I need a photo opportunity, I want a shot at redemption

So, maybe there is a little more to the Al und Tipper story?  I don’t know, man.  It is a little disappointing, not only in spirit but in execution.  That is, of course, if the allegations vis-a-vis Albert and the masseuse are true.  After such a long line of icky revelations about middle aged men with their pants off, we are all ready to believe just about anything.  I especially don’t want to think of Al Gore as the cheese-ola which he comes off being in this bit from the AP:

In a transcript of the interview released by police, the massage therapist said she had an appointment with “Mr. Stone” at 10:30 p.m. but the hotel’s front desk told her he wouldn’t be available until 11 p.m. When she knocked on the door, Al Gore opened it, and when she asked what she should call him, he replied to “Call me Al,” the woman told police.

There are two reasons I don’t want to believe it.  First, I have met Al Gore.  It  was spring break, 1987.  Pappy and I were on our way home from either New York or California.  Not quite as flashy as it sounds, but close.  Like all travelers to Middle Tennessee in those days, we had to change planes in Memphis.  So did Al Gore on his way home after announcing that he was running for President.  We crossed paths in the terminal.  Or rather, I crossed his path as he left the little platform where he had a mini-press conference.  We shook hands.  I think he’s dreamy.

Second, “Call me Al”?  Really?  I love that song and the video that goes with it.  It came out right about the time I met Al Gore.  Have I told you that story?  Yes?  Ok.  I don’t want the song to become a joke, but I have to admit that as co-opted songs go, that’s a good one to co-opt.  Ironically, this all emerges during the triumphant hosting of the World Cup by South Africa.  Musicians from South Africa were prominently featured on Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” the album from which the song “Call me Al” comes.  Their appearance on that seminal work helped raise international awareness about the cruelty of Apartheid leading to international pressure for the system to end.  So you see, Al Gore ended Apartheid on a sweltering day in Memphis by asking a masseuse to sing a Paul Simon song.  What’s the big deal?