By MICHAEL GORMLEY
Associated Press Writer
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Former New York Gov. George Pataki is
joining a Cold War foundation to push national policy to end
America's dependence on oil producers unfriendly to the United
States.
The new direction for the American Security Council Foundation
based in Washington will issue white papers and push business
executives, opinion leaders and the public through media campaigns
to boost America's energy independence protected by military might.
Pataki said projects could include pushing for a transmission
systems that could better take advantage of solar panel farms in
the Southwest and wind farms in Plains.
He said the need for energy independence and military strength
is as immediate as last week's front page headlines about Russian
warships sailing into port in Venezuela as a show of strength to
counter U.S. influence in Latin America. It was Russia's first such
deployment in the Caribbean since the Cold War.
Venezuelan President "Hugo Chavez has been made to become the
21st century Castro, only with petro-dollars," Pataki told The
Associated Press.
"He's a nightmare, not just for the United States' interest.
He's become a nightmare for democratic forces throughout Latin
America," Pataki said. "And he's being funded by us."
The foundation founded 50 years ago had its greatest influence
during President Reagan's two terms and with the first Bush
administration, during which the Berlin Wall was toppled. Now it
seeks a new focus for its "peace through strength" mission.
Part of that will be Pataki's job. He will work with the board
of retired generals to revive the foundation to restore its public
voice and to try to provide input to the incoming Obama
administration. Pataki, as it's unpaid co-chairman, will be
involved in the reorganization that will include revising the
investments by which the foundation is funded. For example, IRS
records show the foundation has held investments in Chevron and
Exxon Mobil.
"Our country is facing critical economic and security
challenges and the American Security Council Foundation is
dedicated to ensuring that America remains strong," said the
foundation's chairman, retired Army Brig. Gen. Donald B. Smith.
"We are proud to enlist the efforts of Governor Pataki who
provided critical leadership both in the aftermath of the terrorist
attack of Sept. 11, 2001, and as an innovator on energy policy."
Pataki, 63, was seen as a possible presidential candidate in
2000 and 2008. He is also in private practice in the Manhattan law
firm of Chadbourne & Parke. He left Albany in 2006 after his third
term as governor.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)