Globe on "the Goracle"

The Globe & Mail and writer Anthony Reinhart in particular redeem themselves somewhat in their reporting of Al Gore's 'sermon on the mountie' (Feb. 22 issue).

Instead of the 'cult of hysteria' and outright propaganda we've witnessed the last 6-12 months, Reinhart actually included some closing notes on who and what the cult-ish ideological-religious fervour drew to Gore's appearance at the University of Toronto.

"...it looked more like a sideshow outside, as hopefuls looked for tickets, scalpers told reporters they were not scalpers, and bona fide ticket holders ran a gauntlet of activists handing out leaflets.

There were vegans seeking new recruits, people calling for the closing of Ontario's coal-fired power plants, a Greenpeace mascot dressed as a polar bear - even the UFO believers showed up.

"I know you won't believe this," one of them said with a practised tongue, "but the extraterrestrial technology involved in this...it's free energy man. Absolutely free energy, and it'll be the end of fossil fuels."

Across the driveway in front of the hall, a large banner exhorted the crowd to "Heed the Goracle."

"From my perspective, it is a form of religion," said Bruce Crofts, 69.

I cannot help but picture every scruffy English-y 'the end of the world is nigh' placard-waving Raging Granny and unicycle riding wild eyed bearded cultist...and I dare say again, why has the media given Gore a free pass? Why do they acquiesce on their "polite barring" as the Globe called it? The Globe did not report whether Gore flew in on a spaceship, a broom or a large fossil fuel burning jet aircraft, let alone whether he arrived in a Prius or a Lincoln limousine. Use your imagination. He's using his.