"Joe American": Who is he?

[cantomagica2000]

He is Bill Frist...as in Senator Bill Frist. Google his name. Do some research before you decide it's a conspiracy. He's very much for the people!

[gotveggieoil]

I tried twice and my posts were deleted.

[fking51]

What the frick is this guy talking about? Where is his proof of who "Joe America" actually is? I would like to see this tool, and the rest of you tools try to live without oil and big corporations. Are you people really that stupid? Sorry, that was rhetorical, of course you are, you don't think, you only parrot... read "Intellectual Morons", it's a great book which might actually teach you something useful, of you can, perchance, read.

[mazzarinoberg]

It is nice that you make a video and propose that a bais exists in someone else's presentation, however, where is your statement of proof regarding your accusations? It is easy to attach an argument, but you must support such a proposition with facts of your own. Try again and maybe people will listen.

[DLock04]

I agree with you, I really do. I didn't make an argument; I simply called "Joe" out on a few things. He censors comments, responses, and advocates an agenda that would help oil companies in the short run. So I say he is a lobbyist, and I say that he's misleading people with viral YouTube videos, and it's your job to educate yourself.

[concretesamurai1975]

Wow! An oil lobbyist for alternative energy. That bastard! We should linch his ass right?

[mazzarinoberg]

Yes, we should also linch the video maker for not supporting is argument with facts.

[DivinePurgatorio]

This guy is wearing makeup, has pictures perfectly organized and placed on his desk. I as a Joe American don't wear makeup and make incompetent videos as can be seen at my page.

[br3wcitykid]

I'm not sure why people are attacking this guy. Who exactly do you think he is claiming to be? I agree with his plans and like he said,they aren't final. I just watched his immigration video and don't see how any American can disagree unless they are profiting from illegal immigration. Instead of trying to put this guy's suggestions down, why don't you give us yours. I'm willing to listen to any suggestions people have and I hope our presidential candidates are too.

[cay3377]

He is a lobbiest for the big oil companies?? That is about as dumb as Gores global warming propaganda. He wants our gas prices to come down!!If he was a for the oil companies he would want the prices to go up.Hello!?!? He also covers Obamas and McCains ideas on our energy crisis. Sounds win win to me. If we would follow his advice we would have no problems with energy. Dont you want lower gas prices? I know I sure do!

P.S. He also cover Gores supposed global warming problem!

[DLock04]

I know how you feel. I live in America and I pay $4 a gallon. I agree that something must be done. I disagree with McCain's plan for offshore and ANWR drilling because it's not the solution we need. It'll give people a false sense of resolution to the energy crisis and they'll go right back to buying SUVs. On top of that, it makes no guarantees of lowering oil prices. I'm also weary of Obama plan to sell off part of our SORs. US national security is at stake.

[cay3377]

That sounds about as dumb as Al Gores global warming propaganda. He wants your gas prices to come down!!! If he was for the oil companies he would want the gas prices to go up! Hello?? In the video he covers both Obamas and McCains concerns on our energy crisis. If we would follow his advice we would have no problems with energy. Dont you want lower gas prices I know I sure do?!?!

P.S. He also cover Gores supposed global warming problem!

[originaldylan]

fuck joe american.... a crazy neo-con

[nhw3030]

Joe American is clearly part of a viral marketing campaign. If you can't see that you really are naive.

[daweasle171]

I'm not sure who Joe american is, but he is a lobbist for big oil interests,,,,, Duhhhh strong words! Before YOU accuse bring your proof, otherwise be a good boy Mr. I-Power, and shut up.

[endtimer09]

NONE of my comments about the current "represenatives" are EVER posted there because they question the status Quo

[mre2u2]

He wants gasoline to be $1 a gallon and you say he's an oil lobbyist? Try again, son

[DLock04]

Ok.

He's a lobbyist for big oil. Hope that clears things up.

[Therealbarbiedoll]

I went to your site.....you don't have a clue. You're the one who is trying to deceive.

[DLock04]

It isn't my site. It's a new social network, currently made up of more than 8000 people from countries all over the world.

We don't all agree about this issue and I'm fine with that. If you feel I'm "deceptive" then make up your own mind. I'm fine with that. I'm encouraging an open discourse of the kind that I-Power allows. "Joe" does not. That is my indictment of him.

[Therealbarbiedoll]

You Suck. I vote for Joe American!

[socalmefletch]

DLOCK:

First of all, Germany was not the country that sought to pay reparations after the Great War. Therefore, Iraq is not likely to fly under that radar just because a tyrant similar to Hitler. I understand there is great reason to question Joe's extraordinary ability to articulate information in such a dynamic way. However, if you want to make your claim valid Mr. D, you better start pulling up some reports to back up that he is an actor or backed by a lobbying company for big oil.

[DLock04]

Thanks for watching the video.

I'm not sure what you mean by your first two sentences, though. I believe it's quite a step to make comparisons between WW2 and the Iraq War, or use those scenarios to determine present-day policy. History should, of course, be observed and taken into account, but what was at stake in the 1940s required a sort a policy-making that, I believe, would fail to address the issues we face in Iraq - in this case, our current energy crisis.

[MCBGolazo]

The first things to find out are:

1) Who is the guy on camera? I doubt anyone but a professional actor or newscaster could get out that much of speech that flawlessly.

2) Who produced it. If in fact it was done by a lobbying group, which one was it.

I'm very curious about the answer to both of these questions.

[DLock04]

We have some good leads on the answers to those questions. It was enough to convince me that it was important to bring a new perspective to the table and question his motives. And again, I think #3 would have to be:

Why doesn't he allow critical comments?

[SkyhawkFlyer]

Validate your accusations or withdraw them. Otherwise, you're no better than what you claim.

[DLock04]

Of course, try to post a critical comment on Joe American's video. See if it gets approved.

[SkyhawkFlyer]

That wasn't the point. This video's producer needs to revisit its own accusation. They want me to believe them but they provide no viable evidence any more than "Joe" does. In fact, his only claim is he's the typical American. This video is that of a supposed watch dog group who isn't providing any back up to the claims against this "Joe American." So, put up or shut up.

[DLock04]

Why tell anyone to "shut up?" For that matter, why should I have to "put up" with anything? Doesn't that just lead you back to the fundamental problem of the "silent majority," as "Joe" even says? The unfortunate American apathy?

My accusation against "Joe" is that he's lobbying for big oil, he's most likely being paid to do it, and his viral video is a polished work which doesn't allow critical comments.

My goal isn't to bring him down. I just want people to educate themselves.

[DLock04]

In any regard, I do appreciate your comments SkyhawkFlyer, as much as any critic.

If you want a good discourse about "Joe, American," please visit the top link I provided on the sidebar.

[JakiiRSM]

I am really annoyed.... Anyone who watched the Joe American video, I encourage you to ask him questions. You will find he does not post them. Read all the messages there. There is not one negative or anyone quizzing him. I am convinced he is a phoney. Where does he get that Iraq owes us??? They made no deal with us or asked us to invade their country. Oil companies are chomping at the bit to get their hands on their oil. He is very deceitful. He is not your friend! Remember wolves clothing!

[concerns]

Yes, the video is just the same old story, drill, drill, drill. Not the solution. Electric cars are an answer.

[mre2u2]

Agreed, and corn ethanol MUST be abolished. Wasting food is a grievous sin. There are better ways if we want to explore alcohol based fuels. Butynol made from cellulose, for example. Butynol has about the same power as gasoline, unlike ethanol, which is considerably weaker, and will harm many engines, and can be made from sawgrass.. which is currently just a weed

[frostiana1]

Jena11aR-I would be interested in hearing about your unpopular POV. I agree that we need to get off oil dependence, but I don't agree with Joe on many issues. I believe a priority needs to be to drastically reduce oil consumption no matter where we get it. Reduce and develop alternative energy. Also an unpopular POV. Yes well, that's life.

[Jena11aR]

I essentially disagreed with the invasion of Iraq, (I can't change it, so I work with it) and also talked about physical threats made against me for discussing it publicly, by my fellow Americans. Who under Bush's leadership also seem to think that the "with us or against us" approach is appropriate. I think that using our own reserves to stabilize while working on alternatives is a great middle ground. It's embarrassing that so few are willing to compromise...like children.

[specialks1953]

Thanks for the info. With all due respect to you sir, I don't give a big fat rats a** who he is or who he works for, he is correct in most of the points he brings up. If Hittler said chocolate taste good, it would not deminish the fact that chocolate taste good to a majority. I would not stop enjoying chocolate. I would not listen to you if you said stop eating chocolate because Hittler said it taste good. THANK GOD JOE AMERICAN KNOWS WE SHOULD USE OUR OWN OIL TO REDUCE FOREIGN DEPENDENCY.

[Veristic985]

Dude, you can't even spell Hitler.

[Greyhawke69]

LOL!

[Jena11aR]

Thank you for posting this. It is important to understand who is posting things and why, even if they make sense. I would really love to hear an alternate idea rather then simple criticism of the Joe American vid though. You are correct about his censoring comments....I didn't criticise his vid, but I did provide a politically unpopular POV. It is still unposted. I do believe that Joe is probably an actor. But fiction has throughout history been a motivator for real change. We need it.

[JfGalt]

He may be right but where is his information coming from for his accusations? Joe is right about holding the candidates more accountable and that we do have the energy within. What is THIS GUY's agenda, I wonder?

[DLock04]

This guy's agenda is to provide a counterpoint to "Joe." He might be able to censor comments, but he can't censor my video or the videos that have followed which criticize him. Joe is "right" about many "things," but this is actually a manipulative technique known as cognitive framing. You agree and agree until you start agreeing with things you would otherwise strongly oppose if presented openly and out of this framing context. I primarily take issue with his methods.

[OldAggie65]

I disagree Joe's assertion that oil inside the US (e.g. ANWR) is worth less than oil outside of the US (e.g. Saudi Arabia). It is actually worth much more! Undeveloped oil reserves in the US are effectively an extension our strategic oil reserves, and we must preserve them as long as possible. The 'Joe' clip actually supports our mistaken current political policy: "All of our energy problems can be solved without sacrifice". Let's save some resources for the future generations in the US!

[JakiiRSM]

Dlock04 Watching it the first time I admit I was impressed but after seeing it a few more times I am convinced he is a phony. I tried to post at his video and it didn't post. He is preaching for the oil companies, to open up our federal lands, and for the oil companies to gain control of the Iraq oil fields. He says nothing of tight regulations on speculators, who will buy up reserves and jack up prices. I too encourage people to really pay attention to what this guy is saying. Listen hard!

[frostiana1]

Joeamericanus may present himself better, but I think he is wrong in much of his thinking. Iraq does not owe us, and no matter how much oil we are able to generate here, our highest priorities should be reducing oil use, reducing our exploitation of resources here and everywhere, and development of alternative energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal).

[58gregory]

So, who are you, what do you stand for and what plan are you offering to try and improve the daily lives of 300 million normal americans?

You know, just because "joeamericanus" has thoughtful ideas and presents himself far better than you doesn't make him wrong.

[DLock04]

You're absolutely right. For just those reasons, I encouraged people to watch his video and educate themselves. I woke up one morning and made a crappy video about my feelings on Joe American. I don't expect it to become viral like "Joe," but I do feel like it was needed, especially since "Joe" has decided to censor comments. My argument is that I don't believe "Joe" is trying to improve our daily lives. His goal is, rather, to lobby for legislature that will help Big Oil in the long run.

[58gregory]

Thank you for your reply DLock04.

You know, what may help "Big Oil" does not necessarily have to hurt normal Americans. If more oil production nationally can reduce the price of fuel nationally I feel sure most of the 300 million Americans that we are discussing would be in favor of this. Also, more production nationally could mean thousands to tens of thousands of new jobs nationally. It doesn't help out us normal Americans to simply say "We'll show you Big Oil". That doesn't help anyone.

[DLock04]

There's a big "if" there.

Encouraging offshore drilling and the use of our oil reserves is not likely to reduce prices of fuel. First, it would apparently take a number of years just to get all of this drilling underway. Of course, that all depends on the source of the information, but many sources I've researched have agreed with this assessment. Secondly, making investments in the billions of dollars for more drilling would slow our engineering research for alternative fuels.

[earthspike]

You are right, non-approving replies are not getting posted on the Joe American video. Iraq owes the US nothing - it was a US decision to attack Iraq against international will, and as we all know, based on false information. As for US dependency on foreign "hostile" countries for oil, the biggest supplier is Canada, then after that Saudi Arabia, then Mexico. Suggesting that environmental impact elsewhere can be waved if Americans are suffering shows lack of concern for all humans and Earth.

[frostiana1]

I asked a straight-forward question. It's still pending approval.

[Norisconrad]

I was able to leave a comment for "Joe" I encourage everyone to do so.

[frostiana1]

It is my understanding that using "our own oil" is not going to alter the price of oil. In addition, we need to drastically reduce our oil use and that needs to be a priority. Furthermore, Iraq does not owe us "big time" for this war. To imply that they owe us for their "freedom" is bullshit in my opinion.

[SunshineBFine59]

Who cares that Joe American is working for a big American oil company - what he is saying is true - why are we not using our own oil? Why are we paying high prices for foreign oil? I believe that our government has many representatives that benefit financially from using other sources for our oil. Money is the core need of narcissists - many political reps. are narcissists. Don't mess with a narcissist's money source.

[Greyhawke69]

When I was in the US Army, we were briefed on our Strategic Oil Reserves. In effect, the plan with those reserves is to force the world at large to spend its supply as much as possible before spending our own. Near the end of the worldwide supplies, the nation with the largest supply would have the most monetary power over the rest of the world.

[prom9etheus]

Indeed, this guy doesn't seem to be an "average Joe." He's a bit too smooth. But...I couldn't care less if he's an oil lobbyist. In the end it is just some guy voicing a viewpoint, most of which is fairly practical.

The "big [private] oil companies" represent only 13 % of the world's oil companies (the rest being state owned). If people are so bent out of shape about the price of gasoline they should ask why they allow the state to confiscate over 40% in taxes on the product.

[Brandt1992]

Don't give him your phone number.

P.S. If you do. Kick. His. Behind.

[joeamericanus]

This IS Joe:

Send me your phone number so that we can talk. I am just a regular American, not tied to ANY special intrest including a political party. Not being committed to anyone's "party line" can be scary to some, but it allows you to think for yourself. Please disagree on facts rather than just emotion. From that comes discussion and progress....THAT is what our nation needs.

I hope this helps, and again please send me your phone number.

Thanks,

JOE, American

[DLock04]

Joe,

If you want to have a discussion about this, then please explain why you're censoring comments and encouraging viewers to email comments to YOU, where you could instead provide an avenue for people with differing viewpoints to share their own ideas. I take issue with many things you said in your video.

I don't see any reason why you should need to convince me privately of anything. I'm not interested in a phone conversation, I'm interested in an open discussion.

DLock04, American

[JakiiRSM]

Joe, If you are on the up and up, why do you block any critical comments to your video?? A lot of good facts have been bought up here, are you paying attention? I have left a couple comments and neither were posted.

[Zendog500]

YES , My coment on Joe American said the same thing, but was never published either!

[DLock04]

Running the US like a business is also not the answer. Comparing America's energy crisis to a small business with shipments in the back room is not accurate. We are a sovereign country with our people and our sustainability to take into account.

The US should not be run like a corporation with its citizens as customers...

[DLock04]

lol. I'm definitely not "enlightened" as far as all that. What I do know from research within the I-Ppwer community is that this guy is manipulating public opinion and it has to stop...

As far as hydrogen goes... they already have that technology available downpat. The catch is that hydrogen stations aren't widely accessible and so many other technologies are vying for national dominance. We have to rally around a new step forward. Fucking with our oil reserves isn't the answer.

[Greyhawke69]

The technology to assist our escape from oil dependancy has been around for a while.  The vested interests have fought it tooth and nail. Check out watch?v=9vD33UMAtBY

[frostiana1]

I meant energy independence, not indepedence. Sorry.

[frostiana1]

I think energy indepedence is a catch phrase everyone likes to use - doesn't really mean anything. Could mean indepedence from foreign oil. Alternatives will help, but probably not totally for some time. Hydrogen will not be available for a long time - I think oil companies know that. Maybe DLock04 could enlighten us further.

[UncleBedrockFred]

I listened to your video, and was almost believing you. But then, you said that this 'Joe American' was a hired lobbyist for 'big oil'. If that's the case, then why does 'Joe American' advocate 'energy independence' (from oil)? I heard Joe say alot about the development of 'alternative energy sources' - like hydrogen. If this guy is working for 'big oil', then they hired the wrong dude. His message will put 'big oil' out of business (by A.D. 2020)!!

[nealae1234]

What is your proof, and what is your agenda?

[awregar]

DLock04,

Excellent work. I've attempted posting a number of messages to Joe American's video, to no avail. Notice also that the rating system has been disabled. Why might that be? I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I'm beginning to suspect a collusion. Also: beware those who are posting to your video who may have connections with Joe. I'm speaking particularly about "fallolong."

[DLock04]

Thank you for being active in this investigation, guys. I would also like to know more about the guy. My argument in the video stands, however. Joe is doing an injustice to the "average American," in my opinion, by filtering comments and suggesting that Iraq "owes us," and engaging in "cognitive framing" while not giving people a chance to discuss the issue!

[frostiana1]

Ditto beetlebalm. If joe is a smart guy with some ideas to offer, why is he filtering questions and comments? I asked some rather straight questions, which were screened and not posted. I tried four times.

[fallolong]

I Know the guy. He's a neighbor. I didn't realize he made the video until a month later. He is a retired business man living in Arizona. Nothing to do with oil that I know of

He made the video in his home and did it without tele prompting. He is a sharp guy and he has some ideas to offer. That seems to be his only motive.

[beetlebalm]

Oh, at last. Someone who knows him. What town does he live in Arizona? Ehat business was he in? How did you learn he made the video in his home without teleprompting? What's his name? He looks to be about 45 years old -- how old was he when he retired? Why is he filtering comments? Why aren't video responses allowed? How did he learn about professional lighting and staging?

[WolfieRed1]

Fallolong, I think Joe's comments are solutions for a problem. I don't see any solutions posted here or any proof of anything from this guy in the video except negative negative. He seems young and rather naive. Joe get 1,000,000 and this guy gets 500. LOL Wolfie

[awregar]

Ditto everything, beetlebalm. Let's hear what fallolong has to say, if anything.

[frostiana1]

Beetlebaum - Can you explain the Jim Dobson tie? Is Dobson in favor or not in favor of the solutions presented by joe american?

[beetlebalm]

Thanks for asking the question frostiana1. It led me to go back and re-read a link that put James Dobson and "Joe America" together. Turns out it was a comment posted on the James Dobson website, not a comment BY James Dobson. My mistake.

[DLock04]

#2, that's a pretty galling argument. For the average Iraqi without basic security, access to quality healthcare or even reliable electricity, it's pretty bold to tell them that they need to thank us for giving them those things by taking a 40% cut in future oil revenues so that Americans can live marginally more comfortable lives. It also happens to be pretty much the argument that most 9/11 conspiracy theorists give when describing the rationale for the Iraq War...

[DLock04]

"Kimo":

The actual central message of the vid seems to be two-fold:

1) Open up more American land for oil exploration

2) Force Iraq to sign away oil purchasing rights to the US at far below market prices.

(1) You have to ask yourself where these oil reserves are located that for some reason we just haven't gotten around to tapping yet. "Joe" would probably give you a slick brochure detailing places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Federally protected wilderness and wetlands.

[DLock04]

"Kimo" from I-Power:

"Hmm... I would seriously suspect that if you investigated Joe American, you would find an oil company or interests that benefit from oil companies behind him... no joke. It's a funny approach cloaking the central message in a kind of broad populism that appeals alternately to liberals and conservatives, and seems to take stabs at the bad guys of the day, yet only talks about progressive policies like alternative energies in the broadest "we should do it" terms."

[DLock04]

Thanks for all the great comments! Sorry for the crappy video quality and everything... but you should really check out the blog on I-Power if you want to learn more about "cognitive framing" and mass media manipulation.

[beetlebalm]

Looks like there could be a close tie to the James Dobson "focus on the family" gang. He's clearly sitting in the lobby of a building (that's a sculpture next to him, and I can't imagine there are too many average Americans who can afford sculptures in their entry ways.)

[beetlebalm]

Oops -- I accidentally deleted a portion of my message above: The reason I think there is a link to the Dobson clan is that they are strongly directing people to go to the guy's website. The comment about where he is sitting is to make the point that he's clearly not in an average joe home, even though he's tried very hard to make it look "homey."

[jnelsonmdla]

You said absolutely nothing to discredit Joe American. You suggest he is a lobbyist for "big oil"; but provide nothing to support your concern.

[RobStaeger]

It's a 21st century version of those Harry and Louise ads. Slick, manipulative moneyed interests, pretending to be the average person.

[frostiana1]

It's quite interesting that if you post a pertinent question to "joe american", it comes up as pending approval. I notice "joe" is still circulating and that is too bad. I don't think it will be strong enough to really start a movement or make a difference, so I'm not too worried. Although I do worry that we will start hearing more really bad "solutions" such as his. Anyway, thanks for your post. At least someone is paying attention.

[DLock04]

Freedom of speech... still a beautiful thing. :P

[tedmug]

And why should we believe this unsubstantiated B.S from this kool-aid drinker? AS if he does not have his own Marxist agenda.

[frostiana2]

I wish you could be a little more definitive - I would like to forward your post to some of gullable friends.

[quizbo707]

Nice call... that Joe American vid stinks of oil interest propaganda parading itself as populism.

[beetlebalm]

I agree. I haven't been able to find anyone else who's researching this guy though. Anyone have an idea on how to follow the money on this one?