British Petroleum wants energy-secure America? September 15, 2008
Posted by Conrad Hubbard in : The Chip , add a comment
I was watching TV tonight when a commercial aired suggesting that America should explore all of its resources in order to become energy-independent. At first I thought it was a Republican-funded advertisement, designed to forward the McCain ticket’s “Drill! Drill! Drill!” mantra. Eventually, though, the commercial revealed its BP origin.
Hm, I thought. How interesting is that? A company whose initials (BP) mean British Petroleum, and which is headquartered in London, wants the United States to become energy-independent?
Very strange indeed. It seems to me that BP wants to hide their origin and headquarters behind their new slogan “Beyond Petroleum” while they bankroll advertisements that push an agenda that gives them control over American resources and uses McCain to do it.
To be fair, I am glad that their commercials suggest that they might want to explore solar and wind power (via little symbols that look like a windmill and a sun). Also, “energy secure” arguably doesn’t really mean independent. But. Please. Why would a foreign company claim to want to help the United States of America become energy-independent, when doing so would clearly hurt its own business? Perhaps a better question is: Why should anyone believe that is what is really going to happen?
On a positive note, if American energy companies will not go green, it may be that somebody else will have to help us do so. If we won’t do it, then it would be good if somebody does. However, I would prefer to see Obama’s plan go forward, strengthening our economy by building our own green industries and putting Americans to work on the future.
The trademarked BP logo is used without permission. It is believed that use for identification and critical commentary may qualify as fair use under United States copyright law.