Al Gore lays down green challenge to America

The idea behind this plan is good, but I don't think it is a very realistic one. There is no possible way the entire country's infrastructure could be completely replaced by renewable sources in ten years. It would cost way too much money. It can be done eventually, but it isn't going to happen in ten years.

There are also still problems with solar and wind power. Solar panels don't work at night and are very expensive. Wind turbines don't work if there is no wind. That means these systems need backup power sources, because there are no batteries big enough to store energy for everyone when it is dark out or there is no wind.

Also electric cars are very expensive and it would be impossible to get everybody in the country to replace their cars with electric ones in 10 years.

I don't think anything is impossible for us production-wise. Looking back at our country's history we see numerous situations that were very nearly impossible logitics-wise to overcome but we've always used our number one resource to conquer. Smarts. Given a motivated populous and even more motivated gov't I believe we could re-infrastructure in Gore's 10 years. The bigger questions are how do we really motivate everyone, how much are we willing to sacrifice, and what are the RIGHT solutions for tomorrow and beyond?

I don't think anything is impossible for us production-wise. Looking back at our country's history we see numerous situations that were very nearly impossible logitics-wise to overcome but we've always used our number one resource to conquer. Smarts. Given a motivated populous and even more motivated gov't I believe we could re-infrastructure in Gore's 10 years. The bigger questions are how do we really motivate everyone, how much are we willing to sacrifice, and what are the RIGHT solutions for tomorrow and beyond?

Tax breaks for companies who build wind turbines, nuclear power plants, or solar panel fields.

It's that easy. You'll be amazed how many companies jump at it.

I don't think anything is impossible for us production-wise. Looking back at our country's history we see numerous situations that were very nearly impossible logitics-wise to overcome but we've always used our number one resource to conquer. Smarts. Given a motivated populous and even more motivated gov't I believe we could re-infrastructure in Gore's 10 years. The bigger questions are how do we really motivate everyone, how much are we willing to sacrifice, and what are the RIGHT solutions for tomorrow and beyond?

And there's nothing wrong with setting lofty goals. I too think it's possible if the right people and resources are in place.

I understand. That was my point about him being the spokesperson, whether we like it or not, the message is going to be lost with MANY people because of who Gore is. It's unfortunate.

That's the fault of those that choose to not listen to the message. Not much you can do about closed minded folks like that.

I don't think anything is impossible for us production-wise. Looking back at our country's history we see numerous situations that were very nearly impossible logitics-wise to overcome but we've always used our number one resource to conquer. Smarts. Given a motivated populous and even more motivated gov't I believe we could re-infrastructure in Gore's 10 years. The bigger questions are how do we really motivate everyone, how much are we willing to sacrifice, and what are the RIGHT solutions for tomorrow and beyond?

Very good points, and those are exactly the kind of tough questions that need to be answered by the two candidates in the upcoming political race. I think the motivation by the populace is rapidly becoming more evident, the higher prices that we are paying at the pump are trickling down into the prices we pay for goods and ultimately services.

This has already started to show in certain areas, Budweiser bought by In-Bev. Coke is already on record as saying it wants to save $500 million in the next two years, which means a buyout for it could be forthcoming. As we lose more and more American icons to foreign investors, as more American jobs are outsourced, and as more Americans' daily lives are affected, these could be the motivating factors for the sacrifice necessary. Perhaps, just a theory...

That's simply you trying to justify to yourself why it's OK to turn a blind eye to the energy crisis. I happen to ride my bike to work most days . I never stated using alternative fuels , wind , solar ect. are not what we should be doing . We should be exporting coal , drilling for gas and Natural gas . If you want to follow a man who live's like a king telling you to not have the comforts he enjoys , more power to you .

That's good. It's just frustrating to hear people let themselves get distracted from an issue that costs us all so much real money out of our pockets. Nobody should care whether Al Gore's a hypocrite when he's laying out a plan that could ultimately save each American household $2000 a year or more.

Would you like a $2000 raise? (rhetorical directed at everyone, not you Jsarno) I know I would. And hell, if I need to watch Al Gore on TV every single night on the news to get it, it's worth it. How do you get 2,000 per year ? This coming from a socialist who wanted to keep the income tax rate at 70 % in 1981 and wanted raise cap gaines tax ,, at 39% ? IN 1996 he told Virginian's that we should " be ashamed " for wanting the car tax reduced ? He is against Nuke power ,Drilling for oil and Nat. gas at home ? He says that China should have NO emissions standards because they are a " developing " nation ? China is 7,000 years older than us ,,, screw him . I agree with you that the "issue" is most important , But most of us do not care to have a self centered lying Ass telling us to live below his standards .

How do you get 2,000 per year ? This coming from a socialist who wanted to keep the income tax rate at 70 % in 1981 and wanted raise cap gaines tax ,, at 39% ? IN 1996 he told Virginian's that we should " be ashamed " for wanting the car tax reduced ? He is against Nuke power ,Drilling for oil and Nat. gas at home ? He says that China should have NO emissions standards because they are a " developing " nation ? China is 7,000 years older than us ,,, screw him . I agree with you that the "issue" is most important , But most of us do not care to have a self centered lying Ass telling us to live below his standards .

See, you were making some sense and then you blew it with the highlighted segment. Now I'll have to verify if anything you actually wrote is credible...I'm feeling kinda lazy right now so I'm going to assume it's not and write you off as an idiot.

He says that China should have NO emissions standards because they are a " developing " nation ? China is 7,000 years older than us ,,, screw him .

China's status as a developing nation has nothing to do with the age of the culture and civilization. Here's a breakdown from wikipedia on development.

"Development entails a modern infrastructure (both physical and institutional), and a move away from low value added sectors such as agriculture and natural resource extraction. Developed countries, in comparison, usually have economic systems based on continuous, self-sustaining economic growth in the tertiary and quaternary sectors and high standards of living."

China is probably better categorized as an emerging country. As far as emissions standards for other countries, I think the history of our nation shows that we probably should focus on our own environmental efforts. This way we can lead from the forefront, instead of shrinking into a "They're not doing it, why should we" argument that neither deals with the issue or generates any positive dialogue.