Big Oil Responds Coolly to E-85

There are many people, like me, who recognize that our way of life is at war with forces that want to end our freedoms and force their world view on everyone who does not believe as they do (no it isn't a political party). Many also believe that the more we can become energy independent as it relates to the use of foreign oil, we are able to take away a large amount of the funding of the forces that are out to end our freedoms. I ask this question - In an age of record profits by oil and other business enterprises in this country, why isn't there a greater desire to embrace alternative fuel and power strategies?

WASHINGTON -- Executives of two big oil companies said they are lukewarm about trying to sell more E-85 fuel, due to storage and fuel-quality concerns, reported the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette .In letters to Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister said E-85 canÂ’t be used in most vehicles and has to be stored in its own tanks at gas stations. But he said Shell has a pilot program in Chicago and hopes to learn more about E-85.James Mulva, chairman of ConocoPhillips, was less enthusiastic, saying mileage is better with regular gas, and "there remains a number of E-85 fuel quality and regulatory concerns."

Read More At Convenience Store News

I am reminded of something I had heard recited at a Sunday sermon recently and it goes like this - The Tyranny of "OR" verses the Genius of "AND" - from "Built To Last", by Jim Collins. E-85 fuel mix and other proven hybrid attempts at automobile energy consumption in our country are classic examples of the "AND" paradigm.

Why aren't the leaders of ConocoPhilips and other oil companies taking a broader view as it relates to the positioning of their business efforts? - like say, instead of our effort being focused purely as an oil company ... we are now an energy company! Embrace the genius of AND. Not only would they still make profits ... they would be able to participate in protecting their customer base and the freedoms they posses.