Posted on Sun, Nov. 15, 2009
Gore draws support, protest

By GEORGE BENNETT
Palm Beach Post

As many as 1,000 people attended former Vice President Al Gore's Going Green presentation on climate change Saturday evening, while more than 100 demonstrators gathered at Mizner Park to protest his appearance.

The rally included members of the conservative Tea Party and those who dispute Gore's views on global warming and policies to limit carbon emissions.

Gore is a partner in a venture capital firm that finances alternative energy businesses, so critics say his advocacy will benefit his bank account.

``Cap & Tax -- Don't be fooled: Al Gore will make billions,'' reads a sign carried by Alan Tudor, who drove from Tampa to attend the protest.

``Al Gore is trying to promote a policy that will cost the American family thousands of dollars,'' said Everett Wilkinson, the head of the South Florida Tea Party group.

In a recent New York Times story about Gore's financial stake in alternative energy businesses, Gore said he has a long history of advocacy and is merely making investments that are consistent with his personal beliefs. Ticket proceeds from Gore's lecture will benefit the nonprofit Alliance for Climate Protection, which Gore chairs.

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