On October 16th, H. Joseph Hebert of USAtoday.com posted an article titled "'Unfriendly' oil import figure is wildly inflated" where he insinuates that T. Boone Pickens fabricated the $700 billion the US spends on foreign oil annually.  He also goes on to indicate that most of our oil is purchased from friendly countries.  Below is my response to the article.  I welcome your opinions as well.

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Sir,

Let me ask you this: If T. Boone Pickens used $300 billion instead of $700 billion would the problem be any different? Would we not want to stop giving money to foreign countries (friendly or unfriendly) to support our energy demands? Would we not want to develop renewable energy projects which contribute to breaking our dependence on foreign oil and other less environmental friendly energy sources?

The fact that the presidential candidates have not challenged the figure, and have adopted the $700 billion expenditure, should give you an indication that the figure isn't so far off as to not warrant making it one of the main focuses of each of their campaigns.

As there is no actual point to this story, I have a feeling the goal here is to simply discredit the man's mission. Surely you'll say that you've made no such attempt, and that you leave it to the reader to draw their own conclusions (wink wink, nudge nudge) but it's fairly obvious what you want people to believe.

        

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Gas prices are coming down!  Great news, right?  Not exactly. 

After gas prices rose to more than a staggering $5.00 per gallon, one could be easily lulled into complacency by a sharp $2 price drop, and be made to forget pre-war gas prices of $.99 per gallon. 

In 2001, there were no cheaper fuel alternative, no reason to demand cleaner alternative energy sources, no need to investigate what foreign countries were getting rich off our dependence on oil, and no reason to rally over 1 million concerned Americans to support a national energy plan which paves the way for energy independence.  7 years later, prices have risen 500% with no substantial decrease in supply nor increase in demand. It just illustrates how easily the market is manipulated, and how American people are held hostage by this unregulated fleecing of our economy.

I'm not going to lie, in the short term, having some relief at the pumps definitely helps, but not at the expense of losing focus on issue at hand: how can we help usher in a national energy plan which supports the development and use of cleaner alternative energy, and reduces our dependency on foreign oil?  So, by all means, enjoy the lower prices, but let's not take our eye off the prize.

        

WASHINGTON (AP) - A big shift to renewable energy and efficiency could produce 4.2 million new environmentally friendly jobs over the next three decades.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors study says such "green" jobs could become the "fastest growing segment" of the U.S. economy over the next few decades.

The study says about 750,000 people work today in what can be considered "green" jobs. That includes the makers of wind turbines and more energy-efficient products and scientists who research alternative fuels.

The report says that by 2038, another 4.2 million green jobs are expected to be added. That would account for 10 percent of new job growth over the next 30 years.

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, the conference's president, says the report makes "a very compelling economic argument for investing in the green economy."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

        

According to a recent report by the U.S. Labor Department, the unemployment rate reached its highest level in 5 years, and  employers have cut over 84,000 jobs last month alone.  MSNBC reported that the total number of unemployed Americans topped out at 9.4 million last month, compared with 7.1 million a year ago.  Economists foresee  more job losses in the near future, predicting a jobless rate of 7 percent by the fall, according to some projections. 

Companies are slashing payrolls and opting for cheaper overseas labor. High interest rates and a stagnant real estate market have caused homes to go into foreclosure at an alarming rate.  Also feeling the effects of the troubled economy, stock prices have taking a beating, and other once stable investment options are risky at best.
 
While the media has painted a grim picture of the state of our economy, all is not gloom and doom.  There is no better time to take control of your own financial future.  Right now, people are flocking to the security of a home-based income, and are on their way to becoming financially independent by working from home. They have taken the opportunity to make the money they want and are giving themselves the chance to secure an abundant financial future for themselves and their families.

The mission of Pickens Plan Opportunity is to seek out home business opportunities in the renewable energy and "going green" industries, and to walk new business owners through the process of getting their business off the ground.  Right now we are finalizing the details on some very exciting home business opportunities, and renewable energy private investment opportunities, which we will reveal in the coming weeks.

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After much tweaking, debugging, revising, and adjusting, we have finally launched the New Energy Cash Machine e-Book.  Our sincerest apologies to those of you who who had requested the book for the delay in getting it out.  You all should have received an email with download instructions.  Please email info@pickensplanopportunity.com if you have any trouble downloading or viewing the e-book.

So far there has been an overwhelming response from hundreds of people interested in starting their own home based business in the renewable energy and "going green" industries.  The New Energy Cash Machine e-book is 100% FREE and is packed with valuable insight and instruction for building real wealth while making a difference.  To receive your FREE copy of the New Energy Cash Machine fill out the form on the left hand column of the site, and you will receive a unique user name a password to download the book.

        

It goes to show you the true power of the people. Just about a month ago, T. Boone Pickens unveiled his plan to construct a wind turbine corridor in order to reduce spending on foreign oil by over 30% over the next ten years.  Since then, he has received over  four million visitors to his pickensplan.com website and hundreds of thousands of registered supporters. The most noticeable impact has been the seemingly overnight change of focus in the presidential campaign. Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are now talking about the United States' future energy plan and both candidates met with T. Boone Pickens, over the past three days, to discuss the Pickens Plan.

In statements summarizing his two meetings, Mr. Pickens did not indicate whether or not either candidate fully supported his plan, citing that he could not, of course, speak for either man. However, Mr. Pickens was very encouraged by both candidates' enthusiasm and reception to the plan.  He indicated McCain and Obama both understood the importance of developing a real long term energy plan that would expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.

While it's rather doubtful either candidate will come right out and give the Pickens Plan their full endorsement, they obviously recognize the magnitude of Mr. Pickens campaign and, as a result, are bringing the energy issue to the forefront.  It will be interesting, to say the least, to see what develops as we get closer and closer to election time.  One thing is for certain: The Pickens Plan community has a voice and it's being heard.

        

T. Boone Pickens continues his promotional campaign, gathering supporters for his National Energy Plan. The next stop on the tour is McAlester, Oklahoma next Wednesday, August 13, at the Southeast Expo Center. The free admission, open forum, event is one in a series of twelve Town Hall Meetings designed to give the public the opportunity to talk to Pickens about his plan.

The Pickens Plan proposes constructing a wind turbine corridor that stretches from Texas to the Canadian border which will ultimately generate enough clean energy to power 22% of the nation's electricity needs. The wind power would then free up natural gas resources, currently being used to generate electricity, to offset a projected 38% of the current $700 billion annual expenditure on foreign oil. Mr. Pickens estimates his plan would take about 10 years to complete, and to have government and corporate vehicle fleets converted to natural gas.

The plan has many Americans asking, "Why wait 10 years to start taking advantage of alternative, renewable, clean energy solutions?" The technology already exists for homeowners, businesses, schools, and churches to harness the power of the wind and the sun for private use.

Of all the energy sources in use today, solar energy has possibly the most potential for solving the world's long term energy problems. The sun provides over 35,000 times the total amount of energy that humans use each day. Solar energy is the cleanest form of renewable energy; producing zero carbon emissions so that for every KWh produced saves an equal amount from other energy sources. In fact, if you factor in energy wasted from the inefficiencies of transferring energy from the utility company, it's possible to actually save more energy than you produce!

Many applications exist for harnessing this energy for home use such as heating and cooling, lighting, and even complete solar home solutions. As the price of crude oil escalates, and the demand for alternative energy sources increase, advancements in technology and government programs are making it easier and more affordable to install solar energy equipment in the home.

Although wind power, like solar power, is the most abundant, pollution free, renewable energy source on the planet, it remains one of the most untapped by the private sector. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a 400ft turbine outside your home in order to harness wind power for practical home use. Turbines are made in a variety of sizes to accommodate all types of home installation, and can even be used in urban settings.

In parts of the country where it is feasible to use wind power, it is not uncommon for someone to reduce their electricity bill by 50 - 90 percent. In fact, during the windiest parts of the year, one could produce a surplus of electricity and sell the excess back to the electric company! Visit www.windenergy7.com to find out more about small wind turbine applications.

One of the missions of Pickens Plan Opportunity is to explore all types of clean energy solutions and to be a resource for renewable energy products and services. The other goal is to provide the opportunity to help others start and operate their own online renewable energy, and energy efficient products business.

If you have an interest in receiving information on how to transform America through "green commerce" please let me know by leaving a comment below or emailing me at info@pickensplanopportunity.com

        

I came across an article written by Houston Chronicle Columnist Loren Steffy titled:

Pickens' plan is bold - too bad it won't work

In the article, Steffy claims that Mr. Picken's plan is "riddled" with potential pitfalls citing the fact that the wind doesn't blow all the time and there is a cost involved in transmitting electricity and setting up natural gas fueling stations. 

In my book, however, three unsupported arguments does not constitute a "riddling". Steffy refers to a study that says the wind doesn't blow as much in the summer when electricity usage is at its highest.  While that may fool some readers into thinking wind power isn't a viable source of renewable energy, there are a few engineers, environmentalist, and turbine owners who would disagree. Now I can't speak for Mr. Pickens, but I'm pretty sure when he researched his plan, he took into consideration the average electricity production of each turbine and included the summertime data as well.

Mr. Steffy also criticizes Mr. Pickens' focus on natural gas, and not electric hybrid for use in automobiles.  What he fails to point out is the Pickens Plan does not discount the value of electric and hybrid vehicles.  In fact, T. Boon Pickens says he's all for any energy source as long as it's American.  The Pickens Plan is tackling only one problem: eliminate our dependency on foreign oil. This is an economic campaign, but due to the nature of his solution, there is spillover to conversations about energy conservation, cleaner energy sources, and the environment. His plan allows for all other forms of energy. Yes, Mr. Pickens has financial interest in natural gas, and of course he stands to profit by using NG for the country's transportation needs. So what? He's not saying electric isn't a viable solution. He's simply proposing we tap into our abundant supply of natural gas as a way to break our dependency on foreign oil.

The article goes on to blast the potential cost to deliver electricity from the wind corridor, however, Mr. Pickens makes it clear what costs are involved:1 trillion for his plan, and whatever residual costs to support the plan after it's complete. If we're spending $700 billion a year on foreign oil, it's pretty easy to see, over the long term, the plan would potentially pay for itself. Money that does not come from private investors will come from government possibly in the form of new taxes. I have faith that people will gladly pay for an energy plan that makes sense, that allows for the development of clean renewable energy sources, that stops giving billions of tax free dollars to foreign companies, and that makes the United States its sole supplier of its own energy.

I also feel Mr. Steffy is way off base when he suggests people won't pay to convert their automobiles to NG. I worked in the automotive business during the time when the state of Arizona was giving huge tax breaks for alternative fuel vehicles, and I can say with 100% conviction that people will convert their lawnmowers given the right incentives. And trust me, if the masses are converting their cars to NG, or purchasing new NG vehicles, NG fueling stations will start miraculously sprouting up faster than you'll be able to count. There will be no need to worry about the poor service stations who have to begrudgingly spend money to install the necessary equipment in order to make their millions and millions of dollars.

I'm sure Mr. Picken's plan isn't 100% foolproof, and it will encounter resistance, and obstacles, but it's a plan; a viable, tangible, roll your sleeves up and get to work genuine plan; a plan I feel can be supported by all sides of the political arena.

The Houston Chronicle reporter goes on to say that Pickens supporters will view his plan as "putting his money where his mouth is" while opponents will say the plan is "self-serving".  I ask why are these two concepts considered opposite from each other? Can't you put your money into a project that is beneficial to the country AND get a return on the investment as well? Or would Mr. Steffy like us to believe the only investment worth any merit is one where you have no opportunity to profit?

        

In his "Daily Pickens" video blog, on Friday, T. Boone Pickens announced that the membership on pickensplan.com has now reached 200,000 registered users.  Mr. Pickens is persuading everyone to invite 5 friends to join the growing number of supporters, seeking to reach his goal of at least 1 million by election time.

Also in his update, Mr. Pickens gave a summation of the past week's events which included productive meetings with Google, Cisco Systems Inc., and  Omaha investor, Warren Buffett.  Mr. Pickens also praised the 900+ people who showed up for the successful Topeka Town Hall Meeting last Thursday, and announced plans for 11 more similar events.

Mr. Pickens will be a guest on Larry King Live tonight on CNN at 5:30pm PST.