I had never come across a person/journalist/writer/critic whom I agreed with on so many different levels until I started reading the powerful, articulate articles of Tom Friedman, the award-winning New York Times columnist.

Usually, I agree with some of what reporters have to say. That is until they make a sudden U-turn and veer off into some strange land. Maybe the majority of reporters do so to be sensational, or to attempt to make their editor happy. They could also just simply think that way.

But it’s different with Tom.

Maybe its because he delves into the minute details of a situation - writing with real knowledge - similar to that of a business-person. To me, it always feels like Tom knows his stuff, like he’s actually lived it, then decided to write about it. His ability to frame and explain issues, practical solutions and barriers in a clear, concise manner makes him a pleasure to read especially if you value pragmatism over ideology.

Although his work appears on the opinion pages, it’s rare that I read his opinion. Not to say that his opinion doesn’t bubble to the surface of his writing from time to time – it does but only when he is informed by real interviews and real facts.

In fact, of all his articles that I have read, the one that has left the most lasting impression on me was his April 15, 2007 article entitled, “The Power of Green,” in which he discusses how America can regain its international stature by taking the lead in alternative energy and environmentalism.

My favorite part of this piece is the paragraph in which Tom explains that “green” is not a hippie, flower child or tree-hugger thing. Instead, going “green” is absolutely necessary to steer us into a prosperous future.

Tom emphasizes that it is imperative for America to go “green” for three important reasons: a) to stop empowering terrorists and people who harbor them through oil; b) to launch and own the next driving force in innovation which is clean, non-oil-based and non-carbon emitting energy and c) because it’s the right thing to do not only for ourselves but for our planet and ultimately our future.

What Tom also understands is that their needs to be a clear and viable economic model to drive this innovation in clean energy…it wont just happen because it should happen. Tom understands that it will happen when there is an underlying economic model which provides value for the buyers and the sellers. Create the value and you’ll solve the problem. It’s a much better solution than just complaining about it.

To view Tom’s “Power of Green” article, please click here.