The White House apologized for recommending fuel-efficient cars because none of them were made by American manufacturers.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070920/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/fuel_economy_apology;_ylt=AtVgUlK1UdmQ_dexrlmsTXsjzKIX
Even if you go to www.fueleconomy.gov, the government lists the most fuel efficient cars by class and except for one, they are all foreign.
Why would the White House play politics with the truth? Why don't they just call out Detroit for making crap cars?
2007-09-24 05:56:36 · 10 answers · asked by ? 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Harryd, it's a Toyota though. Not an American brand.
2007-09-24 06:06:56 · update #1
Alpha Male, you are correct. I was being a bit strong with that statement about crap cars. But in the context of fuel-efficiency, the White House should not given Detroit a pass on fuel-efficiency when that was the key point of the memo.
2007-09-24 06:09:20 · update #2
Tangerine, what incentives did they give to the foreign companies to make fuel-efficient cars? Besides, they do have some incentives.
2007-09-24 06:11:52 · update #3
Because someone would twist it into them saying to buy foreign cars instead of American....like we didn't know that already...I will never buy anything but a Honda or Toyota...American cars are crap
2007-09-24 06:03:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When Ralph Nader wrote "Unsafe at Any Speed," people actually paid attention and things got done. There are seatbelts in American cars because of him.
His being President just isn't going to happen. But I hope whoever the next Prez is appoints him to a meaningful position where he can help us move ahead.
In 1972, I bought a car that got 40 miles to the gallon. Unfortunately, it was not an American car. But... that company has now established plants in this country and hires American workers. I had one experience with an American company car after that. I'll never buy anything but Nissan ever again.
My 1998 Nissan Altima averages 33 miles to the gallon with mixed driving. It does better on freeway-only. I have nearly a quarter of a million miles on it. And it's gone through periods when I neglected its maintenance. It's an unbelievably tough littler critter, and I will take good care of it and keep it going as long as I can.
If I do need to replace it, I feel comfortable that buying another Nissan, made in America, will support the American economy. If they were still building only in Japan, I probably would dive in and buy American. But I'd be very selective.
The White House apologizing for telling the truth when it slipped out? Not all that amazing. If it "offended" Americans working for American companies, they should speak out to their employers about American fuel efficiency. Being aware of a problem and remaining enmired in it is hardly helpful.
2007-09-24 13:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This IS a political issue. The white house endorsing a particular product, particularly a foreign product, over another is inappropriate. Why don't they see which companies make sweaters with less energy or endorse other "green" companies. It is simply inappropriate for the white house to get involved in marketing in this manner.
As for American cars being crap, you need to take a new look at them. Americans are making some of the best cars in the world today.
2007-09-24 13:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps they should give American car companies incentives to make more fuel-efficient cars.
2007-09-24 13:00:05 · answer #4 · answered by tangerine 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The biggest selling fuel effecient car, the Prius, is built in America by americans.
2007-09-24 13:01:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fuel Efficiency does not necessarily equate to "non-crap cars."
Just as lower fuel efficiency does not equate to "crap cars."
I, for one, could give a rats behind about fuel efficient cars. To me, they are over priced go karts with absolutely no style.
To you, they may be amazing works of technological engineering.
Perception my friend, that's what it's all about.
Edit,
Now that I can agree with.
2007-09-24 13:03:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its amazing how American companies whine about govt. standards and spend millions to lobby congress against them, while foreign companies just enact them on their models and get all the business in the meantime.
2007-09-24 13:02:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
We need to start buying American
2007-09-24 13:03:31 · answer #8 · answered by Greg 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because it's embarrassing for the WH and they want more car to use gas! More $$ in their pockets!
2007-09-24 13:01:03 · answer #9 · answered by MarkyMarkC 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
it offends unions.
Unions = Liberals
Union = crappy cars. You have a bunch of do nothing union members who think they are entitled to a job and a pension.
Liberals = a munch of know nothing losers who think they are entitles to have government take care of everyone.
2007-09-24 13:02:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 5⤋