On July 17, 2008, former U. S. Vice President Al Gore gave a speech in Washington, D.C. during which he challenged America to end its dependency on carbon-based fuels within the next 10 years. This is a viable and do-able solution to at least part of the three main problems facing us today—the economy, the environment, and national security. Mr. Gore began his speech with this statement: There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are...