United Press International: Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said Sunday the time is right to change from an oil-based energy economy to alternative energy sources. Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Gore said that between the rising cost of coal and oil and the declining cost of alternative energy sources, it is time to make a drastic change to stop further environmental damage. “So now it is competitive to switch over,” Gore said. “At the same time, we’re seeing our national …