'Terror-free' petrol
Demented Hamsters
03-02-2007, 06:15
A "terror-free" petrol station has opened in the US city of Omaha.
The Terror-Free Oil Initiative (TFO), which runs the outlet, says none of its fuel comes from countries which it believes are supporting terrorism.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6325319.stm
While it's a noble idea, I can't help but feel it's more a cynical attempt to exploit American's over-developed sense of patriotism. Especially considering their logo, "combines the twin towers, the Pentagon and the United 93 designation of the fourth 9/11 plane".
http://www.terrorfreeoil.org/images/logo/TFOI_120.gif
As for not buying from countries which support terrorism - Best not buy from buy from any country which has supported South/Middle American death squads, brutal dictators or abducts people in other countries and then flies them to secret locations where they're tortured.
There is one of those near where I live. I have mxed feelings, though I presently do not drive.
The Jade Star
03-02-2007, 06:31
This isnt nearly as bad as those horrible coins with the pop-up World Trade Centers.
It's a good idea, but in reality only about 15% of the oil the US imports comes from nations that are actively involved in supporting groups like Al-Qaeda. Most of it comes from places like Canada, Mexico, Nigeria and Venezuela; the last two aren't exactly the best places in the world to buy oil from, but they're not state sponsors of terrorism like Saudi Arabia or Iran. In fact, a good chunk of our oil is produced domestically to begin with. We would benefit far more if we focused on cutting oil demand rather than continuing to import it from anywhere.
I'm far more concerned about oil as a major contributor to global warming and economic exploitation in the Third World than I am about its role in funding terrorism. I mean, if we really wanted to get in to it oil could be used to defeat terror far more easily than it could to promote it.
However, I don't own a car now and I plan on getting a Prius as soon as I can afford it.
Boonytopia
03-02-2007, 06:41
Interesting idea, but I'm pretty skeptical.
The Lone Alliance
03-02-2007, 06:45
A company run by a bunch of insane Rightwingers. Sigh.
Look up "Terror Free Oil" on youtube. They have their own section.
Monkeypimp
03-02-2007, 07:31
As for not buying from countries which support terrorism - Best not buy from buy from any country which has supported South/Middle American death squads, brutal dictators or abducts people in other countries and then flies them to secret locations where they're tortured.
No petrol for any of us.
Kinda Sensible people
03-02-2007, 07:42
I certainly support the idea, although the marketing narks me. See, I don't like being held hostage at gas-nozzle-point and told to give money to Post-Soviet Middle East kleptocracies and Latin American Communist Dictatorships.
Ideologically, I oppose them. I oppse the funding of Al-Quada through blood diamonds and oil. I oppose them because they increase the risk of my being harmed because of their polically destabalizing force on the world. This should not be a right wing thing; this should be something that the left gets behind firmly (although, really, do away with the silly posturing, IMO).
Obviously, the development of a proper Nuclear Waste reprocessing technology, and short-term storage for the remaining waste, alongside better electric cars is a better step, but that would require that someone stop being stupid and stubborn.
Hm, I did an assignment on this in my econ class today.
I don't really see this working. Most of the people that buy gas from them, probably aren't doing it to get "terror-free" gas. The car needs a fill up, its on the way home, and its cheaper then the place accross the street. Plus quite a few oil companies tend to mix oils from different regions.