Re: [MV] NEW FROM CHRYSLER-BENZ

From: islander (islander@midmaine.com)
Date: Mon Mar 05 2001 - 23:52:59 PST


Hi Dave,

>But the problem that I have with your "irresponsible act story" is that I
>have not seen DM advertising the Unimog as a grocery getter.

I have the same problem with what I wrote as you do, simply because I was
fed the wrong information from the Press. Not the first time :-) But
*IF* the story were correct, I stand by what I said. But as it turned
out, it was not even close to being that.

>But let's face it, we live in a capitalistic society where demand is often
>created by marketing types. (Like myself!) ... The alternative to
>capitalism
>is something like socialism, and that hasn't been too successful.

There is absolutely no reason why Captialist companies can't act
responsibly. In fact, it is often in their best long term fiscal
interest, but thanks to short term Wall Street planning there is very
little of that going on these days.

Living in a small, rural, poor state we have been screwed over time and
time again by selfish corporate interests, and we are left to pay the
bill in one way shape or form. They say "don't restrict us or we will
close up and move somewhere else", and so we bend over and take it hard.
Then they move the jobs overseas to China, Mexico, and other dirt poor
countries at the first sign that they can make more money. Don't believe
me? Come and take a tour of all our closed up factories and see where
the production is now...

So although I don't think Socialism is the way to go, poluting a great
fishing spots to save a couple of pennies per product is not something I
will ever agree with. And neither can I agree with a company that
actively steers the brain-numbed masses towards something that is
ultimately not in their best interests.

>
>If the idea of a soccer mom driving a Unimog is really repulsive, you can
>press
>for legislation outlawing large vehicles as you alluded too. Just don't be
>surprised if your M35s are included in the legislation.

As I said in my original email, I am not in favor of legislation in
general. I am in favor of expressing disgust and anger towards companies
that are screwing up MY future and increases MY taxes so they can make a
quick buck and leave me to deal with the ramifications while they move
off to China leaving most of the town unemployed. But when the abuses
are extreme, like dumping toxic waste into my drinking water, there
should be laws against it. Remember, pure Capitalism takes every single
shortcut offered to it unless it feels legally or morally responsible to
do otherwise. Sad part is many companies just don't get it.

End of rant ;-)

Steve



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