Of Strange Bedfellows and Credible Messengers
So what do big polluters like Alcoa, American Electric Power, Chrysler, Dow, Duke Energy, and Shell Oil have in common with green groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council and The Nature Conservancy?
We believe it’s time for Democrats and Republicans to unite behind bi-partisan, national energy and climate legislation that increases our security and limits emissions, as it preserves and creates jobs.
Click the link below to see to see the statement with your own eyes:
Environmental Advertisement in the Wall Street Journal
This environmental advertisement is compelling because it works two angles at once:
- The “Strange bedfellows” angle — Shell Oil and NRDC agree on something? I bet that got your attention.
- The “Credible messenger” angle. I come back to this point often, and I’ll do it again. Nature protection and pollution control organizations are NOT credible messengers on jobs and the economy. People like you should stick to family, health, clean water, and wildlife arguments. If there is an economic argument to be made, enlist some business allies to make it, like this example here. Don’t try to make it yourself!
The ad was orchestrated by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Good job, guys.




The credible messenger tip is a good reminder, and I plan to keep my eye out for strange bedfellows in our watershed. I love your work! I am trying to incorporate it more into our communications. Next step–faces on our website banner.