More stupidity/fraud from Al Gore

A new ad from Al Gore's "Alliance for Climate Protection":



In the ad, four woes are listed, in this order: weak economy, high gas prices, dependence on foreign oil, and, now bringing up the rear, Gore's climate crisis.

An alleged "bold NEW solution" is then proposed for all four woes--let's use "FREE energy sources" like wind and solar.

Two comments:

1. Proposing wind power as a "new" solution in 2008 is beyond idiotic. Both wind-powered ships and windmills have been used for at least a thousand years, maybe much longer. Solar energy is far from a "new" solution as well:

Ancient Greeks and Romans saw great benefit in what we now refer to as passive solar design—the use of architecture to make use of the sun’s capacity to light and heat indoor spaces. The Greek philosopher Socrates wrote, “In houses that look toward the south, the sun penetrates the portico in winter.” Romans advanced the art by covering south facing building openings with glass or mica to hold in the heat of the winter sun. Through calculated use of the sun’s energy, Greeks and Romans offset the need to burn wood that was often in short supply.

Auguste Mouchout, inventor of the first active solar motor, questioned the widespread belief that the fossil fuels powering the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century would never run out. “Eventually industry will no longer find in Europe the resources to satisfy its prodigious expansion. Coal will undoubtedly be used up. What will industry do then?” Mouchout asked prophetically.

In 1861, Mouchout developed a steam engine powered entirely by the sun. But its high costs coupled with the falling price of English coal doomed his invention to become a footnote in energy history.

Nevertheless, solar energy continued to intrigue and attract European scientists through the 19th century.

2. If wind and solar are truly "free" energy sources, shouldn't they be able to beat out fossil fuels and nuclear power without needing any government subsidies?

Note the despicable related quote from Cathy Zoi, CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection, on Al's blog here:

...if we fail to act soon, the consequences for our children will be dire.