Al Gore: 100% Clean, Renewable Electricity In 10 Years

Tomorrow he'll be savagely attacked by Big Oil's media and political shills

“The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. The future of human civilization is at stake.”

-Al Gore

Today Gore made the kind of visionary speech I wish Obama had the confidence-- or the inclination-- to make. Gore was talking about the good of our country, our civilization, our world, about every single one of us, regardless, obviously, of political inclination. His bold and powerful ideas would even save... James Inhofe. But no political candidate would dare say what Gore said today-- that we're going to have to abandon electricity generated by fossil fuels within a decade and rely on the sun, the winds and other environmentally friendly sources of power, or risk losing our national security as well as our creature comforts. He's calling for a concentrated national effort to face the biggest challenge that faces mankind.

He said the goal of producing all of the nation’s electricity from “renewable energy and truly clean, carbon-free sources” within 10 years is not some farfetched vision, although he said it would require fundamental changes in political thinking and personal expectations.

“This goal is achievable, affordable and transformative,” Mr. Gore said in his remarks at the conference. “It represents a challenge to all Americans, in every walk of life-- to our political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and to every citizen.”

I expect lip service from frightened little politicians, hysterical vitriol from the paid off Oil Industry shills-- from Rush Limbaugh to John Cornyn-- and a national conversation that will take part beyond just the corporate media and tired Beltway Establishment. Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr took the lead in praising Gore's speech. I assume Obama and McCain are waiting to see what the other says before they comment. Neither bothered showing up, of course.

It can be done and it must be done. 100% clean, renewable electricity in 10 years is a far more worthy goal than bombing Iran.

Here's a video of the entire speech:



This one is much short and... more to the point.