As I sit on a cool, lazy, Oklahoma City Sunday morning watching Meet the Press, reading the Times online and listening to iTunes, I do not dedicate all of my attention to any of the three. T. Boone Pickens currently is being interviewed by Tom Brokaw. Did I just hear comments about how the concerns, including but not limited to, America's dependency on foreign oil, environmental problems and changing the daily transportation methods by Americans, are more monumental than partisan politics? Did I just hear comments sounding like President-Elect Obama?
That gruff voice of T. Boone Pickens does not sound like the eloquent diction of our future President Obama. The language comes close though.
It has been documented in blogs and editorials everywhere. This is not new. T. Boone Pickens, as ruthless of a business person he may be, calls for everyone to look past party politics and understand the dilemma in front our country, and ultimately, our global community. After listening to Senators Levin and Shelby argue of the rescue-bailout (I will leave that argument alone), it was pleasant to hear a billionaire speak with candor regarding the issues. He is direct. He understands the smallest detail, and even more importantly, the overall problems we should address. Mr. Pickens will make money. With no shame, he continues to mention his financial dominance as it fluctuates in the current market, but ultimately, will grow regardless of the decisions we as a country make. If we turn to wind energy, his personal investment in turbines will pay off. If we move to natural gas, his personal investment in CNG will pay off. If we continue to burn crude oil as we do, his personal investment in drilling will pay off. Fortunately, Mr. T. Boone Pickens has the foresight to comprehend the depth of the problems and encourages Americans to choose the most beneficial for our country and our world. Bottom line, Mr. Pickens wants change.
These comments are not to idolize Mr. Pickens as a man without blame. His documented financing of the Swift Boat ads may have dictated the 2004 election. His ego makes me sick every time I read his name in the sports section of The Oklahoman--the ONLY section of that horrible paper I read--whenever he donates and, ultimately, dictates the direction of the Oklahoma State University athletic program.
However, I hope, and am confident he will, President-Elect Obama will consult with Mr. Pickens as the future administration confronts these issues. President-Elect continues to show he surrounds himself with the smartest and most experienced people in any given industry to educate himself. This is where our future President excels, showing his own wisdom. Mr. President-Elect, please continue to do so.