. That said, one piece to the puzzle that eludes us -- one step toward the solution to this suffering -- one pace down the path toward global reconciliation -- one victory in the battle for restored American competence, credibility, honor, and accountability -- would be your entry into the race for the U.S. presidency.
I understand that the outcome of the 2000 debacle (some refer to as an election) was an unbearably painful time in your life. I know the fact that more people voted for you than him was of little consolation -- and perhaps even augmented your pain. Heck, many here were sickened for months by these tragic events. We still have that sinking in our guts when we think about it. I can't imagine how you might have felt. Even worse, thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have paid with their lives for that electoral bit of impropriety.
But despite that undeniable anguish, you've not only risen from the ashes, not only recovered from an inconceivable depth, but actually excelled. And you're rebirth has been something to behold -- an inspiration to us all and part of the reason why we all adore you and why I am imploring you here and now.
What we need now is a leader. And not just a House leader or Senate leader or party leader -- or even 'just' a national leader. Nope. What we need is a world leader -- one who rises above the fray and realizes that the leader of America is also responsible for much more than national unity, protection, and prosperity.
What we need is a leader who will reestablish America's reputation in the world (or at least with our allies), leading with action and by example -- showing that America's best interests can work in concert with the best interests of the world rather than attempt to overpower or subordinate them.
Vice President Gore, you are that leader! And we need you now.
You are basking (whether you like it or not) in the humble glory of 'being right all along' without apology and without backtracking. You are a visionary, one capable of recognizing and appreciating the likely outcome and consequences of an implemented foreign or domestic policy.
We need you Vice President Gore, and we need you now.
No disrespect to the other candidates. They each have their strengths and weaknesses and the eventual democratic candidate will ultimately get my full support.
However, that's not really the point. The '08 election isn't just about restoring power to the Democrats, it's about restoring sanity and hope to the world. God knows they've taken an extended vacation. The question now is how do we get them back. I strongly believe the answer begins with you declaring your candidacy.
And don't worry about your past expressions of disinterest in such a move. The situation is different now and that calls for a reassessment of your goals, America's needs, the world's hopes and the best way to bring these things to complimentary fruition.
Believe me, this time around would be totally different. Now the world has seen the unfiltered, thoughtful, inspiring, passionate, experienced, ingenious, witty, visionary rock star that you are. Rest assured the tired days of 'cardboard cutout Gores' or 'lock-box' parodies are but a wispy afterthought of bygone days.
Oh, and your Oscar and nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize probably won't hurt either. Imagine that -- peace.
Finally, I know 'do it for the children' is an expression clichéd and mocked beyond recognition, but in this case, there is none that applies more. My kids -- our kids -- their generation and those to come will have to pay for the infection that we've nurtured these days. In my mind as in many others, you are the catalyst most likely to lead us down the long road to recovery -- one that someday might result in our national and global health and well-being.
So I apologize for laying the world on your shoulders, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't passionately believe that you're the one most capable of handling it -- even embracing it. Besides, I'm familiar with a few million other patriots who would be glad to help you through the tough times.
So, since no pitch is complete without a summary call to action, I ask you very humbly and sincerely... ...Vice President Gore, won't you please declare your candidacy for President of the United States of America? We know you can win this. You did it before. You can do it again -- but this time we will make sure your victory lands you where you belong -- in the White House.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Thomas Ball