Kerry Looks to 2009

Senator John Kerry spoke to the press for nearly an hour, leaving very little time for questions. He stood just in front of the first row, and those media reps with cameras crawled around his feet like cockroaches trying to get the best camera angle. Unblinking, he withstood the constant barrage of flashing lights, while he delivered his message.    

Kerry had come to the UN conference in Bali to talk to the world media about the other U.S.A. –  the rising number mayors, governors and citizens who are taking action to protect the climate.

He made a lot of promises about 2009.  The U.S., he promised, will be a different place in 2009. There will be new leadership. Those elected to office will understand the urgent need to protect the environment. They will be ready to join the “coalition of the willing.”  Senator Barbara Boxer and others send their regrets…. Quack. Quack. Quack. 

There’s an old cliché about leadership: To lead, find a group that is going your way, then get in front of it. Look for Senator Kerry’s photo to show up today, around the world.