The gift of the Gores

To paraphrase Shakespeare's Hamlet, What a piece of filth is Sally Quinn.

Rush Limbaugh has done four times as much as Al and Tipper to redefine the sanctity of marriage.

NewsBusters: More Liberal Media Figures Say 'Bravo to Them' For 40-Year 'Success' As Al and Tipper Gore Separate
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2010/06/12/more-liberal-media-figures-say-bravo-them-40-year-success-al-and-tipper

What a pile of dung. SQ is one of the leftist tools chipping away at the sanctity of marriage.

Those of us who have our heads screwed on right need to continue working at our marriage and teach our children the real meaning & value of marriage. If we teach our children the biblical truths about marriage, we'll keep pissing off the left. That is a great thing!

This re-defining words and institutions or sacraments such as marriage, is just a ploy to justify immoral behavior.

Definition of Marriage:  Covenant vs. Contract

Sally needs to study the history of the sacrament of marriage to be writing a legit article on such a topic.   It seems to me that marriage has become nothing more than secular cultural phenomena that is rooted in and with contractual terms.  The sacrament of marriage from a theological perspective is a covenant between a man and a woman and God, not to be broken, unless the marriage can be determined that it was never a valid marriage to begin with.   Sally, as a secular humanist and not as a theologian, has no right or authority to be writing on this topic in the religion section. Her words, no matter how eloquent, makes no logical sense.  She should go back to the books and study the history and etymology of marriage in a modern and healthy society.  Her words are doing nothing more than forming a new base society that is rooted in selfishness, egotism and narcissism.... Go back to school, Sally, and study marriage if you are to call yourself an expert on this subject of the sacrament, yes, sacrament of marriage!

Is there any reason why this is in the On Faith section? Quite frankly, this doesn't belong in the the On Faith section. Their divorce has nothing to do with Faith.

Divorce, no matter how the decision is reached is largely personal decision. Just as each marriage is different, each separation and divorce is unique.

Quite frankly, the celebration of the break up, because Tipper Gore is free is quite striking. Marriage is not chains and bondage. While, its sad that her marriage didn't allow her to pursue her own dreams. That speaks largely about her OWN marriage, the relationship the Gore's had and not to marriage as a whole.

A true, supportive marriage has room for both parties to support each other in their endeavors and grow together. No matter how successful a couple is in their careers or how big their dreams, a healthy marriage has room for both.

Its obvious they grew apart, that speaks to their relationship. It doesn't speak about Faith.

What a sad pile of garbage. I guess there is no black and white or right and wrong anymore...we can call stuff whatever we want. Well, I call this article crap! No wonder this country is headed over a cliff...with mush-minded, moral-free ideas like these being prevalent, we're in a lot of trouble. Someday everything will be proven, God will have the final say, and all these progressive-minded, morally ambiguous ideas will be revealed for the evil that they are. I only pity those who don't understand marriage for what it was meant to be.

Sally Quinn has lost whatever traditional values she may have had. She is yet another liberal hack that thinks she is "Obama Cool". Which means that she is so cool she does not need God or any Supreme Being in her live because she is way beyond the masses that might believe.

Sally you are irrelevant to most of us!

The Left is self-absorbed and selfish. They are not happy with a good family and a caring spouse. They are too caught up in interfering in everyone else's lives by social engineering. There are vows one takes in marriage. They don't have an expiration date. Where has the Left improved the fabric of the family and the sanctity of marriage?

To Nick4:

I hope you get the chance to read this.

The purpose of marriage - of life, in general - was NEVER meant to "ensure happiness." If that is what you're looking for in marriage - or in life - to determine whether or not you are making the right decision(s), you should re-evaluate your understanding of purpose and intent - not just the ideal.

My wife and I included the words, "Divorce is not an option" in our wedding vows.

Unfortunately, most people get divorced for reasons completely contrary to the Gore's.

We can justify it all we want, but it is still wrong. This piece of trash of an article has no place in the religious section of any newspaper.

Sally Quinn is both a fool and an apostate.

I'm flabbergasted by this article. It is such utter non-sense that I'm totally floored by the purpose, scope, and objectives of this wasted space. One thing is for certain though, it won't be long and we'll see a picture of a supportive female associate of Al - at least I hope so - life is too short.

Till death do we part.

Whose dying?

Sally Quinn is a bimbo of staggering pomposity. "I've known the Gores for a long long time!" "People change and grow, and they can't really be expected to keep a commitment!" What a vacuum skull.

Wow! I guess you can rationalize whatever you set your mind to.

SQ is living in a fantasy land. Keep telling yourself whatever you need to hear Sally. Crazy.

In a time when people are living much too long (depending on one's perception of the goodness and difficulty of life),
I'm in total agreement with Ms. Quinn's opionion about the dissolution of the Gore marriage. She is very correct in stating that a 20 or 21-year-old doesn't know him or herself well enough in order to take that tremendous step into matrimony(and the cultural and societal restrictions it incurs.) It is so true that humans change and make many transitions through a lifetime. How can we ever know at 20 that we will feel the same way about a person at 60? We can't know that because if life teaches us anything it's that humans are fragile, imperfect beings, shaped by prior life experiences and as we mature and live out life, eventually learn what was appropriate in the past no longer applies in the present and for the future.

Ms Quinn is so correct when she states that Tipper, as most married women with children, wholly sacrificed their own lives taking care of the family, putting their own desires on the back burner to a point that when she's then facing middle-age, many of her options will be closed. Children now grown, it's her turn to live her life for herself (for once), find some pleasure and meaning in it and do what she always wanted to do before it's too late and that wouldn't include living the rest of it with a disinterested partner and a profound sense of loss.

Truly, there is nothing sacred about living this life in extreme unhappiness and dissatisfaction - to intimate such would be extremely heretical.

Yes, I agree with Sally. Al and Tipper are still young enough to try to enjoy the latter parts of their lives in peace and tranquility apart from each other, if that's what it takes. Surely, their lives shouldn't only be judged by how well their children turned out.

Essentially, in my mind, the worst thing would be to be stuck with the same person for a lifetime.

zzzzzzzzzzzzz

What an utter joke this opinion piece is. If it had been George W. Bush and Laura breaking up the outcry from the flaming liberal Democrat/hate everything GOP crowd would have been of cosmic proportions, albeit pathetic. Instead, the Gore divorce is to be celebrated as a wonderful, natural thing. Why, we should perhaps send money to join in on the rapture! Thank God my parents didn't raise me as a Democrat - I'd have to hang my head in shame now.

WHO CARES?

Is this the type of justification that Ben Bradlee used when he dumped his previous wife to marry Sally Quinn?

Sally writes about the Gore's divorce: Not only should we respect their decision, but in some ways we should rejoice in it.

What utter nonsense! They made promises. The created children who trusted them. Then they broke the promises when they become invonvenient. What in the world is there to rojoice in about that?

The Al Gore's are getting divorced?

Wow, where have I been? Maybe it was my job, or something like that that kept me out of the loop.

Really, the gores are getting divorced?

If I tried to care less, that would mean I cared enough to care less ... I'm getting lost in the recursiveness.

This "On Faith" column is a playing out of the angst of liberals who have Catholic guilt. What that has to do with most American Christians, or American religious people, is unfathomable.

Quinn, once you get over your Gore Grief ... what's going on there with that? ... maybe you will understand that seeing a marriage break down is not something to rejoice in. Idiot!

Who gets custody of the internet?

As someone who has been married for 33 years (kids long gone) and now considering divorce, I have been following the Gore story closely. This is the best commentary I have read. All of its points really strike home. By contrast, some of the reader comments seem really mean-spirited, especially since the Gores have wrestled with the same issues I'm struggling with. What is the point of marriage? To live under one roof, at times like caged animals, "till death do you part?" Or is it to ensure the happiness of two people, who find themselves further apart in many ways than two strangers sitting side by side on a plane? To everyone that is still happily married, I applaud and celebrate you, but do not judge those who are in different circumstances so harshly.

As an avid reader of The Washington Post at the family breakfast table during the sixties when I was a teenager, I recall the words of the eloquent Bootsie Mandell, when commenting on her marriage to her ex- husband, then also the ex-governor of Maryland, Marvin Mandell, "He traded in one blonde for another," meaning Jeanie Dorsey.

Al Gore, on the other hand, is such a stiff that he can't even bring himself to do just that. What I want to know from the Post is just how many shares of Occidental Petroleum stock from Mr. Gore's inheritance is Tipper going to get in the property settlement?

Doesn't all the false piety displayed here stick in someone's craw?

israel )))
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Credit to "jj" .... http://onwapo.com/

zzzzzzzzzzzz. The only thing less interesting than the Gores is Sally Quinn writing about the Gores. Seriously, WaPost, you couldn't come up with anything better to fill this space??

Who cares?

Why in hell does anyone encourage this woman by publishing her?

Never mind.

I had the pleasure of attending a recent dinner which Sally Quinn and her husband of many years, Ben Bradlee also attended. I shook Ben Bradlee's hand, and as it was a dinner honoring Woodward and Bernstein, I felt particularly honored. I understand those who are shocked at Sally Quinn's defense of the Gore's decision to separate, because they are defending the sanctity of marriage, a value and set of rules many of us were raised on with mother's milk. But it is now 2010. Sally and Ben have been happily married for many, many years. Who is to sit in judgment on how or why they married? I believe people evolve for a reason: marriages are a school for learning, like life. When you are done, you move on, regardless of rules or religious beliefs. Life is about growth and change: these are the constants. This is what my life has taught me. I agree with Sally's sentiments; she and Ben were heroes of my young adulthood for bringing Richard Nixon and his henchmen to some kind of justice, and although Ben was most gracious in NYC on May 23rd, I would also have enjoyed shaking Sally's hand.

Who are we to judge why the Gores decided to seperate? It's a private matter with them and should be left as such. Personally though, I think marriage and religion are bunk.

How do we destroy religion once and for all? The world continues at war between weird subsets of the Abrahamaic cult -- Jew, Moslem, christian. How do we rid ourselves of this stupid superstition?

Why am I asking Sally Quinn this? Bend over baby....

When my ex-husband and I decided to separate, we agreed to treat each other with respect for the sake of our child. We eventually divorced but stayed good friends. I realized that we started as friends; why not be friends? We got along well. We just wanted to go in different directions. Just because you no longer want to live together doesn't mean you have to dislike or hate each other.

So far not much media dirt, in this one, best we get back to the Tiger ordeal ! Hillary must be re thinking, how she copped out, dumping Bill. Once the kids are up and out, many of these long term marriages, fall apart.The second big issue is, can folks afford a divorce, some states take it all from the guy, some go 50, 50. Big decision trying to make it up, if your in your fifties. Fat Al has no such money issues, he made a bundle with the global warming gig.

maybe they just want to try and keep up with the rush Limbaughs and gingriches of the world.

Sorry their marriage is ending, its is a miserable experience, mine lasted 20 years and I really wish I had the sense to get out early, it would have saved both of us a lot of pain, but we both beleived in the til death do us part thing.

Second marriage has been a lot better, learned a lot the first time around about what I was not looking for

Another liberal attempt to cheapen marriage to the point where it is nothing special or worthy or protection--all part of the gay marriage agenda... disgusting!

Oh how painful it is to witness liberal spin on everything from elections to Al Gore's separation from his wife. To the liberal, life is but something to be interpreted, not lived.

Wow. Can someone explain to me why Quinn's blog is called "On Faith"? Amazing.

Why am I not surprised that the liberal media is treating the Gores split and their daughters breakup up with the same vengence that they did Sarah Palin when there was a hint of a break up in her marriage, which wasn't true, and the split between her daughter and the father of her child. Sally remember this, "it ain't over until the fat lady, or man, sings" and that's when get to they split the wealth they accumulated over the years.

More weirdness on the part of WaPo in publishing a string of article about the beauty and dignity of the Gores splitting up; will the series continue to discuss their daughter who is also now splitting up in her marriage? When Al appears in public in a few months with some California blonde, what then?

Regardless of what happened to the Gores, I'm wondering why no one is asking, "Why can't Al make Tipper the focus of the relationship for once?" I'm not getting it. The news is sad, not a positive outcome, and really truly, it appears as if Al's love is conditional on her support of him, but he doesn't know how to support her in her own aspirations, even if they include sitting on the porch, sipping mint juleps.

Whew! Glad the neighbors are talking about somebody else for a change. (And did you see what she was wearing?)

This sounds more like "estate planning" than a split.

I suspect that they know something about their marriage and good for them to take some time off and invest in the future! We are crying because we thought their romance novel was about us. Let them have their marriage and their separation! They are grown ups!
The first night after my separation...I had popcorn for dinner! Too many wives have to do the dinner thing - every night! Yikes!

Lots of good comments here. I am still trying to figure why columnists like this one are trying to rationalize this into a good thing.

To me, older couples are an inspiration. They give us younger folks something to work toward and serve as an example of how good a marriage can be. I thought that the Gores were one of those couples, and that's why this divorce seems so strange to me.

The Gores asked for privacy. Why not grant that request?

wow. am I the only one who feels a little disillusioned by this separation? Naively, I thought this was a couple that had what it takes to go on "til death do us part." If they can't make it...it is not comforting news, and not something I can "rejoice" in, I'm sorry to say.

I, like many of you, prefer to only marry once and never get divorced, alas, I'm still single. BUT, I have seen plenty of marriages where husbands and wives truly do not belong together and they stay together for the sake of the child or children thinking all along that it will get better. The wife purposely keeps the son from the husband building hostility and resentment between the husband and wife. The husband just works more and more avoiding being at home. In about 5-6 more years, the son will be off to college and now what? Do you honestly think they should stay together? They are now so different from the time they married at the age of 22/25 that there is no way they can 'love' that way again. By this time, divorce seems applicable and fair to both because at least they can continue a life without causing each other pain.

Death do us part was never meant to keep two obviously unhappy people together. I'm sorry but unhappiness is not worth staying together over the sake of vows taken before God. Let the couple find happiness and LOVE again!!!

I've been married almost 45 years to the same man. Got married when I was 19 and he was 21. We've had many ups and downs over the years and had it not been for MY commitment and wanting to be a family, we would not still be together. Are we the same people as when we married? Definitely not. I furthered my education to the Masters level and kept a job. Husband not so much. However, we still laugh and play and he's still the best companion for me. I constantly learn new things about him and vice versa. When I heard about the Gores, I was upset (my husband looks just like Al too). I don't know what the future will bring as I only live one day at a time.

I've been married almost 45 years to the same man. Got married when I was 19 and he was 21. We've had many ups and downs over the years and had it not been for MY commitment and wanting to be a family, we would not still be together. Are we the same people as when we married? Definitely not. I furthered my education to the Masters level and kept a job. Husband not so much. However, we still laugh and play and he's still the best companion for me. I constantly learn new things about him and vice versa. When I heard about the Gores, I was upset (my husband looks just like Al too). I don't know what the future will bring as I only live one day at a time.

It just seems a shame to part after 40 years. It's the very time that a marriage can become profoundly meaningful, and the company of a life partner means so much as you face the end of life. Maybe Al and Tipper will both find new partners (and maybe they already have). Old age should not be faced alone.

It is not clear what Ms. Quinn means when she says that Tipper Gore lived a life of sacrifice. We learn that she sacrificed her "career" to raising her children, without specifying exactly of what this career would have consisted. What we do know is that Sally Quinn sacrificed the marriage of the editor of the WaPo to her own career at that newspaper.
My wife and I married when she was 19 and I 20—younger than the Gores. We have raised four children, periodically tolerate a dozen grandchildren and have had the usual ups and downs. This column gives me a new respect for my wife. With all her faults, she does not inflict upon me the sort of New Age drivel expressed in this column. Finally why in the world does this piece appear under the heading "On Faith"?

Marriage without eternal committment is just dating.

It is more than just "growing apart"! It means that they have fallen out of love, but still love and respect each other. Perhaps one of them wants to be in love again.

My husband and I have always been "in love". Our love carried us through many trials and tribulations, it gave us strength. We needed each other. He always told me not to die first, that he could not go on without me.

He got his wish, he died first, after 56 years of marriage to me! He has been gone five years now, and I still wear my wedding rings on my left hand. I am STILL in love with my husband, no other man can ever be loved to that degree by me. "'til death do us part" meant everything to us, and if you are truly in love with someone, that is just the way it is.

Al and Tipper Gore are both beautiful, successful people who just fell out of love. My generation stuck it out, even when the love was dead. The Yuppie generation will not, and I don't fault them for that. I am just sad that Al and Tipper Gore fell out of love. It is so wonderful to grow old with someone you are in love with.

Good luck to Tipper and Al, and now to his daughter Karina and her husband who have also separated.

So sacred that real people can't even stand it. But not so sacred that we haven't stealthily made it impossible by requiring both partners to work full time in order to cover for the inflationary Vietnam War end when income was cut in half and it took two to earn the price of one and little time for home and family. Not so sacred that it is the toxic nuclear family of overwork and overconsumption.
The future may require group marriages to survive financially and keep everything else going too. And it would allow for a more flexible parent to child ratio for a world needing population control and no growth rather than population growth economics as a ponzi scheme.

Dear Sally,

We have not met but your father was a year or so behind my father and I recall stories -- all positive -- of you when you were at Patch Barracks in the early 60s, and I and my friends were young lieutenants. The young boys of Landon today could have only dreamed... Good article. Best in keeping up your writing and to hell with those who bite at you.

JSD, StA '59, USMA '63

TILL DEATH DO US PART, is from a period in history when life was focused in villages, towns and cities, where the FAMILY largely remained together and intact and where the woman's role was in the home, or possibly also as a nurse or teacher.

A high school female friend of mine, who went to nursing school in Baltimore and married within a year or so thereafter [and who now has a Ph.D. in nursing] and her husband of 44 years came to our 45th high school reunion recently. She had lived in Germany with her husband while he was in the US Army and only completed her nursing degree after returning to the states. She became a full professor, raised a daughter, stayed married and only recently both she and her husband moved to Hawaii to semi-retire there.

Perhaps a separation with dignity is better than not, but they will still be mom & dad to their kids and grandma and grandpa forever and one thing families usually are good at doing is creating at least stability.

I'm not particularly upset about Sally Quinn's opinion. She's entitled to it.

But the name of the column should be "On Humanism."

As a child of two very ugly divorces, it is extremely refreshing to see that adults are able to act as adults and have a graceful separation. It is so rare that ordinary and celebrity couples choose to be so civil towards each other in this situation. Although marriage is a sacrament to many, wouldn't you rather God's love be celebrated in a marriage rather than contentious? And when the time came to separate, to treat each other with dignity and respect as individuals, as was intended? Thank you, Al and Tipper, for setting such an outstanding example.

I am saddened to hear that despite all of these years Sally Quinn's heart has not softened to the point where she's developed greater respect for the institution of marriage. I hope you never have to - what you might say - "enjoy" the failure of your own marriage ... you know, kind of like your husbands two ex-wives had to experience.

This column contributes absolutely NOTHING to the "On Faith" section of the newspaper.

Please WaPo, do the world a favor and fire Sally Quinn!

She can't write and I can think of millions of people better qualified to contribute to "On Faith."

I would ask Sally if she was three sheets to the wind (as usual) when she wrote this, except she doesn't write anything. Her ghosts do.

Tipper found out an "inconvenient truth."

She is sick and tired of this jerk lying about global warming in order to make money off the ignorant left wingers, who believe anything this joker and the cap and trade spin doctor says. (Although, she'll be happy to take some of those bucks with her on her way out the door.)
It's seems kinda obvious with all the introspection that Miss Sally has overdosed on her meds.

This column was just weird. What motivated the author's compulsion to comment here? It's a mystery to me. But I must note that her opinions -- while strange and perhaps misguided -- were in no way mean or cruel. Many of the commenter cannot say the same.

A thoughtful article, helpful to many older people now in similar circumstances to the Gores. It is quite possible, though rare, for people to divorce with civility and a certain amount of grace.
I am astounded that so many people who clearly have no use for Sally Quinn have taken the time to read what she has to say. The extent of their obnoxious rudeness says more about them than about her. Somehow, I doubt that any of their divorces shared the Gores' civility.

JKOCH2's comment puzzles me: "Women prefer an "alpha" who dallies to a "beta" who simply bloviates about the home pasture." Methinks JKOCH2 is a man; what do you think?

Yes Sally - Let's all do the convenient thing and divorce when we each decide that we want different things in life. Compromising and demonstrating sacrificial love is never what God could have intended to happen in marriage. (After all Christ never called us to sacrifice for anyone else did he?) After all Al has his global warming life and she has….? Well whatever.

You and the Gores an prime example of the problems in this country – me first, my needs, I am most important. That’s what is happening here. Two people managed to raise a family and have relatively successful careers but now that means nothing, they will just dissolve the marriage because there is no need to continue loving and giving and caring for each other and sacrificing more after 40 years is totally uncalled for.

I'm always surprised at the venom in this comments section, and many of the comments on this article didn't disappoint in that regard. While not deathless prose it was a decent article about a relationship in the news. Many people might well have been surprised that Mr and Mrs Gore are divorcing after 40 years of marriage, but I don't see why. We are not them, and they have not commented on the reasons why, so why suppose? The Gores' marriage appears to be ending amicably; would that more disintegrating marriages did so rather than hit the headlines with slander, backbiting, dueling lawyers, and public leaks of private matters. They have raised what appear to be fine children. They have had a successful partnership. They have lived their lives with what most people would consider grace and goodwill, certainly toward each other. So their marriage has ended; their lives certainly won't. I wish them well, and hope that the commenters posting here have relationships or marriages similarly blessed.

Sally: Thank you for your beautifully worded thoughts. Having gone through the divorce of my own parents, I know it is never easy and there are no "winners." I admire the Gores for their contributions and sacrifices to each other, their children, their extended families, their community, and our United States. I wish each of them comfort and strengh at this difficult time and may God continue to bless and comfort them. On a side note, I never cease to be amazed at the very unkind, hateful, and judgmental tones expressed by so many "moral" people. Thank you again Sally for your wonderful article and no doubt Tipper and Al appreciate your loyal friendship as well.

This is not important.

Don’t you people have had enough?
This is not a national issue and will not change or solve our problems.
WaPo needs to discourage these writers not to waste their time and give them other assignments.

It is really silly to read that some folks are getting emotional about it and some even get teary eyed. Give it up!!

Sorry if this turns out to be a second post...but this is ridiculous. They could of and should of stayed married. Now a days a wealthy couple don't even have to live together in the same house. They will once divorced do all the same things they could have done remaining married. Except....see other people legally (and have "legal" sex). So what is this great split about....selflessness or selfishness? Who is being unrealistic and juvenile here...I bet their kids think this is insane. I know I would.

Hey Sally, maybe you ought to think about this little known fact, if Owlgore had won his home state of Tennessee, he would have won the presidency. Bush still could have "stolen" Florida and lost, if only your buddy Owl would have captured the 11 electoral votes in Tenn.

What hogwash. A good friend of mine's wife has "grown apart" from him. When they first met, they shared many common interests and built a life together. Then she retired and changed, and for the past 10 years, has withdrawn into her own narcissistic world, focusing on her own interests and ignoring him, that is unless something in the house needs fixing. Despite it all, he won't even consider divorce as he believes God has sanctioned his marriage and is therefore sacred. He takes seriously the Marriage vows, especially "for better or worse, 'till death do us part".

Now THAT is what marriage is about.
This posting is more feministic bile regurgitated onto the OPEd page to justify women divorcing because they are bored.

this is ridiculous. They could of and should of stayed married. Now a days a wealthy couple don't even have to live together in the same house. They will once divorced do all the same things they could have done remaining married. Except....see other people legally (and have "legal" sex). So what is this great split about....selflessness or selfishness? Who is being unrealistic and juvenile here...I bet their kids think this is insane. I know I would.

Sally Quinn on marriage.

Could we get Larry King, Hugh Hefner, and maybe some back notes from Madalyn Murray O'Hare?

Tipper just got fed up with being #2 to an "almost president." Hillary came out of it better. Women prefer an "alpha" who dallies to a "beta" who simply bloviates about the home pasture. Besides, those late nigh ravings about global warming were becoming surreal, even redolent of incipient Alzheimer's. Al would start wailing at 2AM about "the poor penguins, melting into checkerboard puddles of black and white." The angst about "carbon footprints" left by frequent jet and limo travel, or adherence to organic-vegan menus, got to be too much. Tofu fights were getting frequent. The final straw was when Al anounced he had adopted an orphan polar bear and would refigerate the family room as his abode.

Well, if the split really were about trivial claptrap like that, couldn't they simply have stayed together by spending more time at separate mansions? Chances are, one or the other is motivated or distrubed by something less lofty than "personal development."

It was awfully nice of you to take time off from your very important duties in Babylon to instruct us, Sally.

Hey, check out the new Vanity Fair!

Tipper probably came to same realization that about half of America has had for decades. Al is a pompous, self-important phony. And a dufus. And a bore. As mediocre as Bush was Gore would have been an even bigger disaster as president.

Change is inevitable, the only thing that is constant is change! But Change has to occur for better, for it to cause a break up of a marriage! So Change in their life, better be good.. !!

Oof, I am sorry or am I pissed off ?? Divorce is not easy to handle and has its pains !! So once one is married, and have children, if the marriage does not work out, whether one is in the marriage or out of that marriage, it still has its challenges. So I prefer not to overplay the divorce thingy either!

I know a parish family whos paretns were married for 50years and after words could not stand one another. So each child decided to keep one parent with them and look after. So they are still family and parents and grand parents, have their own family, yet they are separated and do not live with one another but with the children. Since children are grown and have their own children, these elderly separated couple enjoy being with young kids and support from their own children. What ever, they are being looked after well! Changing times ..

Gag. There is nothing remotely graceful or dignified about it.

Who in hell ever had the idea in the first place that Sally Quinn's mushbrained blather was worthy of propagating?

Oh, right. I forgot.

Marriage is an exclusive affair between two people who owe to love and support one another! It is good to see that people respect the institution of marriage and learn to separate in grace and dignity when they agree to disagree on many things that disrupt to their togetherness! It is more easier than said to be that logical about ones life and affairs of the heart! But when someone is mature enough to handle it well.. it should be appreciated.

Yeah, marriages are supposedly made in heaven and it would be nice if they are internal and last forever until death ( Until death do us apart)! But humans live on earth and not in heaven, and grow with environment they live in and change. It is easier and less painful to change with times, rather than resist change and get depressed! Separation and divorce are legal and accepted and that should say it all! But did this have anything to do with their children separation! It is odd to see the tripping affect of the separation effect ..

So hear to honesty, grace and dignity! Cheers! ( hope Al and Tipper are happy on their own )

It's a rainy day - so I am all the waydown to reading Sally Quinn :-)
I think *religious liberal*is an oxymoron so I am not surprised Quinn is praising *graceful separation* - just surprised the WaPo puts it in the Faith section!
Sally must be trying to salve over her own dismissal of wedding vows by wrecking Ben Bradlee's marriage and running off with him.
Or maybe Sally suffers from Extreme Entitlement like the Gores!
Does it strike anyone else as odd that this announcement comes on the heels of the story about Gore buying a $9.5M house in LA??
I'm guessing Tipper got the goods on Al and negotiated an "amicable" separation to get more of the $100M rather than a messy divorce where see "tells all".

Is the Al & Tipper situation truly news worthy? I think not. Is it fodder for our media driven, celebrity adoring society?
A big YES. Does it impact anyone other than the Gore's and their families? NO.
So why all the discourse? They've drifted apart. Not the first couple to do so, certainly not the last. Enough said.

There are very few justifications for divorce and growing apart is not one of them. I met them at church years ago and they seemed very much in love, I am very sad for them and I hope they reconcile....

Sally Quinn is totally out of touch – with the general public…and with just about anyone’s concept of faith. How sad that she presides over this "Faith" page. All I see is politically motivated non-sense.

"...Given the normal span of our lives these days, such a vow [until death do us part] is totally unrealistic." It is unrealistic only for those not committed to the sacramentallity of a Roman Catholic marriage.

Wait and see. Al will have a trophy wife or girlfriend soon...she has been waiting in the wings...story as old as time. Al and Tipper are incapable of loving anything but Fame, Power, and Money.

Wow, the response to your comments is big! If that was your motivative it was successful.
I don't profess wisdom in this arena, yet, I can't get my mind around this issue. Two people live most of their lives together. They are one in mind and body. They perform a dance during all of their waking hours, working in harmony, checking in, crying, laughing together.
Than decide they want their freedom... to do what? what can they do that they are being precluded from doing in marriage?
There are close family ties torn, larger family and friendships hurt...and possibly altered forever...why?
Without issues like abuse, infidelity, etc....I just don't understand. i do agree in the case of the Gore's it is none of my business. Yet, I think about this in the larger sense and can't figure it out.
But, i am enjoying the dialogue, so thank you for your comments that started this discussion. I hope want you said was newspaper talk and not something you believe.

Marriage before 1960s
1. man and woman
2. PRESUMABLY generative
3. Permanent
4. Exclusive

Marriage after liberalism:
1. Man, woman, two men, to women, 3 men
2. Not necessarily generative
3. Not permanent
4. Not exclusive.

who cares? It is none of your business and we don't need your comments and feigned noble attempt to defend their personal decision. This tripe is sickening.

Let's not assume "til death do us part" was in their vows. 40 years ago folks started writing their own vows.

A stunning dull, big bag of B.S.!

MY DEAR LADY:

YOUR 'SERMON' BELONGS ON THE SOCIETY PAGE ..NOT THE 'ON FAITH' PAGE. NOW COMES THE BAD NEWS. HE'S BORING.SHE'S DELITEFUL. EVERYONE WISHES THEM BOTH WELL.

My Dear Sally...

I have to say I 100% completely disagree with 95% of the words you have said. For an "On Faith" post, you have really lost the faith.

Marriage is not like buying a car. After X number of years, you replace it for a newer model. Most marriage vows are "until death do us part" not "until something worldly separates us" or "until I want to do my own thing" or even "until the kids grow up." A failed marriage is a failed marriage, regardless of how civil it is.

What you have done is supporting two married people who gave up. They failed. God instituted marriage between a man and a woman as a sacred and spiritual covenant, not a joy ride until it gets dull.

And to say that because they were married young, they didn't know who each other were. That is a full blown misconception. I have done research with a number of elderly folks who were married at 19 or 20, and they continue to love each other at age 65-70. I myself was married at age 21, when my wife was 20, does that mean we are doomed to failure? I can assure you we are not.

This is the most faithless "On Faith" I have read yet in the Post. Their split is nothing more than sacrificing a heavenly union for worldly possessions. Taking the hamburger instead of the steak.

In the words of Dustin Hoffman in the 1990's flick Hook, "Bad Form."

There are NO, yes, I mean ABSOLUTELY NO SUCH THING AS WEDDING VOWS in the Bible.

Jesus said that there should only be one reason for a divorce and that's adultery. But, he said that remarriage after divorce is also adultery.

Paul wrote later in an Epistle one more reason for a divorce and that was having a spouse who refused to be a Believer in Jesus the Christ. It is also written, "Do not be unequally yoked with non-believers."

If both of the Gores are Believers in Jesus and neither has committed adultery, there is no spiritual reason for them to be divorced.

Apparently they left the Holy Spirit out of their marriage.

My parents studied the Bible together every day and they prayed together daily, too. That only stopped when Dad went to a nursing home. But, when Mom visited him, they still had prayer and read the Bible together. Their marriage ended when Dad went to be with the Lord in Feb. 1994. Mom went to be with the Lord in May 2005.

Now that mom and dad split after 40, one of the kids decides to split after 13. Mom and dad set a great example.

Quote from Quinn:
"But what are you committing to when you get married? An institution? A spoken obligation?
Or are you committing yourself to a full partnership where each person is equal, mutually respectful and in love?"

Any sport has its own rules and discipline and only when you play with discipline you get applauded. So does life. If everyone wants to live the way they want then there is no concept of society.

Now let me re-frame the sentence by Ms Quinn.
"Marriage is definitely an institution, an obligation whose ideal, perfect motive is to commit yourself to a full partnership where each person is equal, mutually respectful and in love"

But nobody is perfect. Everyone has their own weakness. The beauty of marraige is support each other in times of trouble and not to part ways to live as they like.

i really wonder where these liberal democrats would take the country to. i sincerely doubt that Hillary still clings to Bill just because they would lose the political mileage that their union gives them.

God Bless America.

There are many wrong assumptions and faulty conclusions.

Their handling it with "dignity and grace" has nothing to do with your carefully worded but implied conclusion that getting divorced is the right decision now.

She was not always "number two". She had her own campaign against the record industry. And you even state just a line of two later they were "partners". And most any spouse knows that number two is often the quiet number one.

"Those years are over for Al and Tipper Gore." Says who? They are separating. My folks separated several years ago, with the intention of dealing with some problems more easily while separated, and they then got back together, after having time away to deal with those issues in a less tense situation, and they then got back together a few weeks or months later, and celebrated their 50th before my mom passed away.

Marriage and divorce should be entered into very carefully. There is cause to praise the dignity and grace, but it is not up to you to imply a celebration of their decision to divorce.

Ms. Quinn is only trying to take a look at this situation from another perspective. She is not taking out her moral compus to judge the Gore's and say whether their decision was right or wrong.

I do believe the comment "We should rejoice in their decision" is inappropriate. Just merely state the opposing position doesn't entice us to blog.

At least she did not mention Rush Limbaugh getting married to someone who is almost 30 years his junior –and he met her during his divorce from his third wife.

What is so graceful about splitting? If Gores were so graceful would they not have stayed together? For the sake of grace at the very least.

"The person you commit to at age 20 might not be the same person 20, 30, 40 years later."

What does THAT mean? The sentiment is common but the thought is senseless. I am ME. I am not my ideas, not my goals or ambitions, I am none of my passions. I have all those things, but I am ME. Who I AM is the ONLY thing about me that cannot change. I can change my habits and customs, give up and acquire vices, attain virtues, become neurotic, sort my feelings out and learn to deal with them better, set aside hobbies and interests... but it is *I* who do all those things. Those things are not ME.

If who I am changes with the flow of time, as some think of a river doing, then in reality, there is no ME at all. That means that I am nothing, a figment of my own imagination, of my own consciousness. But then, who is being conscious if there is no ME?

I am not judging the Gores. I am not interested in the Gores. But I feel the point needs to be made: if I give MY word, MY name, my WHO-I-AM to a thing, I can never really revoke it without revoking something of myself. In that case, WHO-I-AM isn't shifted from one equal quality to another, from one character trait to another, but from honest to dishonest, from faithful to faithless. I am not changed, as much as diminished. I have made me less of what I was meant to be: good, just, honest, loyal.

Senseless, Sally. Just very pleasant absurdities.

This article was just pathetic. Now Sally's guessing what Tipper is feeling-- poor Tipper was always Al's doormat, so it's time for her to crawl out from underneath his hard-sole shoes. Give me a break, and I felt less connected to this article once Sally snuck in a political commentary about the Supreme Court handing the election to Bush. Get over it, Sally. The 2000 election is old news and so is this divorce.

Sally: ' "Til death do us part" is a vestige of a time when life expectancy wasn't [sic] much lower.'

Don't you mean "was much lower"? That's the only way the sentence makes any sense; although I disagree strongly with the contention that a slight uptick in life expectancy in modern times fundamentally changes the feasibility of a lifelong commitment.

As to the notion that people died at 30 in the "old days," that's complete hogwash. Here's what Psalm 90 has to say about it; I'm no Bible beater, but this was written a long, long time ago:

"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."

"Not only should we respect their decision, but in some ways we should rejoice in it."

Are you nuts? Rejoice in a divorce? You are telling people, in a column on faith, that divorce is okay if you have "tried" marriage for a while. This is a pitiful goal you are telling people to aim for. The correct goal is staying married until "death do us part" - that's the promise you made.

It's sad that they are separating after 40 years and it is okay to respect that they were together for so long. Rejoicing in their divorce is COMPLETELY WRONG.

Hell why don't you just write an article about "Everyone making mistakes" and how people should get a free pass to do something they know is wrong. Accountability, Sally, we are accountable for our marriages - and when we break that we should not "rejoice"

Now we see the impact of this selfish move on the kids, as Karena Gore has split with her husband. Parents staying together sends a message to the kids, just as parents splitting up. I think the Gores are selfish and unthinking of the impact of their decision on other people. We also do not know the reasons for this split, because the press has not pressed Al Gore on the reasons. Why not? Gore is a former reporter used to answering questions from the press.

PLEASE, WaPo, put an end to Sally's "writing". We can't take it anymore. Have you all laid off/retired all other eligible writers?

I wonder how Ms. Quinn would have felt if her husband had told her he didn't wuv her anymore.

I wonder how Ms. Quinn would have felt if her husband had told her he had outgrown her.

I wonder how Ms. Quinn would have felt if she found her husband in bed with his other woman.

I wonder how Ms. Quinn would have felt if her husband had told her he had outgrown her.

I wonder if her narcissism, sense of entitlement, and her own opportunity for "personal growth" would have allowed her the emotional equanimity she professes in her column.

What self serving bunk, especially when we all know that she knows better about the way divorce really works.

What a truly fitting commentary from a woman who is her husband's third wife.

The loss of a marriage is not a time of celebration and rejoicing.

And Sally Quinn would know WHAT about dignity and grace?

Not sure that I'd agree with your comment below...

"Not only should we respect their decision, but in some ways we should rejoice in it."

While divorces happen and should be respected, I'm not sure that we should set the bar lower here for ourselves.

Sorry Sally, you goofed on this one. Other commenters noticed it too. There is NOTHING to cheer here.

I have a Godfather who has suffered from Alzheimers for the last 10 years. He now knows nothing of his loving wife who still dutifully visits him daily for 6 hours each day. This is LOVE. This is MARRAIGE. Sally, frankly, I don't think you have a flipping idea what you write about.

I pity you actually.

Grow apart. No thanks.

They got married 40 years ago and Al put her to sleep immediately, waking her up now and then for a campaign appearance.
Have a good life Tipper, take him for all he's got.

St. Paul made marriage an analogy for God's love and commitment to us. If leaving a marriage because one has grown apart or 'fallen out of love' with one's partner is as commendable as Quinn says, what does that say about the depths of God's love and commitment to us?

Quinn's view of marriage fits well the radically individualistic, capitalistic society we live in: consumer preference trumps all. I'd rather live in a context where I was cherished warts and all than have to fear eternally that I might be traded in for a nicer model.

I feel so sorry for the Gores. I sure wish they could have worked it out. I'm sure this is painful for both of them.

The WAPO should not have allowed Sally Quinn;s article to be posted. Bad choice Ben. Unless you have been married for 30 or 40 years (I have for 40), you can not fully understand any of this.
First, the vow is "until death do us part." but, I certainly hope no one makes that a cornerstone of their marriage. I am not married for 40 years because of the vow necessarily but because I enjoy my partnership. Vows like all contracts are broken for one reason or another; it's complicated. But after 40 years, there are bonds that remain and there are pains to come from the break-up. A break-up after 40 years is not something to celebrate.
And I read Quinn's article about the family weddings too. What a jerk!

To death do us part... I believe this is the EXACT line from the wedding vows. But feel free to twist the facts to suit your argument Sally. LOL Compromise is what's killing this country. No one has the guts to stand up for what they believe in. Quinn your worthless...what's next justifying the rape of young boys by the Catholic Church??? Stand up or shut up!!!

For what it's worth, Sally, I agree with you. I wish both Al and Tipper happiness and peace for the rest of their lives. Despite all the yapping commentary here, they have been a class act throughout their lives.

Also FWIW: I've been married 42 years to the same man... happily all along. But if we ever chose to split, I hope we'd show the same class as the Gores have.

It is somewhat amusing that Ms. Quinn chose to comment on the Gores current situation ... I do agree that they have shown a certain grace (at least so far) ... perhaps Ms. Quinn is taking notes?!

The Gores? Who cares?

I've read junk journalism before, but this is pathetic. Grace and dignity? They've gone underground, as well they should. Tipper tired of playing the dutiful prop of a political wife? The Supreme Court in Gore v. Bush is to blame? Tipper didn't get to be First Lady so now she wants out?

The Gores' marraige was fake. Everything Al Gore did throughout his life, including enlisting in the military and going to Vietnam, was done from a calculated political angle. Now he's promoting a fake environmental crisis in order to beef up a huge international bureaucracy that will control every facet of our lives. It's not surprising that these shallow people are now going to divorce. They are phonies and always have been.

Contrast this marraige with the marriages of both Bushes.

The dissolution of the Gore marriage is proof yet again that liberals want to destroy the institution of marraige as it has been honored and valued through the centuries. If you're view of marriage is that it is expendable, of course you would support gay marriage. People "change?" No, liberals change-- from bad to worse.

"Till convenience and self-indulgence do us part."

Time passes and your musings are history.

Sally, you are confused. But it doesn't surprise me since you are from the Post. Most, not all, but most Post writers, editors, and columnists can't see figuratively beyond the Potomac river, much less the beltway.

The failure of a marriage is a failure. It is akin to death. It is the death of love and that is sad. As we mourn the death of any living person, we mourn the death of a marriage. We can hope that the two of them can find happiness again. If you have ever been through a divorce then you know the pain and lonliness afterwards makes you look back longingly often times at the good times of a marriage - the longing for that companionship again can be so strong that people will jump into another marriage far too fast. We shouldn't rejoice in divorce, Sally, we should mourn the loss of love and wish the two the best to find it again.

I know what I am talking about simple because I have worked in Health Care most of my life. Yes people do change an it all has to do with hormorne levels. If you don't take care to eat healthy, an exercise is a must. For men to keep their testerone levels up an same for woman. The change of life makes people think out of sorts because hormorne levels do effect the your thought process. Exercise every day all you have to do is walk or swim or ride a bike. Use it or loose people its just that simple.

You mean, SyllabusMarianum, Tipper paid the invoice?

"Tipper had been the good wife for 40 years. Now it is time for her"

MY GOD! (and I use the term loosely) right out of the feminist ideals. Poor Tipper, so sad and lonely. Not enough to be a good mother and raise decent children, not happy with her husband's successs or to live in the luxury it conveyed. She gest no satisfaction out of what the marriage has achieved. It's now time for her moment in the sun!

There you have it gentlemen, what further evidence do we need?

Someone in this thread said, "Al won the election but lost the presidency," needs to be corrected. If you question the SC decisions, the way you did, you're questioning the constitution, laws of this country."
This oversimplifies the situation, since the deciding vote was cast by an SC justice who was appointed by George W. Bush's father. Shouldn't that man have recused himself from the vote?
The key point was that Al Gore made an extremely difficult decision -- not to prolong the agony in the interests of holding the country together. (Incidentally that's a decision that Richard Nixon made in 1960, but on the whole Gore's track record since this very difficult patriotic exercise looks a good bit better.)

John Foster.

We have no idea if the split was amicable, graceful or whatever.

This is all projection on Sally's part (to be fair, the rest of the press as well).

The press liked the couple, so they were "shocked" they split (why), and then talked about the grace they had.

With no evidence. They might be throwing things at each other in one of the Gore mansions. One of them might've stepped out on the other. The marriage might've been a sham to support Al's political ambition. They might've stuck together until the kids were moved out.

Point is, we don't know, neither does Sally, so all of this is complete nonsense.

My big question then is why?

Marriage Sacred in 2010? LOL! The feminist movement effectively killed that "sweet old fashioned notion" long ago.

Really, Sally? Is this what you really believe?

Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad...

Americans never cease to amaze me. Why do you feel compelled to comment about a divorce is beyond my comprehension. I well aware that the Gores are public personalities but divorce and marriage should be a strictly private matter.It's none of our business.

You can bet poverty wont set in, money has a way of easing your pain.

Don’t you people have had enough?
This is not a national issue and will not change or solve our problems.
WaPo needs to discourage these writers not to waste their time and give them other assignments.

It is really silly to read that some folks are getting emotional about it and some even get teary eyed. Give it up!!

Individuals must be free to make decisions about their own lives according to the dictates of their own consciences. People change. Priorities change. The free right of association (or succession) is one of our inalienable, self-evident rights as human beings. This notion of suffering for the sake of an ideal, a moral code, etc. is absurd; a vestige of antiquity: warring, tribal, and rooted in mysticism cum religion.

Marriage is a nonsensical arrangement deeply ingrained in our culture and conscience. As is religion.

This column is nonsense. The Gores took a vow when they married. Now they are breaking it. They are only as good as their word.

I still think there is more to this story than what has been told. An affair on one side was involved.

Dear Sally,

Obviously this perspective stems from your intoxication from your friendship with the Gores, a very common ailment among friends and friendships, lots of "love goo" and little clairity.

If a marriage that has lasted as long as the Gores has not been brought down by a betrayal of some sort by either party and both parties still "like" each other, which, by the way, are many, the Gores are not the first couple in the world to have a friendly, dignified, graceful split after so many years.

I think the only lesson the Gores have given the world after their announcement is that even folks as "religious" as the Gores do not necessarily adhere to the "till death do us part" in the marriage vows when push comes to shove, so to speak, when choosing to stay married or not, meaning boy if the Gores can split up after 40 years then marriage has truly lost it's adhesive power, not that this is a "bad thing" just a "hmmmmm," interesting.

It helps to be financial set in divorces, relieves some of the stress. If you get my point. It's a personal thing between the Gores and I respect that, even though I have a problem with this after 40 years. To me it's kind of sad, but that's life.

I think that divorce needs to happen at times. More than that, I believe that it should be harder to get married in the first place because too many people don't think and then cause a lot of civil problems later. I also believe that Al and Tipper are handling this wonderfully, at least in public, which is more than can be said for many people.

That said, Post, couldn't you have found someone who didn't have an adulterous affair with her boss who then broke up his marriage to marry her to write this story? Sally Quinn lost all moral authority to talk about marriage when that happened and she lost all rights to be an authority on decorum when she aired her family's dirty laundry in a national newspaper. Why do you continue to give this woman a forum? Oh wait, nepotism isn't dead is it?

Thanks for a refreshing take on marriage and divorce. I too admire the class with which the Gores have handled this situation and wish the best for them both.

You wrote:
"Then, just as she was about to become First Lady, a role that would give her the clout to make a difference, the Supreme Court handed the presidency to George W. Bush. Al won the election but lost the presidency,"

Irrespective of your political views, your statement " the Supreme Court handed the presidency to George W. Bush. Al won the election but lost the presidency," need to be corrected. If you question the SC decisions, the way you did, you're questioning the constitution, laws of this country. Once the SC made the decision, you should accept it "as correct"! That is my educated logic. You're saying that you're right and SC is wrong. That is wrong!

Who cares?

Sally Quinn's point appears to be that Tipper deserves a chance to be her own Number One, instead of Al's Number Two, because how Al spent his time was *more important* than how Tipper spent hers for the past 40 years.

Only from a first principle as morally and spiritually (and logically) bankrupt as that does Quinn's conclusion -- that this divorce is to be celebrated -- make any sense whatsoever. Now apparently we are to rejoice that Tipper gets a chance to be as self-important as Al has been for the past 40 years, that it's "her turn." This is feminism?

I personally am in favor of an authentic feminism, one that honors the innate dignity of women and recognizes our role in the ordering of society as being more important than, say, a politician's puffing himself up into prideful balloons and calling it "service."

Who's with me?

Lemme see according to Al, Erich Segal wrote Love Story based on him and Tipper. So, isn't this all supposed to end (after Al invents the internet) with sudden, mysteriously romantic disease whose only symptoms are a couple of hacking but ladylike coughs before flatlining?

Jokes aside, Sally Quinn (I still remember you from CBS Morning News with gruff old Hughes Rudd and the Vivaldi Largo), you've got it right: marriages remain on paper or flourish but if they have to end, do it gracefully and sans rancor. It's all about the remains of the day.

"Love means never having to say you're sorry." -- Tipper Gore

Posted by: WmarkW

************************

Ah, "Love Story".... haven't seen it in years. Tearjerker.

But if you truly believe that statement, you are setting yourself up for massive disappointment.

"Faith without morality is dead. Ask the Gore's children and grandchildren how they really feel about this. "

They probably want their parents to be happy and so they probably support their decision.

Hey, PCMOAN...

We know so much about Sally Quinn's personal life because SHE WRITES ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.

Don't knock us ugly Americans simply because we're better informed than you are.

And please stay up there in Canada. We've got things pretty well under control down here in Jungle Land.

I detect an odd consistency in the level of vitriol found in just about all these postings. You're well organized and full of hate. Long live Karl Rove! Death to the Gores for they are scum! This is, more or less, the essence of your message correct? How is it that so many of you know so much about Ms. Quinn's personal life. My family and I now live in Canada -and do not miss the fine patriots posting here. I guess that makes me a communist eh?

AFter 40 years it is not a matter of why, it is a matter of why not...

What a pile of selfish, self-serving, steaming manure this is. This little screed is all about Quinn’s perception that marriage is slavery, but now Tipper is truly free: “When you look at Tipper's life, you see a life of sacrifice. She was always the helpmate, always the wife and mother, always the number two.” And on it goes for two more paragraphs of feminist tripe.

“Not only should we respect their decision, but in some ways we should rejoice in it.” Really? We should rejoice in the destruction of two people who committed to live as one? But Quinn’s obvious glee at Tipper’s emancipation ignores the pain, bitterness, resentment, economic hardship, broken relationships, etc. that always, always accompany divorce. I don’t know if Quinn has ever been married or divorced, but it is clear she doesn’t know whereof of what she speaks. Maybe divorce for the Gores will be “easy” because they’re wealthy, but try it when you’re poor, or middle class. There is never anything to rejoice in about a divorce.

“But what are you committing to when you get married? An institution? A spoken obligation?” Try this: ANOTHER PERSON.

“But there are many, many happy years ahead.” Oh, now she’s a prophet.

There are always centrifugal forces in a marriage - that is the reason for the commitment; the big ceremony in front of family & friends; the vows, and so on. Of course there are legitimate reasons for divorce, but I don't think we should glorify a separation like this one, which seems to have happened merely because Al and Tipper's egos are each too big to fit in one house.

This reads more like a glorification of divorce than anything to do with faith. "Out grown your partner" or found someone you like better? Just walk away.

What has faith go to do with it, baby? What's faith but a second hand (and inconvenient) emotion?

Faith without morality is dead. Ask the Gore's children and grandchildren how they really feel about this.

But at least she is consistent with what BS she shovels out: "Then, just as she was about to become First Lady, a role that would give her the clout to make a difference, the Supreme Court handed the presidency to George W. Bush. Al won the election but lost the presidency..."

Sorry Sal, Al legitimately lost Florida, and as a result, he lost the election AND the presidency. Don't you think it's time to move on after 10 years, hon?

And poor Al. First he loses the presidential election, then he follows that up by making an absolute fool of himself in front of the world by being a chicken little over the Global Warming mirage, and now turns out to be a failure as a husband.

What a tough decade for Big Al (and speaking of which, has anyone noticed how he has just about doubled in size over these last ten years?)

I wonder if Sally would have written this comical little piece had the news been George W and Laura divorcing instead of her beloved and dear friends, Al and Tipper? I think not.

The odor this commentary emits is enough to make one gag. She makes a mockery of marriage and proceeds to defend her opinion. "Al and Tipper made the right decision 40 years ago and the right decision now." So it is ok to hook up and then unhook as the wind blows, is that right? Giving sanction to this conduct is reprehensible, making for what is truly a truly despicable article.

It is fairly clear the Sally Quinn is a product of our new age where what one wants trumps what is best for a couple, for their children, and for their family. Divorce should be the absolute last option, but for today's 'Give Me Mine Now' generation, that is no longer the case.

I don't know which is more repulsive, Quinn's worship of the Gores or her pathetic views on marriage.

The Gores' divorce is a "gift to us all"? What a joke.

what a fraudulent clown!

A Divorce is always bad.At least for one of the involved. It doesn`t exist a happy divorce-so don`t marry.....

Greetings from Oslo

I just don't see that anyone outside a marriage is qualified to evaluate it. I have no idea what went on in the Gores' marriage, and if I did I wouldn't share it publicly. It's a strictly private matter. What I do know is that, according to mental health experts and everything I've seen, divorce is a crisis of loss, usually a profound one. And I don't think that can be explained away. However well-founded the choice, the process must be painful for the whole family. I wouldn't compound the pain by making the divorce the subject of public discussion or judgment.

People, especially pundits, should respect Al and Tipper Gore's privacy. This should not be the big news story it seems to be to some people.

Nobody is interested in what you have to say, Sally. Move back to Savannah.

In case you hadn't noticed, this "amiable" divorce pattern started cropping up in Hollywood in the last few years. And isn't it wonderful.

Sally conveniently overlooks the fact that Al Gore sacrificed his marriage on the alter of his self-appointed messianic crusade to save the world from a non-existent global warming.

What could be more important, after all, than criss-crossing the planet by jet, spewing carbon into the atmosphere, making millions on totally fraudulent carbon exchanges, and being worshiped the world over for doing so. What could be more important than that? Obviously not his marriage.

Oh, and Sally, just ask anyone who's had to endure their parent's divorce and see how wonderful it was, what a "gift" it was, that their parents were so thoughtful about it. I know for me it made all the difference at age 16. I just can't figure out why it still makes me cry?

Ms Quinn is in no position to lecture us on morals.
Together the Gores were in many respects exemplary. Now they are just ordinary.
To Ms Quinn, anything that any liberal does is just dandy.

And by the way, the Supreme Court did not "hand the election to Bush". It merely prevented the Democratic county clerks in Florida's biggest counties from handing it to the Gores.

Yes, it is all so sweet and really tough to split $100 million between them. I wonder if Tipper will refer to herself as a single mom?

Sally Quinn is a joke and is yesterday's news. Now she is lecturing people about the futility of marriage? I do agree with her on one thing - if you are a dishonest person and can't keep a vow, don't take one at all. There is nothing wrong with being single. But Sally Quinn herself has a train-wreck personal life that she thrust into the public square, and now she is trying to absolve the Gores of whatever mistakes they made. Please, lady, shut up and go back to your Georgetown "salon" with all your pretentious fake "friends." No one likes you. They just use you. That's what Washington is all about. There is no such thing as genuine friendship in Washington - just fake friendships and sham East Coast marriages.

I understand the point of the article. I just disagree. I don't think a lifetime vow is unrealistic, although it takes tremendous work. Al and Tipper, I think, are not showing grace. Having made it 40 years, both in their 60s, they are now going to "find themselves"?

Sometimes divorce is the better for everyone involved than persisting with an impossible situation, but I don't see how anyone could ever "rejoice" in the end of a marriage, no matter how classy.

I don't know how we got the idea that marriages are something that "succeeds" or "fails." It's not a competition. People who get divorced aren't necessarily failures and the end of their marriage doesn't undo the good memories or the kids they may have. And not all marriages that don't end in divorce are necessarily healthy or happy.

Quote: "People change and grow in different directions."

Yeah, ol' Al turned into a loony-tune and grew sideways into a total tub of lard. Who can blame her?

"Til death us do part" could imply the death of the marriage. To realize the one can move forward and take with you the lessons from the past is a gift. Best wishes to the Gore's on the next chapter in their respective lives.

Commitment in the context of marriage means placing one's partner's interests above one's own. If we are genuinely devoted to this idea, and it is mutually felt between married partners, then I don't see how such commitment could ever end in divorce, collegial or otherwise. The selfless love that characterizes such relationships endures even beyond the "end" we call death.

Surely, one wouldn't expect a woman who pursued her current husband while he was married to another woman to truly respect the traditional definition of marriage being permanent. SMH.

I would be interested to know the author's definition of "commitment" that she speaks of at the end of the article. I would say commitment is endurance in something until it is completely finished. It seems that she, the author, believes that it is finished when you both agree and maybe you have reared some kids, had some good times and bad times, taken some snapshots, visited Disney World, and had a good time. Then you can call it quits when you are disillusioned with each other. The problem is without the perspective that marriage is lifelong, its commitment is up for interpretation to anyone. People could opt out in forty years or forty days for that matter. Marriage is a commitment for life, vowed upon, most of the time, to each other and before witnesses, and yes, "commitment" is the key word. Commitment is not quitting gracefully.

"Given the normal span of our lives these days, such a vow is totally unrealistic."

Speak for yourself, Sally. A majority - a slim one, but still a majority - of all marriages still endures as per the marriage vows, "until death do us part."

I think anyone with a basic knowledge of what marriage is, can see this post is dead wrong. After 40 years of marriage, this is not an easy break up. No one can walk away from their spouse after 40 years without serious reprocussions. There is just no doubt this will hurt them both.

There are so many assumptions in this article that we don't know, it is hard to really know what is going on here. Is this really as peaceful as it is made out to be. I don't think it is possible for people to break off a serious marriage without pain and strife. That just isn't how marriage works.

I can't believe anyone would buy this idea that marriage last longer now so we shouldn't assume they last until death. Marriage is for life; that is the point. It doesn't get easier to split with time, it only gets harder. Marriage can only work if people are committed for life. If not, why not split up after a couple of years. Better yet, why get married at all.

I'm sticking with traditional marriage.

The idea that marriage is now different

So now divorce is good. Who knew?

This is definitely the first piece I've read by Sally Quinn that didn't make me wince, cringe, flinch, or otherwise react physically to the vapidness of her perspectives and the tortured style of her writing.

She makes some good points here, and I hope that the Gores continue on their respective paths in good health and with some hope of happiness.

I think this is the first piece by Sally Quinn I've read that I didn't think was naive.

By no means should the Gores marriage be considered a failure. I've been married less than 10 years but I hope to have a marriage as successful as theirs. If my wife and I part after 40 years, after raising wonderful children and having productive lives that made a contribution to the world, I would still consider myself lucky and our marriage a success.

"Love means never having to say you're sorry." -- Tipper Gore