It has always been easy to make fun of Al Gore. But if there's any truth to the thunderous criticism he's turned loose on the Bush administration this week, it's time to dispense with the jokes and listen seriously to what the man is saying. The speech was extraordinary -- blunt, colorful and delivered with the kind of passion you seldom see in politics anymore. Those who disagree with Mr. Gore should challenge him on his facts. Those who agree must look for ways to defend the honor and perhaps the very identity of the United States as we've known it. Bob Herbert says "Gold Star!" A Speech That's No Joke | 
