Today is World Water Day but yesterday Al Gore took on the Flat Earth Congressional delegations with some scenes straight out of an Oom Paul Kruger interview of yore. In his usual self deprecating manner Mr Gore made a coherent and intelligent presentation in front of the House Energy and Science Committee which he once chaired. Gores presentation was illuminating and full of practiced wit seldom heard in the pedestrian and humourless environment of a Capitol Hill committee hearing. Opposition representaives provided moments of pathos and hilarity free of charge:Excerpt:

Dennis Hastert: Costs, costs, costs. You can tax the American people, or you can have economic activity and investment. Huh? Lots of your recommendations are more taxation and regulation -- that will depress the free market. [I read it in an Econ. 101 textbook once.] I agree about basic climate change, though I am uncertain about human contribution. Now you are a movie star ...
Gore: Rin Tin Tin was a movie star. I just have a slideshow.

Video from the Committee HearingWhom the gods would destroy they first make ridiculous but in Washington they just pop up again in the next election cycle. A recent report by the District of Columbia State Education Agency found 30% of the Districts population to be functionally illiterate. While this percentage probably does not extend to Congress let it be said that an active & interested populace is the key to a functional, participatory Democracy. Good citizenship starts with a good education.