DN's Backbone Award: Al Gore

My apologies for posting Dean Nation's Backbone Award so late this week, but I was without computer access for a few days -- crazy-making, I tell ya! By an overwhelming majority, and with the greatest number of comments for any Backbone Award to date, this weeks clear winner is: Former Vice President Al Gore. Last week, Gore gave an important policy address at NYU to over 500 members of MoveOn.org:

"Americans have always believed that we the people have a right to know the truth and that the truth will set us free. The very idea of self-government depends upon honest and open debate as the preferred method for pursuing the truth -- and a shared respect for the Rule of Reason as the best way to establish the truth."

"The Bush Administration routinely shows disrespect for that whole basic process, and I think it's partly because they feel as if they already know the truth and aren't very curious to learn about any facts that might contradict it. They and the members of groups that belong to their ideological coalition are true believers in each other's agendas."

And Fmr. Governor Howard Dean had this to say:

"Today, Al Gore clearly stood up to this Administration and its falsely portrayed intentions. He should be applauded for that by all who seek a return to truth, integrity, and compassion in our government."

So there you have it, from one Backbone to Another: Al Gore, you earned it, and you deserve it -- especially while refuting the positions of your former running mate, Sen. Lieberman, and speaking truth to power! I was unable to locate a public e-mail address for Al Gore, but you can write or call him at his office: 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203 (615) 327-2227. As always, let him know you are a Dean supporter, tell him about the award, and give him a big thank you from Dean Nation for standing up to Bush's reckless foreign policy!

UPDATE: Anna writes in the comments: "Gee, have you noticed we haven't heard anything out of the DLC since Gore's speech?" I also just spoke with a very nice women named Holly in Gore's office, and she says that they have had a a huge number of calls since Gore's speech thanking him -- and asking him to endorse Howard Dean! So fire off a letter, or give them a ring!

And now for an honorable mention outside the realm of politics, with a quick note to the media: this is NOT an official campaign position! As an occasional Episcopalian, and as a member of the LGBT community, a BIG thankyou to the Delegates to the Episcopal Convention who confirmed Reverend V. Gene Robinson as their first openly gay Bishop -- even in the face of last minute smear campaigns. Each faith should decide such issues on their own terms, but whatever your position on this issue, the confirmation took an awful lot of Backbone!

And finally, for The Fruitcake as popularized by Lambert over at Atrios' Eschaton: hands-down, this week, the Fruitcake goes to: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Ca.) As San Francisco for Dean's Paul Hogan put it in the nomination comments:

One certified recall election: 1.7 million dollars

Campaign signs and web site: 30,000 dollars

Bawling in front of reporters after Karl Rove tells you that the President has decided you will NOT be running for Governor:

Priceless

You can contact Rep Issa here, and if you do, let him know that you are giving a donation to Dean for America or a donation and assistance to fight the recall -- in lieu of a Fruitcake, of course! And how was your week?