Steve Coll & Bill Thompson III

Exxon Mobil is one of the most powerful and influential multinational corporations. Their positions of global warming and alternative energy have directly influenced our presidents and congressmen and have been the basis for America’s energy policy. To get new oil reserves, Exxon Mobil has had to operate in politically dangerous countries like Equatorial Guinea, where there is little regard for human rights. How has this company continued to survive and prosper in the changing global political climate over the past few decades? Tonight on Inquiry we welcome author STEVE COLL, President of the New America Foundation, a non-partisan public policy institute. His new meticulously researched history should be read by anyone concerned about America’s energy policy: PRIVATE EMPIRE: EXXON MOBIL AND AMERICAN POWER.

Tonight Inquiry welcomes BILL THOMPSON III, Editor of Bird Watcher’s Digest and author of many books on birds. Joining him in the interview is his 16-year-old daughter PHOEBE THOMPSON. Phoebe is a cross country athlete, a die hard Pittsburgh Pirates Fan and chief consultant for Bill’s latest book THE YOUNG BIRDER’S GUIDE TO BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. This informative and always entertaining field guide is like no other and is geared for young people interested in learning birding. Tune in and find out what makes this guide so unique and how Phoebe helped her dad create this book.