Monday, February 26, 2007

Is Al Gore guitly of hypocrisy?



According to Drudgereport.com the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions, issued this press release late Monday:

Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy it seems.

Gore’s mansion which is 20-rooms and eight-bathrooms is located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville. The Gore household consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).

In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home which is a good thing, but I guess he needs to start following his own words and advice.

The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh—more than 20 times the national average.

Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh—guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.

Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.

Gore’s extravagant energy use does not stop at his electric bill. Natural gas bills for Gore’s mansion and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year.

“As the spokesman of choice for the global warming movement, Al Gore has to be willing to walk to walk, not just talk the talk, when it comes to home energy use,” said Tennessee Center for Policy Research President Drew Johnson.

In total, Gore paid nearly $30,000 in combined electricity and natural gas bills for his Nashville estate in 2006. That is more than some people earn in a year.

Maybe it is time to install some solar panels on the roof of the Gore Mansion???

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

So? - Did you see the movie? The problem isn't electricity. Doesn't most of the electricity in that area come from the TVA? What ever amount he uses he evidently paid his bill. All that childish finger pointing doesn't mean the data in the movie is incorrect. I saw early data myself in 1969 while onboard the USCGC Northwind. NOAA scientists took ice core samples while enroute over the top( The North Pole). This was while enroute to chart a new passage for the Exxon oil tanker the Manhattan. They showed me the gradients in color of the ice which captures and records changes in the atmosphere and environment. They told me back then what was happening and had been underway since the dawn of the industrial age. Everything they presented and predicted is only but part of what Mr. Gore has presented. I have told this same story over and over. People don't believe it can be true. It is, I have seen a part of it for myself. We are just lucky the Canadian government squashed the Exxon corporation's plan to transport oil over the top of the world. Exxon having such a caring and careful track record and such. It would have saved a lot of time and money if they (Exxon) and the US government would have asked or informed the Canadian government first.
So what if Mr. Gore enjoys the lifestyle which he deserves. He has been a successful, brilliant attorney, politician and business man. There are a hell of a lot of other citizens out there who burn just as much or more. Would you respect him more if he lived in poverty? Or a nut who sacrificed his own power and international stature to illustrate an alternative energy source? What is your motive for this childish attempt to discredit this man's attempt to enlighten the masses? He didn't create the science. You are obviously a narrow minded person looking for any minute speck to make a name for yourself. As far as I or any other knowledgeable person will regard your opinion you are a looser and you think little of your readers or the future of this planet. You're such a ridge runner, you can't even give credit to your own state's most redeeming citizen. You should be ashamed and fired. Your editor should have his motive examined as well! This is just sick ignorant crap!

Mike J. Stark said...

hypocrisy or not - the statistics still weigh heavy on those of Children and our childrens children. The data portrayed in An Inconvenient Truth can't be misconstrued and needs to be taken seriously and it's naturally accepted that sceptics are abound and will make chance to point the finger and shout 'Hypocrisy' 'Hypocrisy'. Regardless of whom ever brought the message its one that all need to wake up and smell the oil.
An Inconvenient Truth is about a Global Message, not about the man whom gave the message.
The Tennessee centre for policy need to work more on environmental issues rather than finding data on a particual person as its a clear violation in human resources.

Listen to the message

Over half of the worlds natural resources have already been consummed and how in 100 years time when it's all gone will humanity survive.

Anonymous said...

One of the most difficult things to be in life is to be prominent and glaringly visible. How does one balance accurately between applying principles and being unreasonably fanatical?

That Gore lives in a mansion which, in its nature, will never be as inexpensive to run as a one-bedroom apartment, isn't unusual. It does come at a cost. Is it excessive in comparison to similar properties? Dunno -- even if you turned off unnecessary lights, you'd still need to heat the place enough so the walls and carpets don't get mildew.

One might add him driven around in a Caddy behemoth, yet I doubt a Toyota Prius can carry the weight of armour, or take being shoved off the road in a kidnap attempt.

I think people can learn some things from the movie, apply it to whatever degree is practicable, and be reasonable. Because if we head off the full fanatical way, then we'd be harassing anyone living in a mansion, ban houses larger than 3 bedrooms, cars larger than 1.3 litres, fridges bigger than 14 cu ft, yachts, and motor mowers.

Perhaps a few solar panels on the estate couldn't hurt (or a V10 VW Phaeton TDi limo, which might get him assassinated by the UAW), but let's not get carried away. Do we ban car airconditioners because for the 20% penalty in fuel use? At a time when extremism in all forms appears to be rearing its ugly head, let's be sensible. Else, where does it end?

Rob Good said...

It is all about conservation, efficiency and planning ahead. Renewable resources are important and effective recycling and pollution controls are necessary. Helping countries with difficulties grow sufficient crops to nourish and feed their citizens is also important. While I wouldn't expect Gore to sell up and move to the boondocks, it is certainly interesting to see that with his mass of consumption he is not necessarily contributing (with his home) to the conservation issues in his particular neck of the woods. His message is good, and by having others aware of his message then in his own way he is subsibising his consumption.
There is certainly ways of greening up a home and relying less on public utilities. I think that in all parts of the world self or partially self powering homes should be encouraged. Every little bit makes a difference.
I think it was interesting that this news piece was released the day after the oscars, and it has certainly had the desired effect on my blog by getting the conversation going. Al is getting the word out and is getting the credit for it. Now when we see Arnold and Al working together then maybe even more awareness and change can be done.

Anonymous said...

This film has done so much for raising peoples consciousness of the issues that I think we can let a large power bill slide, don't you? To call the man on his power consumption seems incredibly childish.

No one is perfect - hell, Ghandi was a panty sniffer and look how much he did...

Anyway, Matt Drudge eats quiche while watching midget scat porn.

Rob Good said...

Oh bugger, lost my post... Whats the deal with Ghandi? How do you find these things out Rymann? What sort of Quiche does Matt enjoy?
Al Gore should consider upgrading to a more efficient heating system for the home...He will save in the long run.