MyDD :: "The hair of the dog that bit you."

"The hair of the dog that bit you."

by ChitownDenny, Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:46:17 PM EST

In an unannounced visit to Netroots Nation, Al Gore received a standing ovation as a welcome to the conference.

more....

Continuing his campaign for America to, within 10 years, "produce all of its electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources", and with a stark swipe at Sen. McCain's proposal to support and incentivize states to drill for oil off their coastal areas, Gore said: "The idea that we can drill our way out of this is just so absurd not to warrant any serious consideration....They used to say that a cure for a hangover was the hair of the dog that bit you. If you had a hangover you went and got another drink and it would help it go away. It's the sort of the same thing with these proponents of drilling. 'Oh, we're in a fossil fuel crisis? Well let's just dig for more.' I mean, when you are in a hole, stop digging." On Thursday, Gore gave a speech that called for America to utilize solar, wind, and eco-friendly resources. Doing so, America can contribute to a reduction of the "threat of climate change", relieve itself from the economic impact of "rising oil prices", and reduce the "transfer of wealth to oil producing countries". Gore stated: "I don't remember a time in our country when so many things seemed to be going so wrong simultaneously....America's security, environmental and economic crises are all related."

Separately, Gore fielded a question about a possible Cabinet level position in an Obama presidency. "I want to convey my respect for the idea...I really feel the highest and best use of whatever talents and experiences I've gained in my life is to focus on trying to enlarge the political space within which elected officials and cabinet members address this climate crisis."

To support the efforts to address climate change and the energy crisis, go here:

http://wecansolveit.org/

Tags: Al Gore, climate change, energy crisis (all tags)

Permalink :: 7 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: "The hair of the dog that bit you." (2.00 / 6)

A Democratic presidency and a Congress controlled by Democrats in numbers greater than today can address climate change and the energy crisis.

Purity! Or else!

by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:11:16 PM EST

Go Al Go! (2.00 / 1)

I like his answer on a cabinet position, which frankly would be a demotion for him.

by catfish2 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:25:42 PM EST

Re: Go Al Go! (2.00 / 1)

Maybe not the best role for him. He's trying to build a bipartisan organization.

Purity! Or else!

by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:27:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

he's had higher... (none / 0)

...but frankly isn't interested in persuing higher.

I don't think it would be a demotion for him. It'd be an opportunity for him to work on his causes at the policy level.

Look at Howard Dean, he was willing to take a lesser position because it allowed him to do more good for the party.

I think Gore might welcome the opportunity.

by DawnG on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 10:16:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Great diary! And, here's a sidebar.... (2.00 / 1)

From my outstanding Congressman John Hall, today, here in New York's 19th Congressional District: "Bush drilling plan benefits oil companies, not consumers."

Congressman Hall is considered to be one of the biggest energy wonks in the House.

He was one of only two Democrats selected to head a subcommittee in their Freshman year (Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Administration and Benefits), and the only Freshman Democrat appointed to the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. In the late 1970s, with Jackson Brown, Bonnie Raitt and others, he co-founded the group Musicians United for Safe Energy.

Although responsible domestic exploration must be part of the answer, we cannot drill our way to energy independence. We are the world's biggest oil consumer, but have less than 2 percent of its proven reserves. As long as we are dependent on oil, we will be at the mercy of the oil companies and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

I have been working hard to advance new energy solutions and consumer protections. I co-sponsored a law to bring about the first fuel economy increase in 32 years, and supported increased production of cellulosic biofuels. I pushed for sweeping new tax incentives for renewable fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, and advocated for bills that go after price-gouging and market speculation at home and abroad. These are the steps we need to take for a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to break our oil addiction. By rejecting oil company rhetoric in favor of real solutions, we can achieve this vital goal together.

Congressman Hall is, certainly, one of the most practical, forward-thinking people in this country when it comes to alternative energy. Concurrently, he has an awesome reputation for reasonable compromise--leading to true RESULTS--in order to move the ball forward on the Progressive agenda.

by bobswern on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:06:43 PM EST

Re: Great diary! And, here's a sidebar.... (2.00 / 1)

Excellent sidebar. Thanks for sharing.

Purity! Or else!

by ChitownDenny on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:12:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gore as secretary of energy. (none / 0)

That would be AWESOME!

by DawnG on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 10:14:44 PM EST

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