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 Plan are searching for the opportunity to participate in making real change occur. "Action" is defined as "to exert energy or some force" and "to be operative." The challenge that lies before us involves taking T. Boone Pickens' inspirational call, and the many members of TPP who have responded, and encouraging their energy and passion to be exerted toward a small series of goals. The completion of each operative act will bring with it some sense of accomplishment, which in turn motivates the actor to reach out again.

Leadership is not about directing. It is, first and foremost, about service to others. It is about providing the resources to enable motivated persons to achieve. Sam Houston, the first President of that former nation they now call the State of Texas, once stated: "A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under."

I encourage each one of you to "lead." To find a way to act, personally or in conjunction with others. Or seek to enable another to achieve. Find a way to overcome whatever limitations may exist. Let us use all the tools we have been given to reach out to others, at least until those tools are improved. Inspire others, collaborate with them, encouarge them, and praise their accomplishments. Working together, in small steps at first, and then united in larger ones, we will all succeed.

Together we can, and will, make a difference. As the Plan states: "Together we can raise a call for change and set a new course for America's energy future in the first hundred days of the new presidency — breaking the hammerlock of foreign oil and building a new domestic energy future for America with a focus on sustainability." While the road may be long, and the journey together arduous, working together there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.

While some others may see imperfection, I see opportunities to improve upon ideas. While a few others may see insurmountable challenges, I see a rising tide able to scale mountainous cliffs and reach the summit. While others may predict failure, I see both hope and a real chance to make a difference in the lives of all Americans. I see actions being taken to lay the foundations for a greater tomorrow.

Thank you for being here, and collaborating with others on the many projects needed to make The Pickens Plan become a reality. Ron