Free, While Supplies Last
Over at Boing Boing, the mother of all blogs, Xeni (Is too her real name) Jardin reports that the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) turned down an offer of 50,000 free copies of An Inconvenient Truth from Participant Productions. Digging a little deeper, I find this item in the Los Angeles Times, which explains a bit more. Seems the NSTA sent an email, respectfully declining, in which it was explained that, "There is strong consensus that we should pass on this," in part due to concerns about the possible perception that accepting might seem like a political endorsement but also that it would place "unnecessary risk upon the capital campaign, especially [with] certain targeted supporters." In other words, big donors like Exxon Mobil and Shell might yank their support. That seems like a pretty safe bet. The only real surprise here is the NSTA's candor. In any case, here's the public service announcement: The 50,000 DVDs are still up for grabs, free to any educator who wants one for the classroom. Get 'em while they're hot.
5 Comments:
I told you Al Gore's participation in this would hinder the message.... but nooooooooo, you just say I'm a Gore hater. The message (global warming) is valid, the messenger is viewed skeptically by many. Say what you want about my posts but in the end we see how this is playing out and in the end no one wins.
That's silly. Maybe Gore's participation is behind this particular roadblock, but it's now been bypassed. The real point is that the film (because of, not despite, Gore's involvement) has finally succeeded in bringing climate change to the front burner (no pun intended). The film made Fresh Air's list of "defining cultural moments fo 2006" and, more significantly, has convinced powerful new allies (like major faith-based groups) to take up the issue.
Anonymous #2: Agreed. Anonymous #1: First, how am I supposed to know what posts are yours if you post anonymously? Second, who do you think the ideal messenger would be?
As much as you'd like to think the country is "past Gore's involvement," you couldn't be more wrong. Too many people I know dismiss global warming and wholesale changes to try to alleviate its effects simply because of the messenger. This country is simply that polarized at this point.
Sad, but true
Look at the lists/ polls of most popular Americans and start with any of them. Gore is a politician. The fewer politicians involved in this (unless they are changing law to protect the environment) the better. Dismiss me if you want but it's true and sadly it is hampering the valid message about global warming.
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