IS EXXON MOBIL TONE DEAF

IS EXXON MOBIL TONE DEAF?
A large corporation wallowing in huge profits is deserving of the privilege of enjoying their achievement. That said, after the management recovers from dislocated shoulders from patting themselves on the back, it is time to address their public image.
The question of drilling the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is a hugely expensive undertaking and provides some real benefits. It also provides some severe drawbacks. Exxon Mobil has the opportunity to take a leadership role in the development of Fourth Generation Nuclear Power plants. This technology produces very little radioactive waste and no carbon dioxide. Effort in this field can compliment the Corporation’s plans to drill the Outer Continental Shelf.
Looked upon in terms of the national interests of the United States, pursuing both projects simultaneously makes sense because:

1/ Major drilling on the OCS will provide a boost to the creation of high paying jobs that help our national economy.

2/ Although oil from this activity will not be expected to reach the pump until seven years from now, it will have an immediate impact on the psychology of the oil market, just as the drop of US consumption resulted in a corresponding reduction in the price of crude.

3/ Drilling the OCS will benefit the nation by staunching the transfer of American wealth to foreign oil producers.

4/ Avoidance of spiraling increases of the price of crude oil will enable a robust US economy in which food prices are again stabilized, as well as all other products delivered by truck or rail.

5/ An announcement by Exxon Mobil that they will honor the status of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) by shelving plans to drill within the boundaries of the reserve, will have a huge public relations benefit for the Corporation. This will open an opportunity to drill offshore possibly using man-made islands as were used in the oil exploration in Harrison Bay (near Prudoe).

6/ Development of Fourth Generation Nuclear Power plants by Exxon Mobil (and others) is in the national interest (as well as global) to relieve the carbon footprint on our atmosphere caused in part by coal fired facilities.
As a multi-billion dollar corporation, it is in the interest of Exxon Mobil to get public support on their side. Doling out campaign funds for incumbents may be working in the short run, but has serious flaws in long-term strategy. Independent candidates will increasingly gain access to elective office and provide the American electorate with accurate and unbiased reports.
So, Exxon Mobil, if you’re not completely tone deaf, move into a position of leadership and continue to be highly profitable, but in a manner which advances the US national interest.
Richard Todd 8/13/08 Snoqualmie WA toddforcongress.org