…when you pry the steering wheel from my cold, dead hands.
On the heels of the news that SUVs are getting even safer comes the story of John ‘Silky’ Edwards, boy agitator.
While speaking to members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Lake Buena Vista, Florida yesterday, John said he would ask for our trucks.
“I think Americans are actually willing to sacrifice.”
“One of the things they should be asked to do is drive more fuel efficient vehicles.”
The former North Carolina senator was asked specifically if he would tell them to give up their SUVs, he said, “Yes.”
Yes, Americans are willing to sacrifice. But what kind of sacrifice is he talking about?? If he is referring to a fuel shortage, let’s open up drilling of the massive reserves in Alaska. [I just heard greenies gasping from 1,000 miles away... my response: walk.]
He also scored a standing ovation for this:
…he said weapons and equipment used by America’s military needs to be made in the United States. He says tanks and ammunition for M16 rifles are being made in other countries.
Heck, I would have clapped my hands for that.
Wherever Silky goes he is asked THE Question:
Edwards was asked during his appearance how he explained the contradiction of asking Americans to sacrifice while he’s living in a 28,000-square-foot (2,600-square-meter) mansion.
He said he came from nothing, worked hard all his life, has always supported workers and fought big corporations as a lawyer.
So… everyday people like me aren’t supposed to drive SUVs… but if I had lots of money and hated corporate America… then private jets and suburbans would be just fine? If HE can afford the fuel and I can afford the fuel, then where’s the problem?? And just where IS the personal wealth cut-off? You know, in case I win the lottery…
Hat tip to George at Babalu Blog
Cynics suspect that with John Edwards’s trial lawyer buddies having milked dry the Ford Explorer-Firestone Tire mess, the next litigation frontier is greatly enhanced by moving Americans into smaller, less crashworthy vehicles (smaller cars will produce more serious injuries, which will then mean more litigation and bigger contingency fees for the ambulance-chasing set).
Certainly John Edwards can “ask” “U.S. Americans” anything he wants. Just as Speedzzter can “ask” the hypocritical Edwards family to give up their energy-guzzling 28,000+ square foot mansion, their travel on private jets and their other energy uses. . . .
As long as all of this “asking” is polite and voluntary, who cares? We ought to be strong enough to argue our differences reasonably and with common courtesy. The problems are when “ask” is code for the heavy hand of government intruding on our vehicular choices, or when the asking becomes de facto arm-twisting by a ranting mob. (Just ask LEIGHTON HASELGROVE of Doney Park, Arizona about the anti-SUV “mob.”