PickensPlan

Welcome! From Ron A. Rhoades

Profile Information

Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
Yes
Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
I have read extensively in this area. Am experienced in tackling issues through writing position papers on matters of public policy, and currently undertake lobbying efforts at national level on unrelated issues.
What excites you about this campaign?
As a student of economics and the global capital markets, I can assure you that one of the three biggest dangers confronting our nation's future prosperity is trade deficits (the others being budget deficits and lack of personal savings). Recently developed and emerging technologies can, and will, solve our energy problems over the long term - but only if the political will and business leadership is there to implement them. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Policy actions can be taken at the federal, state and local levels, many of which do not require major expenditures of public funds. Inaction by our policy leaders can well lead to disaster. I applaud Mr. Pickens for TAKING ACTION now, not later. We all need to support the PickensPlan. If we wait for the next opportunity to address these challenges, it will likely be far too late, as America will be far too indebted to foreign countries to make the necessary investment to transition to new energy sources. Our chance is now. Seize the moment!
What do you want to do to help?
Support other members, through encouraging the development of flyers, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, guides to the site, and other materials through the "Communications Support" group formed. As time permits, I'll participate in other activities and events.

Ron's Announcements

December 1, 2009. Just briefly checking in, and glad to see the PickensPlan movement continuing in such a strong way. The scientific evidence points more and more to the need for alternative energy, as millions around the world are already being affected. China and India's consumption of oil are expected to double over the next 5-10 years; no doubt this will lead to gas prices in the U.S. north of $4/gallon, consistently, within a few years, if not sooner. Did I say $4/gallon - it could easily be twice that. Despite a heavily devalued U.S. dollar, and tempered crude oil prices, U.S. trade deficit (most of which is due to oil imports) continue to be quite high - As Mr. Pickens has said so often, no country can endure long when it transfers its own wealth to those in other countries. To all my friends on the Pickens Plan, keep up the good fight ... for energy policy and initiatives which make sense for America. While I'm still tied up with financial services reform efforts, my heart is with all of you. Take care. Ron

April 20, 2009. Just dropping in to say hi to all my friends in the PickensPlan. It has been a real pleasure to see the PickensPlan have such a positive impact on our nation's energy policy. Who would have thought, a year ago, that alternative energy research - and seed funding of many projects - would be provided by Congress? Or that transmission lines will be built, to enable the construction of solar / wind projects? Amazing progress, largely due to the substantial influence of the PickensPlan on national politics.

Of course - there is much to do, especially with the "carbon credit" trading system still to be adopted by Congress. One thing is certain - "cheap energy" will disappear in the future, making solar, wind, natural gas even more attactive as alternatives. Continued pressure to deploy technologies, to wean us off of carbon emissions - and foreign oil (and hence decrease our trade deficits) - is still needed.

Personally, I'm still involved in financial services regulatory reform issues, advocating for better protections for consumers. This has long been my passion. So, while the PickensPlan Army marches on, and although I certainly applaud and support its efforts, my time must largely be devoted to other issues at present, and for many months to come.

Keep up the great work, everyone! Take care. Ron


CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL who have so actively participated in the Pickens Plan. While financial services regulation is "front and center" - and I must devote my time to many of the issues surrounding same - I continue to monitor the developments on the PickensPlan site. I see that there are many early members, and more recent ones, who are really making a difference when it comes to reforming our nation's policy toward energy. Congratulations to all who are keeping up the tremendous effort to reach out to others and to continue to build the membership on this site.

While declining gas prices may have tempered the perception of need for wholesale adoption of alternative energy technologies, I can assure you that, from an economic perspective, the real need still exists. Oil supplies cannot - I repeat - CANNOT - keep up with growing demand over the long term, or even over the next five to ten years. As the world's economies recover from the recent financial downturn, demand for energy will outstrip oil's ability to supply same. Think $4/gallon gas was a problem? Just wait and see - it could easily be $6/gallon gas, or more, within several years.

More importantly is the need to reduce our federal trade deficit. This is one of the "BIG THREE" economic problems our country faces (the others being lack of personal savings and our huge national debt). Turning to CNG, wind, solar and other alternative energy solutions will have a HUGE impact on our nation's federal trade deficit. Not to mention the very important jobs created by such an effort.

Keep up the great work! - Ron


10.21.08 STILL TIED UP. The "financial crisis" has led to a speedy effort to reform the regulation of financial services, an area to which I have devoted several years of effort. Hence, I need to devote my "spare time" to influencing the upcoming legislation in Congress on financial regulatory system reform, least for the present. I'm glad to see The Pickens Plan reach the 1,000,000 mark, and go beyond that. I will try to check back later. Thank you. Ron

9.20.08. TIED UP WITH FINANCIAL CRISIS. Sorry I have not been around to respond to e-mails and comments. Due to financial crisis, am quite busy at present in my firm. Will try to devote some time to PP when financial crisis subsides, perhaps in a week or two.

9.11.08. GOTTA TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF. Some big projects at my firm require my time and attention, over the next week or so (even this weekend). Will check back soon. Ron

Sign the PLEDGE! See the "Main" page, then "PLEDGE" at the very top of the page. Thank you. Ron

August 30th: Labor Weekend Blog. Added a blog, detailing some of my thoughts about federal government R&D budget for renewable energy, and on the subject of tax credits. We need some serious leaders elected to Congress. It's up to us to ask the right questions - and seek answers from the candidates. Then it's up to us to vote our conscience, and elect leaders who are serious about solving the challenges facing our country. Have a pleasant Labor Day weekend. Ron

August 17th: Doesn't this Wall Street Journal article today make you angry (at OPEC)? ... OPEC May Cut Output Next Month, By ROSHANAK TAGHAVI, August 16, 2008 12:29 p.m. ... TEHRAN -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries could decide to roll over or cut crude oil production from existing levels when the group meets in early September in Vienna, Iran's OPEC governor Mohammad Ali Khatibi said Saturday. Oil prices, which have fallen back to just above $113 a barrel from highs of above $145 a barrel in New York six weeks ago, are being pressured by higher supplies and lower demand, Khatibi told Dow Jones Newswires in a phone interview.

I am wholly tired with OPEC having so much influence over the economic future of America's citizens. T. Boone Pickens' call for getting off our overdependence on foreign oil is both inspiring and timely.

August 16th and 17th:
1. The Communications Support group now has a comprehensive "Resource Guide" on its page. Sections include: (A) Projects; (B) Flyers, downloads, guides, etc.; (C) Other non-profit groups (and their resources); and (D) Recent technical papers. Your suggestions on additions to this page, or improvements to it, are welcome.
2. A "Strategic Planning" discussion has been launched under the "Communications Support" group. There are ongoing concerns out there about organization, leadership, and the longer-term direction of the PickensPlan. I don't have the answers, but I do believe that MANY MINDS WORKING TOGETHER can come up with some great ideas. The goal of this discussion is concrete - to personally present to T. Boone Pickens, by Nov. 1, 2008, concrete suggestions for the near-term and long-term future of the PickensPlan. Your thoughts and participation in this discussion are encouraged. Thank you.
3. Still looking for leaders ... Those willing to "co-administer" the Communications Support group. True leadership involves the service of others, to empower them to succeed. Please let me know if you would like to volunteer for this role. Several volunteers are needed.
I'm off to mow the yard ... fun, fun, fun ... Have a great week. - Ron

August 12th: I've been looking around the PickensPlan site, having been tied up for a couple of weeks. Things seem to be going great. I'm very impressed with the "Daily Pickens" and the Town Hall meetings. The national "grassroots organizers" seem to be very involved now, and doing more and better work at every turn. Over the past few weeks activities have been undertaken - videos, letter writing, brochures and flyers, and much more - that is truly oustanding. Congratulations to all who have put together these communications pieces, spread the word to others, or simply have encouraged others to "keep up the good work." ...It remains so important to build "Boone's Army." The period of January through April 2009 represents an important opportunity for our country to move past partisan bickering, and complacency, and start down the road to energy independence. I have and will continue to spread the word about the PickensPlan to the many I come across. 1,000,000 strong and united can send a powerful message in Washington, D.C. - especially if other groups get on board, too. Together it is possible to really make a difference. I've seen it done before; it can be done again. But it won't be easy. The foundation needs to be sewn now. And efforts to reach out to elected officials (and appointed officials, and candidates) must commence now.

July 27th - Expanded blog for individual investors and entrepreneurs has been created, with the following sections: (1) Warning to Individual Investors; (2) Entrepreneurs - Typical Stages of Financing; (3) Entrepreneurs - Grant and Loan Programs Available; and (4) Entrepreneurs - Securities Law Warning.

July 26th - Added to blog, "Draft Letter to Congress." Also posted in COMMSUPP group and "Write to Congress" group. Your editing comments and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

July 25th - The blog, "The Importance of Seeing This Through" has been added. I'm very impressed with the growing dynamics of the site - many more people being involved and getting things done. The team behind the site has made great improvements, with the "Daily Pickens" adding a great deal. Great things lie ahead for this grassroots movement. I encourage everyone to reach out to others on the site, and collaborate and contribute support to others. Again, thank you to everyone for your ongoing contributions.

July 21st - Following the excellent Lou Dobbs interview, I attempted to distill "details" about the Pickens Plan and its potential impact from various sources. Please see the newly posted blog on this subject. (Revised and expanded on July 22.)

July 20th - A new blog, "A Visit With Grandfather," has been added. I hope you find in this blog a way to overcome the negativism that often exists in social networks. (See "Archives" in blog section.)

July 20th - A new blog, "Why The Pickens Plan Is So Important to America," has been added, to explain the economic necessity for implementation of The Pickens Plan. (See "Archives" in blog section.)

July 19th - "My Personal Thoughts on the Pickens Plan" have been added to the blogs (see "Archive" in blog section). I would like to stress that I am just a member, and not connected with the national campaign, nor do I know the national office's plans. But these thoughts may give you a sense of where this campaign can go.

July 18th - To all those who have helped, thank you. The "100 Action Steps You Can Take Now" has been completed and added as a discussion under the Forum / "Get Started Now" area. Also, it has been added to the discussion under the "Featured Forum." PDF and Word documents have been posted as well. We hope that this will spur on individual members of the Pickens Plan, to answer that frequently asked question, "What Can I Do Now?"

July 18th - Leadership can arise, from each one of us. Where is the "leadership" of this site, you ask? It comes from each of us, in the service of others, as my latest blog points out. (See "Archive" section of my blog, below.)

July 16th - The Pickens Plan is an antidote to America's greatest challenge - complacency - as this blog points out. (See "Archive" section of my blog, below.)

July 13th - The "Communications Support" group has been formed. Rather than just complain about the lack of information and/or support, let's do something about it!!! Let us get together our creative thoughts, energy, and passion - and come up with guides, presentatations, flyers, and other communications, which may empower our fellow members to move beyond "cheerleading" (a noble endeavor, but tiresome after a while) and toward more concrete action steps which can be achieved. This is not my group - rather, this is a group to be shared by all who join, and all who strive to empower others to make The Pickens Plan a success.

Ron A. Rhoades's Blog

Tom Friedman's New York Times Op-Ed on McCain / Palin - Can Anyone Share Insight?

I choose to post this as a blog on my page, rather than in the forums. I seek enlightened insight from "people in the know." I don't post this to debate politics.



I've been a big fan of Tom Friedman for years, as he provides a good global perspective on events. His op-ed piece in the New York Times today - well, I find it informative, yet disturbing. I reproduce the text of the op-ed piece below.



I suspect that Sen. McCain was on the campaign trail for the votes he missed,… Continue

Posted on September 3, 2008 at 6:50am — 2 Comments

A Labor Day for Serious People, Willing to Help Tackle Serious Problems

This Labor Day weekend, I'd like to pause and express my personal gratitude to the hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers who have contributed to this movement. Again and again I am informed that the motivation for their ongoing efforts - this "labor" of love - is not so much the PickensPlan itself, but rather the realization that this nation cannot continue to proceed down the same path as it has in the past.



Permit me to comment on why it is so important to reach out to our… Continue

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 6:27pm

Research Report: Renewable Energy, WInd and Solar Stock Mutual Funds and ETFs

ResearchReport,InvestingInCleanEnergyFundsAndETFs.pdf

See PDF file, above. For informational purposes only.

Posted on August 18, 2008 at 8:13pm

(1) Warning to Individual Investors; (2) Entrepreneurs - Typical Stages of Financing; (3) Entrepreneurs - Grant and Loan Programs Available; (4) Entrepreneurs - Securities Law Warning.

(1) A WORD OF CAUTION TO INVESTORS, ABOUT INVESTING IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROJECTS. If you are thinking about investing in any project, I do encourage that you receive legal, tax and/or investment advice first, in order that you don't end up sending your money away to some highly speculative, or worse, fraudulent investment scheme.



While I am not aware of any fraud going on right now on the PickensPlan site, neither have I reviewed every solicitation for funds.… Continue

Posted on July 27, 2008 at 4:32pm

Draft Letter to Congress for Support of Long-Term Energy Policy and the Pickens Plan

Here's a second draft of a letter to a U.S. Senator / U.S. Representative. Thank you to Clyde, Cheryl, and many others for identifying many of the issues which Congress should address in adopting a comprehensive long-term energy policy. Thank you Cheryl for your editing comments.





(ADDRESSED TO MEMBER OF CONGRESS)



Over $700 billion of this nation’s wealth will be transferred to foreign countries this year as a result of the burgeoning trade deficit. Every credible… Continue

Posted on July 26, 2008 at 11:30am

The Importance of Seeing This Through - And "Thank You's"

T. Boone Pickens states that we are exporting this country's wealth to other countries, to the tune of $700 billion a year. He is entirely correct. Every credible economist will tell you that large trade deficits are unsustainable. It is essential - and critical - that we reduce our imports - especially of oil.



In my over 25 years of studying the economy, the global financial markets, and U.S. trade policy, the PickensPlan is the first large-scale strategy I have seen that… Continue

Posted on July 25, 2008 at 2:22pm

100 Action Steps, Part One

Lord Byron once said: "But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling, like dew, upon a thought produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions think." That's the beauty of The PickensPlan grass roots movement - one old Texas cowboy and oilman has inspired tens of thousands, soon to be hundreds of thousands, and perhaps even millions.



But inspiration and thought is not enough, and it is readily apparent that nearly all of the members who join The Pickens… Continue

Posted on July 23, 2008 at 8:29am — 1 Comment

100 Action Steps, Part Two

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW - 31 THROUGH 81:



31. CHECK BACK ON THE PICKENSPLAN.COM OFTEN. There’s likely to be something new for you to learn, a question you can answer, a friend you can make, or a task you can assist. And other members may be contacting you.



32. PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE FLYERS at work, school, civic association meetings. You will find some in the Featured Discussion, “Useful Information: START HERE for Boone's Army.”



33. SPEAK BEFORE YOUR CIVIC… Continue

Posted on July 23, 2008 at 8:24am

100 Action Steps, Part Three

IDEAS #82 THROUGH #100 – SOME FOR NOW, SOME FOR THE FUTURE. Ok, I’m taking a bit of a shortcut here. Some of the ideas set forth below can be undertaken immediately, and others will only take place in the future. Some of the ideas below will require technical expertise, others will require public speaking skills, but some will simply require resolve and commitment.



SO HERE ARE THESE ADDITIONAL IDEAS – CONTAINED IN A “Q & A FORMAT” in which I add my own perspective on the… Continue

Posted on July 23, 2008 at 8:22am

Details on the Pickens Plan (Distilled from Media Sources)

The Major Problem, and the Goal of the Pickens Plan.



• T. Boone Pickens’ main motivation is keeping $700 billion that would otherwise go to purchasing foreign oil in the United States: “I’ve got one enemy. I’ve got one rifle. I’ve got one crosshairs. And it’s focused on one spot.”



• “If nothing is done,” the conservative Texas oilman says, “the US will send $10 trillion out of the country in the next decade … the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of… Continue

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 8:00pm

A Visit With Grandfather

July 20, 2008. Teddy Roosevelt once said: "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the… Continue

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 4:30pm — 3 Comments

Why The Pickens Plan Is So Important to America

July 20, 2008. "The U.S. economy will collapse. Repeat. The U.S. economy, and probably the world economy, will collapse because of the United States' exponentially-increasing trade deficit." Robert E. Powell, Ph.D., M.B.A.



Most economists agree that "increase in foreign debt cannot go on forever. If the Americans do not begin reducing their trade deficit, there will come a time when foreigners will become less willing to hold dollar denominated assets. This in turn will… Continue

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 4:24pm

My Personal Thoughts on the Future of the Pickens Plan

July 19, 2008. I am often asked why we are creating "Boone's Army," and what we can do now. From what I know (and I just a "member" and am not connected to the "national office"), everyone can expect a continued "roll out" of "The Pickens Plan" in the weeks ahead, and video updates from T. Boone Pickens himself periodically. There are significant efforts underway to provide members with more materials and promotional items which can be utilized to spread the word.



But what's the… Continue

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 4:23pm

Inspiration, Thought, and Action - Each One of Us Can "Lead"

July 18, 2008. Lord Byron once said: "But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling, like dew, upon a thought produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions think." That's the beauty of The PickensPlan grass roots movement - one old Texas cowboy and oilman has inspired tens of thousands, soon to be hundreds of thousands, and perhaps even millions.



But inspiration and thought is not enough, and it is readily apparent that nearly all of the members who join The Pickens… Continue

Posted on July 21, 2008 at 4:20pm

An Empowered Organization to Fight America's Greatest Challenge - Complacency

July 16, 2008. I am reminded by a quote from Franklin Covey, "An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success." To that end, I am so grateful for the many people who are helping others to join this site, who then assist others in navigating the site and advising them on how each person can personally contribute, and who are taking action now to build the… Continue

Posted on July 16, 2008 at 4:00pm

Comment Wall (173 comments)

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At 9:48am on September 2, 2010, Jacqueline said…
At 5:43pm on January 28, 2010, norman powers said…
Hello Ron, please check out my website: www.vasarirenewableenergy.com
office: 949-476-3776 norm@vasarirenewableenergy.com
please call or email me back. Thank you, Norm Powers
At 10:12pm on August 11, 2009, John Osborn said…
Hey Ron,

Does your area have regular meetings yet for Pickens Plan? If not, I want you to know that ours does and you are welcome to come to any of them. To get information and directions, just go to the Events Tab and look for District FL-11

We arrange guest speakers from the energy industry and political figures from every level of government. For our meeting on August 13th we have "David Gammon" from Progress Energy's Renewable Energy Contracts department and on the following month we have booked "Mark Sharpe" of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Have a great week,
John Osborn
District FL-11 Leader
At 3:39pm on January 20, 2009, Kim Anderson said…
Hey Ron

Hope you are well and still lurking!

We have 5 new 100CLUB members this week!.....



Please stop by and visit our TWO newest 100CLUB members. We are lucky to have such hard working and determined folks on the team!


1. Jack Costantino has brought over 122 new members onboard, and can be seen online frequently encouraging others to bring new members to Pickens Plan. He is also co-leader of his congressional district.

http://push.pickensplan.com/profile/JackCostantino99

2. Gerry Kempen also has over 120 new supporters. I visited him today, at his very nice Liquor store, "Good Spirits" in Middletown, RI to thank him. Gerry's supporters put us over the top. RI-01 reached the 500 goal today - Inauguration Day. Yippee!

http://push.pickensplan.com/profile/Gerry70

Best
Kim


Miss you, O fearless one!
At 8:01am on November 10, 2008, Kim Anderson said…
Good luck with your lobbying efforts in DC!
Proud to know you. Maybe we can meet there some day.

Best
Kim
At 7:51am on October 27, 2008, Tom Bailey said…
Hey;
You are much more knowledgable than I. Would you take a moment to adressthis disc?
http://push.pickensplan.com/forum/topic/show?id=2187034%3ATopic%3A1389355
Thanks Tom
At 10:23am on September 27, 2008, SLA said…
Hi Ron,

When you have an opportunity, I would like to hear more about your current activities, background, etc. Also, I'd like to talk with you about the possibilitiy of working together on a new group I just started as Editor, BOOK PROJECT #1: GLOBAL VOICES: Stories/Ideas on Why We Need Renewable Energy and The Pickens Plan NOW. What experience do you have in authorship/editing? I am a published author/editor of a book and articles. You can find more info on my page.

Hope you are enjoying your day. Looking forward to talking further.

Kind Regards,

Susan Stann Airst JD
Executive Managing Director and CEO
American Land Recycling and Affiliates
At 2:03pm on September 25, 2008, Kim Anderson said…
Hi Ron

Looking forward to hear all is well and you are leading us once again.

Kim
At 8:41pm on September 20, 2008, Ron A. Rhoades said…
9.20.08. TIED UP WITH FINANCIAL CRISIS. Sorry I have not been around to respond to e-mails and comments. Due to financial crisis, am quite busy at present in my firm (part of my job is examining and then explaining economic developments to financial advisors and clients). Will try to devote some time to PP when financial crisis subsides, perhaps in a week or two. GLAD TO SEE ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PICKENS PLAN SITE, just from a quick glance. Thanks to all, and to Kim and Lyn for the updates below. Ron
At 9:17am on September 18, 2008, Kim Anderson said…
HI RON!

I know you are very busy, bit I will continue to keep you in the loop, so you can pick up where you left off when you are able.

I have started the 100CLUB, for folks who fax in 100 or more signed pledges. I have had a fantastic response, even pulling people out of the embers of inactivity. This could send us to the moon in terms of total support numbers for Boone's plan.

Please post it, blog it and email it if you can. Also, any ideas on how to post a "flag" on the pages of 100CLUB members?

I was thinking I would just start a group- and post a master list! Then the member woudl have that group listed on their page. Only 100Clubbers could join. Is this possible? You know my technology limitations!

Best to you always! Still miss your steady hand on the tiller.
Kim
 
 
 

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