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The First Billion Is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Futurex$14.90
  (26 reviews)
Best Price: $26.95 $14.90
With a Plan for Reducing U.S. Oil Dependency
It’s never too late to top your personal best.
Now eighty years old, T. Boone Pickens is a legendary figure in the business world. Known as the “Oracle of Oil” because of his uncanny ability to predict the direction of fuel prices, he built Mesa Petroleum, one of the largest independent oil companies in the United States, from a $2,500 investment. In the 1980s, Pickens became a household name when he executed a series of unsolicited buyout bids for undervalued oil companies, in the process reinventing the notion of shareholders’ rights. Even his failures were successful in that they forced risk-averse managers to reconsider the way they did business.
When Pickens left Mesa at age sixty-eight after a spectacular downward spiral in the company’s profits, many counted him out. Indeed, what followed for him was a painful divorce, clinical depression, a temporary inability to predict the movement of energy prices, and the loss of 90 percent of his investing capital. But Pickens was far from out.
From that personal and professional nadir, Pickens staged one of the most impressive comebacks in the industry, turning his investment fund’s remaining $3 million into $8 billion in profit in just a few years. That made him, at age seventy-seven, the world’s second-highest-paid hedge fund manager. But he wasn’t done yet. Today, Pickens is making some of the world’s most colossal energy bets. If he has his way, most of America’s cars will eventually run on natural gas, and vast swaths of the nation’s prairie land will become places where wind can be harnessed for power generation. Currently no less bold than he was decades ago when he single-handedly transformed America’s oil industry, Pickens is staking billions on the conviction that he knows what’s coming. In this book, he spells out that future in detail, not only presenting a comprehensive plan for American energy independence but also providing a fascinating glimpse into key resources such as water—yet another area where he is putting billions on the line.
From a businessman who is extraordinarily humble yet is considered one of the world’s most visionary, The First Billion Is the Hardest is both a riveting account of a life spent pulling off improbable triumphs and a report back from the front of the global energy and natural-resource wars—of vital interest to anyone who has a stake in America’s future.
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Customer Reviews
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Good advice for America.
By A23US54A0OILE4 on 2008-09-03
Which is the better businessman? First the guy that starts with nothing, makes a bundle, never loses any of his money and therefore doesn't have to do it twice, or the person who makes a bundle, loses it, and then does it all over again? I won't try to argue either point. This may be one for the philosophers. Regardless, T. Boone Pickens falls into the latter group.
I've been familiar with Mr. Pickens for years. As a teacher of economics and marketing, I saw him mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Business Week, etc. Anyone studying manufacturing/energy knows his story. However, in The First Billion is the Hardest we're introduced not only to Mr. Boones back story, but his vision for the future, at least as that vision relates to energy. I, for one, think T. Boone Pickens is dead on target and absolutely correct when he says we can't drill our way out of the current crisis. We have to think our way out of it. We certainly got into the current mess by not thinking. Follow the "Booneisms" and you'll win every time.
The signs have been obvious for more than 30 years. America's energy policy has been short sighted to say the least. I do think that there is a reason for us to drill and explore new fields even though I understand that as far as "energy" is concerned we need to look to other solutions as Mr. Pickens points out. We mustn't forget that a barrel of crude oil isn't simply used for fuel. Yes, we get gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, diesel, etc. from crude oil. But a large percent of a barrel of crude oil (about 55%?) goes for other uses. Petroleum based products are used everywhere. You can't sign a check (ink and the plastic in the pen), put on underwear (elastic and synthetic fibers) eat a salad (chemical fertilizers), buy a pair of safety lens glasses, without giving a nod to OPEC. The fact of the matter is that even if no foreign oil went to energy uses we'd still be beholding to the Middle East. Our economy along with every other economy in the world relies on petroleum to create a huge spectrum of products.
Mr. Pickens' solutions for the energy situation we find ourselves in are absolutely part of the solution to those problems. However, we need to drill if we want anything approaching independence from our current petroleum masters.
Sorry for the editorial.
The First Billion is the Hardest is an entertaining read. It is easy to see why this dynamic, thoughtful, and insightful man has managed to survive the ups and downs of the American marketplace. He continues to be a leader at a time when most of his peers have retired to a rocking chair.
This is a must read for any American interested in solving the energy crisis.
No Senior Moments for This Gentleman !
By A2BPFPVOWCTKDJ on 2008-09-04
Having seen this gentleman on TV a lot in the last month or so, I was intrigued by his confident certainty that we could become energy independent quickly and easily. I kept wondering who in the world he was.
Reading his book, I now know that he is one of the most brilliant businessmen in our history. He has lived a jam-packed life full of business accomplishments, many of which have benefited all of us. At the age of 80, after much success and many personal heartaches, he's taking on our country's oil fiasco with a plan that I believe can work. Mr. Pickens' natural gas solution for cars seems like a brilliant way for us to become energy independent quickly, using our most abundant energy source.
I find this man to be one of the most inspiring and interesting Americans I have ever encountered. He has created success after success, and I trust the solutions he suggests for our country. This is an amazing book written by an inspiring American, whose life among other things, clearly demonstrates that chronological age is irrelevant.
Interesting read and a whole lot of gas and air (sorry, wind)....without the swift boating
By A2QKCOX5ACRHC5 on 2008-09-07
The subtitle of the book is a good indication as to why this book reads like a disjointed two mini-books that were patched together. However hard the author tries, the connections his narration attempts in connecting his rise (and fall and rise) to fame to his thoughts on energy plans comes across as forced, at best.
In the "reflections" theme, Pickens narrates in a very avuncular manner, the main events in his clearly illustrious oil&gas career...right from his Mesa days to his BP capital and Clean Energy Fuels (a stock which has been enjoying very robust performance in the past few weeks - coincidence or not). The events related to his mergers/acquisitions make a very interesting read, showing glimpses of a wide variety of characters in the form of CEOs, investment bankers, etc. Overall, this discussion is captivating and provides the reader with an interesting picture on the (relatively) earlier fragmented nature of the industry, thoughts on how companies should be valued (audited reserves), and even some actual trades he'd made. Pickens uses "Boonerisms" as a tagline to change topics or for chapters, and most are quite interesting and apt though sounding banal. There is a chapter on his 'management style' and thoughts on teams which is also a good read. One also gets a ringside view of the key people who are actually executing the strategies at his fund - so, a good clue on succession plans, perhaps.
The thread on energy plan is surprisingly a small section of the book (his website and recent TV ads have more details) and makes the well-known issues of US dependence on foreign oil, peak oil, need for alternative sources, etc. Even a casual observer of this field may not find any of the facts or hypotheses laid out new. The mixing of "oil and water" issues is a distraction to the main theme and given his investments in the field, very self-serving.
Republican energy wonks may actually be disappointed to see Pickens' list of myths on page 2 - on drilling in ANWAR, role of ethanol ("whoever sold this to Bush is an excellent salesman", he explains in a later chapter). Democrats' arguments on "Big Oil manipulating prices" also gets its myth status. For a lead funder of the (in)famous Swift Boat attacks on Kerry, Pickens come across as an equal-opportunity myth deflator. That is welcome. Perhaps thats the only redeeming quality of his energy plan - a sense of sanity, but not a whole lot of details. He does, however, put his money where his mouth is. Any reader interested in this field should keep a keen eye on position changes of the fund (using tickerspy.com, stockpickr.com, etc.).
Overall, an interesting read, but don't expect to develop dramatically new insights on the energy problem. His "reflections" do provide some interesting and worthwhile nuggets. One wishes if Pickens articulation of his energy plan and his reflections were treated separately - but then, he is not a person of patience but of action, and it shows in the book.
Heavy on the Biography. Light on "America's Energy Future".
By A30HT9ASYLB9A5 on 2008-11-25
The title, "The First Billion is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future", is misleading.
"The First Billion is the Hardest" suggests a discussion of making money, but it doesn't build upon this theme at all.
If you're looking for a detailed biography of Pickens' oil career, this is your book. All but one chapter are dedicated to the high-risk career T. Boone Pickens has lived - with all of the triumph and agony that came with it.
If you're looking for details on America's energy future or the Pickens Plan, this is not your book. You're better off going to his website www.pickensplan.com. Only one chapter mentions this.
Yet another misleading feature are his "Booneisms". These are inserted throughout the book like Donald Trump with his leading lines, except Trump's are actual tidbits of great information or motivation. You could flip through Trump's books reading only his quotes and really come away with something. Boone's, on the other hand, are meaningless. Booneism #19, for example, is "We're catching 'em faster than we can string 'em". It may be a Texan saying or something, but doesn't stand on its own as anything worthy of highlighting.
In summary, the book offers a mildly interesting read but certainly no take-aways on business, billions, oil, and very very little on "America's Energy Future". I commend the man for taking a high-risk leap into wind power but, again, it's better stated on his website than in his book.
Don't Be Fooled By Pickens. You Better Educate Yourself.
By A1Y65QFUH5HMPB on 2008-09-02
Don't be fooled by Pickens. First, throughout his career he has been seen as very controversial and many would view him as reckless. He only made his first real money by making an easy call -- investing in the Canadian oil sands and collecting extortionist fees that hedge funds allow. Understand that Pickens is on a massive PR campaign to sell Americans this wind power idea. He wants taxpayers to subsidize wind power that is so useless it will need natural gas and most likely nuclear power, not to mention an entirely new power grid. That is why he released this book which was most likely ghost-written.
Now as for his wind energy plan, I SUGGEST YOU ALL DO SOME RESEACCH. WHEN YOU DO YOU WILL SEE IT'S A SCAM. WHAT HE REALLY WANTS TO DO IS USE THIS WIND BS AS A WAY TO MAKE BILLIONS SELLING WATER TO NORTH TEXAS.
You can start by checking these links.
[...]
Search on Google and you will see what his plan is all about.
Face the facts. Wind power is a joke compared to most alternatives. Solar power should be the real focus of America.
As far as Warren Buffett endorsing this book, Warren you are a sell-out and I must conclude you are a dishonest crook. Maybe that is why you are friends with Bill Gates, King Crook of the world.
Of course, most Americans are too ignorant to realize what is going on.
As long as the public buys these empty books they will be written. Publishers know Americans are more interested in buying a book if the person is well-known, even if the book is a rehash of what other less known authors have written about.
Do yourself a favor and turn off the TV. The media is filled with lies and liars, all who stand to make money from fooling you. The worst is CNBC and FOX.
- Motivating Story. You May Be Down But You're Never Out
By A220E00L7M2R0C on 2008-09-03
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R21MLQVOJGPV9P Don't Like to Read, Then Don't, Listen!: How to Turn Any Type of Text Into Audio Files That Can Be Read to You! (isbn 1438252455)
- Don't Bet Against T. Boone Pickens
By A2BZ4JIYAIQRTX on 2008-09-15
Even if one thinks T. Boone Pickens is an egocentric, out-spoken, pompous Billionaire, who thinks that he is the only one with a Plan (and by the way, he would probably agree with your critical thought), it is hard to argue with his message - an Energy Plan for America is critical and needed now. Pickens, who is more competitive than Lombardi, not only hates to lose, but refuses to lose.
His unmatched, nearly 60 years, of experience in the energy business, earns him real credibility. His plan, if closely followed, creates leadership that we are desperately missing.. To make the book more readable he inserts about 30 Texas-influenced `Booneisms' such as #27: "If you want to run with the big dogs, you first must get out from under the porch."
I picked up this book with an interest on Sustainability and a Green Initiatives - and I got much more. This book clarifies what his recent TV ads hinted at. It offers a plan that focuses on all domestic resources: Coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar and even oil. And yes, it reflects an entrepreneurial/business approach.
Overall, there are 11 chapters of his personal insights into Energy and one chapter on `An Energy Plan for America' - by far the most important chapter. Read this book and you will want to co-invest side-by-side with Pickens...not bet against him.
- Love the Man Hate the Book
By A2FBPS1P12N24T on 2008-10-31
I've been a huge fan of Boone Pickens since the early 80s when he unlocked shareholder value at Gulf Oil and other sleepily managed oil companies. I even bought shares in Mesa Petroleum and I've mentored someone who works closely with him.
But, Lordy! He loves himself just a little too much.
This slim book is written in first person as though into a tape recorder with scant evidence of any editing. It's a quick read and after a couple of chapters you are already past his Mesa days. It dwells instead on his BP (as in Boone not British Petroleum) days. It also is full of wind and gas on his Pickens energy plan.
Frankly, I don't need to read a commercial on his energy plan, but I'll grant him a pass on that. It's the overall tone of the book that gets to me. There's way too much tooting of his own horn. I have to wonder if he was a middle child or something like that happened to starve him of attention.
It certainly is a quick read and you could polish it off on a longish plane flight. Still, it pales by comparison with the much longer but brilliantly written and insightful "The Snowball" on Warren Buffett.
- More of the same
By A1VM90C2L6B8H on 2008-09-11
I don't get it. Boone Pickens may be a great businessman (or is that bidnessman?). But as a writer (this is his second or third book, I can't remember which), he comes across as self-serving and more than a little greedy. It probably shouldn't be a surprise that there's a rave from Carl Icahn on the back cover; they're fellow greenmailers and corporate raiders. Boone may have some good ideas about energy, but he can't resist burying them in phony-folksy aphorisms and a highly fictionalized version of his life story.
You just get the feeling when you read the book that Pickens is first and foremost interested in Pickens, and any benefit the rest of us may accrue is purely coincidental.
Well, he does give a lot of cash money to Oklahoma State University, so maybe he can get into heaven that way.
But if you want to learn about energy solutions that aren't so closely tied to lining some entrepreneur's pocketbook, look elsewhere.
By the way, has Boone done business (sorry, bidness) with those overfriendly folks at the Dept. of the Interior?
- T. Boone Pickens: An American Hero
By A350RIB8MGHII4 on 2008-09-19
While I have worked for big business as a mere advertising salesperson for The Wall Street Journal, and I have read The Journal's take on various business moguls, none of them compare to the risk taking, and as he puts it in his own words, the "blood, guts and feathers" of T. Boone Pickens. His no-nonsense attitude about risk, business, and oil and use of our resources for future energy products makes him a hero in my books as he has discerned alternative uses of energy for fuel to save our country's wealth from being transferred to nations across the world. The cost to America's future without a divine plan for energy use and our ever increasing dependency on foreign oil makes our country more vulnerable now and in the future. I loved his commericals for the use of wind power across our prairies on cable tv, and I enjoyed reading about his plans for use of water and wind for the future. Mr. Pickens is an humble man who made a fortune and lost a fortune, and made it back again. He has the salt that each of us as Americans need to reclaim for ourselves to live in the personal power of our freedom to leave this place a better world for our posterity and to make it better for ourselves. His philanthropy is touching. The ways he used his money to perpetuate the helping others is brilliant. I am proud to have had the opportunity for these few hours of sitting and reading over his shoulder, his own reflections of his own career pats and his view of Americans' energy in the future. Thank you, Mr. Pickens, for taking the time at 79 year of age to gift us with your plans in writing this book. Judy Laughton Lilley, M.A., LPC, judylaughtonlilley@gmail.com
- Learning from a legend
By A3IBLUO30DEJ0I on 2008-09-26
T. Boone Picken's illustrious career of rises and falls makes for fascinating reading. The insights from a man who has seen it all and earned the title "the oracle of oil" turns into results in valuable lessons for anyone who wants to read them, even if you aren't going to manage a hedge fund anytime soon.
Another book I bumped into this week and devoured because it's a fascinating exploration of the skills that lead to business success is The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book
- The first billion is the hardest
By A3R2O9PCFW2N20 on 2008-10-06
This book was reasonably written but was more of an autobiography than a how to book.
- The First Billion
By A24505CR98NLLV on 2008-09-30
The author provides some very important pearls of wisdom on the subject of making big money. First, big deals take time to reach fruition. In addition, decision makers can not get bogged down in "analysis paralysis". At some point, action is required. Leaders need to obtain top people in the critical aspects of business operations.
The book introduces some very important facts about energy. For instance, 75% of oil is in the hands of state-owned industries. Sasol is a good South African prospect for producing liquified fuel from coal. Another good investment is Suncor which is the largest Canadian oil sands company.
Occasionally, oil is unavailable in the Gulf of Mexico due to the tremendous storm activity and the need to repair the oil drilling equipment.
A goal of the author is to replace 36% of gasoline demand with natural gas to reduce our foreign oil bills by 16% per year. There are some interesting stories about corporate takeover attempts like Unocal. Ultimately, the company spent millions to fight a hostile takeover bid. In some situations, a 13D form must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission when the acquisition involves over 5% of the company stock. i.e. the Vintage Petro example
The book depicts a number of family and professional pictures of T. Boone Pickens . Overall, the volume is a good value for readers interested in corporate deal-making case studies, as well as the intricacies of the oil and alternative energy market.
- An inspiring read
By AMA3GZPIYAVZV on 2008-10-07
It's very rare to read a book in 3 days, especially if you're talking shop. This book is one of them. I can subdivide this book into 3 parts:
Part 1: The first few chapters are a riveting tale of determination and success, where Boone recounts his autobiography. In my opinion this is the best part of the book. I read it in almost a day.
Part 2: Where Boone goes on and on about his philanthropy and football team. This is not an interesting part at all, although I believe the guy earned the right to gloat a little, so I'll accept it.
Part 3: Although not a very thorough plan and I question the motives behind it, it gives great insight into the Energy market economics.
All in all, If you're into investment and/or inspirational tales, this in my opinion is a must read. You can skip the few chapters of (gloating, football and philanthropy though and you wouldn't be missing a lot).
- The First Billion is the Hardest
By A2VNZG5D6M201N on 2008-10-07
Great story about a true American business icon. One who still is working and a living legend in the business and philanthropic scene. Comprehensive view of his life, his comebacks, his views, etc. The "Boonisms" are priceless.
- An Eye Opener
By A29AEKRVRV9XUH on 2008-10-12
A peek into the world (and life) of T. Boone Pickens.
A fascinating review of his life, his struggles and his successes.
Gifted with boundless energy and determination and surrounded by driven partners,his story is a pleasure to read. Most impressive is his generosity and willingness to help others. A positive, kind person.
- Pickens Tells a Good Story with Actionable Insight
By A3M2OCGRL1TG87 on 2008-10-13
This book was really interesting because of both the past and present situation we find ourselves in terms of economic crisis. Mr. Pickens does a wonderful job of sharing his story and his professional career with the reader. Inspiring. Also loved "Running with the Rhinos" by Christian Warren, very similar leadership focused book. Running with the Rhinos: Courageous Leadership for a Complex World
- Excellent Book
By A3NESBLPHF8QMH on 2008-10-15
Excellent book. Well written and easy reading. It is very timely for what America is facing currently. T. Boone has some interesting insights into running a business that apply to both large and small companies. Well worth reading.
- Nice Read
By A3LSC7HI1CBSCG on 2008-10-23
Nice book to read. The author is a man of experience which make most of his advices very useful. Albeit nothing really impressive about how he made his fortune, he is still a philanthropist who made a comeback at a late age which cannot be ignored. The book is clearly written and easy to read. However, the reader should have a special interest in energy and speculation in order to enjoy it.
- Important book for our country's future--read it now, join the "Pickens Plan," and write to your representative
By A2TWCZ8PPPCG2D on 2008-10-25
As someone who generally follows the motto, "the government that governs best, governs least"...I recant! Boone Pickens describes in this book why it is critical for the government to help establish new energy transmission corridors in the US to allow new wind and solar energy generating sources to flourish. We also need to convert our engines to burn natural gas--a domestic resource we can use to help replace our need for crude oil. I agree with him!
The chief lesson here is that the world of cheap oil is over. Don't believe Pickens? Then read Matthew Simmons book "Twighlight in the Desert" about the maturing Saudi Oil fields. Forget the recent drop in oil prices...high oil is here to stay over the long term...and as the Chinese and Indian economies flourish in the next decade or so, look out!!!
The US must prepare now to get off its addiction to oil, and Picken's got a great plan. No doubt, he stands to make a lot of money if his plan is enacted, but no doubt, I'd rather the money go to him than to a lot of the folks currently making money off my gas guzzling Camry. Join the "Picken's Plan"--see his web site--this is a true once in a lifetime grass roots movement that may make a big difference to the future of the US. Go Pickens!
- Good Read
By A2THJREX26ZSNL on 2008-10-30
This book was both an easy and fast read. Plain speaking conversational writing style. Provides a nice introductory overview of who T. Boone Pickens is, where he came from, what shaped him, his business experiences, and ends with the promotion, explanation, and justification of his Energy Plan. Being an autobiography, in addition to the expected successes, I was surprise to see that he freely admitted some of his bigger mistakes. You may, or may not like the man, but book is definitely worth the read if you are interested in finding out about the man, and his energy plan. After reading his book, I am even more committed in supporting his energy plan.
- T. Boone Pickens's sheds light on how he made it and how he's giving it away
By A2KYIOQQE4BYJL on 2008-11-03
T. Boone Pickens began at age 11 delivering papers, mowing lawns and pumping gas in Oklahoma to becoming chairman of the BP Capital Management hedge fund. He invested a mere $2,500 into Mesa Petroleum and built it into one of the largest independent oil companies in America and then overcame a time of personal difficulties by taking an investment fund of $3 million and turning it into $8 billion in just a few years. That's why
I picked up a copy of Boone's book The First Billion is the Hardest and read it from cover to cover with close attention and fascination.
In his book, Pickens presents his plan for America to become energy independent as well as detailing his life of improbable triumphs. The book provides an inside view of his oil and gas career, of mergers and acquisitions, of his dealings with CEOs and investment bankers, and on his personal management style.
On energy, Pickens makes the argument that the U.S. cannot drill its way out of our current crisis but must think our way out. In discussing energy solutions, Pickens stresses that crude oil is not used only for gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel but for other important petroleum products such as plastic, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, ink and many more products. For that reason, even if no foreign oil went to energy uses we'd still be beholden to the Middle East. Pickens wants to replace at least a third of gasoline demand with natural gas to reduce our foreign oil bills by 16 percent annually.
The book contains 11 chapters on the author's personal insights and experiences, including his insights on energy, and one chapter on his energy plan. While some readers may scoff at the author's folksy personality and "Bonneisms" the fact is that T. Boone Pickens has 60 years experience in the energy field - experience that gives him credibility and suggests we should listen closely when he speaks.
The book also provides an interesting peak into how Pickens spends his money - a philanthropic approach to use his money to perpetuate helping others. In fact, the author shares his intent to give away all of his money and how he will do it. But before he could give away as much he has, Pickens first had to earn his fortune and The First Billion is the Hardest is a fascinating and compelling story of how that was done.
By Darin Manis
CEO and Founder
RJ & Makay
[...]
- Worth a look at T. Boone
By A3LN3DOFENMT8A on 2008-11-16
I decided to take a look at this book after I heard how much he lost recently in the market. I decided to buy the book because it's pitched as a life filled with challenges and comebacks, which I think is what most entrepreneurs and investors faced. T. Boone Pickens did not disappoint. He takes us along on a fascinating journey, filled with obstacles and triumphs. I learned a lot and was thoroughly entertained.
I also noticed a review here for The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book and decided to buy that book as well. I really enjoyed it and would like to pass that recommendation on to you!
- A Good Quick Read, one part inspiration and one good plan
By A39KS438IBRU6E on 2008-11-17
As of this writing, Boone has probably lost a billion since the oil/gas markets have crashed and his BP Capital hedge fund has dropped some 60% this year. This is a man who bets big, levers up and generates spectacular results when he's right and awful results when wrong. However, the fact that he's lost so much this year shouldn't be a reason to gloat or a reason to dismiss this book.
His is an inspirational story in that his most dramatic success and probably his most daring plans have come at an age where most people are content retiring and sliding downhill. His description of physical exercise as crucial to his spirit, energy and mental health should inspire seniors that it's never too late to go for it.
The reviewers who criticze his ego are off the mark in my opinion. He is constantly crediting others with helping him be successful, but in the end, if an 80 year old man can still accomplish what he has in the past decade, that man has the right to boast a bit in my book even I don't see much of that here anyway.
Finally, perhaps the most important part of the book is the end where he presents the Pickens Plan. Many have criticized the plan as self-serving or pure self-enrichment. While there may be some truth to it, I feel the benefits of adopting the plan far outweigh the negatives and if an octogenarian who is extremely philanthropic benefits in the process, so what! He admits in the book that he likely won't be around when his plan would yield real economic benefits for him, but the benefits to the country in terms of diminishing our dependence on oil purchased from countries that do their best to undermine us every chance they get will last far into the future. Boone will be long gone by then, but what a legacy he would leave the country. Is your envy so all consuming that you'd rather see the country bankrupted than seeing a man make another billion or so which will probably all go to charity?
I for one hope that Boone lives to see his plan adopted in full.
- the truth behind gas prices
By A3CH1JM4FKE02K on 2008-11-22
A great book! T. Boone Pickens is a true Patriot. One who loves this country and mankind before the love of money. I enjoyed knowing more about the man and his direction for America's energy future; even though I did not agree with everything he says. For example, as the author of The Truth Behind Gas Prices, a former gas dealer and someone who has studied this industry for 12 years, I believe oil companies are manipulating supply to raise prices. Nevertheless, this book and his life is an inspiration to me.
Richard Clough
www.thetruthbehindgasprices.com
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