>What's stopping someone like Bill Gates, Donald Trump (if he is all that) or Ted Turner (as goofy as he is) to finance the research and speed up the process?
>It doesn't have to an American. There are multi-billionairs all around the world who have nothing do with the auto industry or GWB. Do they know something we don't?

No. Even I know that regardless of how much money you may have, it's not wise to fight the big oil.