Ah didn't realize there was a newer version.
Current version is now installed using the same method.

$ apt-cache policy googleearth
googleearth:
Installed: 5.2.1.1588+0.5.7-1
Candidate: 5.2.1.1588+0.5.7-1

This way it can be removed using apt/aptitude/Synaptic.

Opens and runs just fine, no speed clicking to disable Tips required.

Thanks to all who responded!

Following the instructions given by lewisforlife, The .bin file installed. Following the application prompt, I saw the Google Earth opening splash screen. It ehwn quit and the following message was displayed:
Untrusted Application launcher
The application launcher "Google-googleearth.desktop" has not been marked as trusted. If you do not know the source of this file, launching it may be unsafe.
Is there another operation I need to perform before I can run Google Earth?

dfiggy

Try Applications -> Internet -> Google Earth

Thanks to responses on this forum, I now have Google Earth Working. The installation instructions from lewisforlife enabled the installation. I right clicked on the application and was able to set the appropriate permissions. Another post, "tredegar", said I could get success by disabling the start up tips. I unchecked the show tips at startup and now it works. As mentioned it takes several tries to start the program and make the needed changes in the second or two the screen is available before the programs shuts off.

This issue has now been resolved! Thanks again to all the responders.

dfiggy