Book Review – Freedom From Oil
Just when I thought there was no creative way to present a plan to address America’s energy issues, I read “Freedom From Oil,” 
by David Sandalow. Two words immediately come to mind to sum up the book. Clever. Brilliant. It is no surprise that Sandalow has recently been nominated by President Obama to serve as DOE assistant secretary for Policy and International Affairs. It appears that the president has adopted a few policy considerations from this book.
“Freedom From Oil” begins with a memo from the “President of the United States” to his heads of various departments letting them know that in one month he will be giving a speech on oil dependence. During this speech, the memo states, “I hope to present the nation with a plan for ending our dependence on oil.” The memo continues with a call to action and deliverable materials and the various aspects that will affect this plan. The president ends by asking his team to keep this quote in mind when responding, “Make no small plans, for they have no power to stir the soul.”
From there, the departments then submit memos back to the president who then summarizes the “pros and cons” of each issue. In addition, there are articles of interest included with the memos that highlight people who are working day-to-day to help solve America’s energy issues. For those of you who are fans of the IndyCar Series, one article focuses on its use of 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.
In the end, a strategic plan is offered and the finale: the president’s national address regarding the country’s dependence on oil. Sandalow presents ideas that many others have written about (because he says all ideas must be considered) and he offers new policies as well. I’ve not read a more balanced presentation of the pros and cons of potential energy policies and solutions. “Freedom From Oil” is a must read.
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4 Comments »
Paul Burke - Author Journey Home
First off anytime you consolidate (acquisition and mergers) you cripple the market place (Exxon/Mobil – the big telecoms, the financial sector, and media). It’s bad for business, it’s bad for democracy, it’s bad for America and its a blatant power grab.
Big oil dug in like a tick blocks new technology through legislation and monopoly, and even places their minions into the Executive Branch (President & Vice President).
That we find our selves mucking it up in the oil fields in Iraq isn’t a big surprise. That half of the voting population fell for the saber rattling, bible thumping and jingoism is, but then again maybe that’s half of the population that knew damn right well what we were doing and was okay with it – after all drill baby drill was their battle cry this past November.
Entrepreneurship and the innovative spirit is not only the story of this country but the life blood of the markets. Anytime a business gets too big to fail is exactly the time the SEC and the FEDs should break it apart. Big oil needs to get out of the way if they aren’t going to get on board. Sending our boys and girls to die for their bonuses is down right evil. We can do better than that and should.
Clean energy innovations are busting at the seams. A little seed money from the Feds diverted from antiquated defense weapons, the pentagon and the antiquated energy sector will do the trick.
People back to work upgrading our grid and infrastructure will have jobs for generations. We are on the verge of something big, long lasting, sustainable and equitable. Our politicians must be held accountable – either they are with us or against us…to coin a phrase.
Paul Burke
Author-Journey Home
Freedom From Oil « Journey Home
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Book Review – Freedom From Oil
[...] “Freedom From Oil” begins with a memo from the “President of the United States” to his heads of various departments letting them know that in one month he will be giving a speech on oil dependence. During this speech, the memo states, “I hope to present the nation with a plan for ending our dependence on oil.” The memo continues with a call to action and deliverable materials and the various aspects that will affect this plan. The president ends by asking his team to keep this quote in mind when responding, “Make no small plans, for they have no power to stir the soul.” Read the rest of the review… [...]
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