I’m a registered Democrat. Voted Republican in the last presidential race. Vote, really, for whichever candidate I believe to be most qualified. So, I don’t really believe that I’m “defending” the Gore’s, but I am a bit miffed at the whole “energy” issue being raised.
When I watched the news last night, Gore’s electric and gas bills were compared to the “average family’s”. Somewhere in the story, it was mentioned that the Gore’s live in a home worth $3 million. I consider my family somewhat average (although definitely not NORMAL). I believe it is fair to say that my home is nowhere in the range of the Gore’s. My highest electric bill has been $250.00. Al’s was just under $1800. My home is 1800 square feet. Al’s is 10,000.
My husband argued with me this evening that the issue is not the amount of his bills, but the money wasted to provide energy to his extravagant home. So, are we now telling people what size home they can build in order to conserve energy? Where does it stop. I attended attended a birthday party over the weekend with my daughter. The discussion of taxes, electric costs, etc. arose. Basically, I found out that living her in Tennessee is quite a bargain compared to some metropolitan cities.
I’m thinking we need to put things in perspective. I don’t want to believe that when I become rich and famous, or just rich, that I will be criticized because of the size of home that I live in…it’ll be really big…with an indoor pool…and media room…and maids…SORRY, I got off track. This is the Gore’s home. Evidently they have taken steps to make their home more environmentally friendly. I would really like to see a comparison of their home’s energy costs and homes similar in size. The Gore’s support the practice of being environmentally aware. I just don’t think that should mean they have to live in a box with no modern conveniences. Are they paying the bills? Then let there be light!!!