Another Manhattan Project

Even though I am not as glum about Iraq as most self described liberals... I think our resources could have been better spent (in hindsight) on an alternative energy Manhattan project. The whole point of Iraq was to help shake up the political situation of the middle east and to wean ourselves off Saudi oil. Neither has occurred, nor appears to be occuring.

I think the Democrats need to propose a Manhattan project for alternative energy as an issue of national defense. We are too dependent on foreign oil - it's as simple as that. Plus, it would be good for the environment in the long term. Is it stupid to propose this? It seems politicall brilliant. What is the downside?

This may even have a political impact in the Middle East, because if we were able to devise some sort of energy strategy and share it with other nations around the world, the region would be in danger of bankruptcy. Oil is the only product anyone buys from the Middle East. Can anyone name another?