Class Warfare in the Blizzard of 2017

Winds increase from a strengthening nor’easter, blizzard conditions will bring dangerous travel over the interior Northeast, while a wintry mix, rain and flooding continue to advance northward along the coast through Tuesday.

The storm has forced a State of Emergency to declared in multiple states.

Blizzard conditions with heavy snow, very low visibility, plus drifting snow will clog streets and highways from parts of central and eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey and over much of Maine and New Brunswick.

But as I was digging my car out, I couldn't decide is it Class envy or Class warfare? I guess throwing that snowball at the passing SUV gives you why I made the word choice.

PopeMobile Implications

I just saw Cars 2 - which really should have been called Larry the Cable Guy As a Tow Truck has James Bond-ish Globetrotting Adventures, but hey, even I realize that's a little too big to fit on the marquee at the Multi-plex. Besides, the target audience for this merchandizing bonanza is having a hard time recognizing the letters, in that order, and that giant number after those letters in the first place.

I went in expecting the 'worst' Pixar movie - and realized what it was, and why it existed, and that was to sell more bed sheets at Target this summer. I mean, it's been a few years since the last one, and there's a whole new batch of four year olds who might not have a Lightning McQueen bookbag for pre-K this year. I can imagine the Disney executives at a board meeting applying pressure on the Pixar team to ramp up Cars 2 in order to beat out the competitor car-people-robot Transformers 3 heart-and-mind smash fest in the playground. I mean, really, there isn't room for two sets of car-cartoons in the prepubescent male pop culture war, is there?

So, other than the graphic violence of boat people, and spy cars - it was still a fun and exciting story that complemented Doc Hollywood Re-told by Anthromorphic Computer Modeled Vehicles For Sale. Er, sorry, the first Cars.

The one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb though, were a couple references to religion. There's a Pope Car and a Pope Mobile. We even see him... and Larry the Tow Truck even asks, "Is the Pope Mobile Catholic?" Funny stuff. Right?

But what does that imply?

It implies that there was a Christ Car.

Now you have to ask, "What would Christ drive?" The only thing I can think of is a donkey. And he really only rode a donkey twice - once as a child fleeing his homeland to avoid Herod's wrath (Depending on which Gospel's timeline you're reading/believing at the moment) and when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And since there's no motorcycles in Cars land -- and the first non-animal drawn single passenger vehicle would have been Italian designed and wind driven. The first was Guido da Vigevano in 1335. It was a windmill type drive to gears and thus to wheels. Vaturio designed a similar vehicle which was also never built. Later Leonardo da Vinci designed a clockwork driven tricycle with tiller steering and a differential mechanism between the rear wheels. But that's still 1330's...

So, what was the Christ Car? Do we have to assume that we have to wait until the development of the internal combustion engine to name the Christ Car?

I wonder if there's a Passion of the Christ Car - and he's either impaled on a Spindel in Berwyn Illinois or was thrown into a trash compactor? Do Car Catholics worship a spike or a cube? I'm going with the Spindel since it was located on Route 66 and ties in with the previous film.

So now there's another problem - there's a Car God. Is it the Battlestar Galactica 'God' or is it the robots that built the Cars in the first place, or does it go deeper? Maybe they're all Deists, as it would fit the story better -- but they're not. Maybe there are a few of them that believe that the hairless monkeys are actually running everything? Maybe those are the angels and demons?

Huge honk and nod to Cyroaque Lamar's Sweet Edsel Jesus, the implications that the Pope Car in Cars 2 suggests... as my inspiration to see the film and expand on the humor you originally started with.

Car Czar Settles Kickback Suit

Former Car Czar Steven Rattner, N.Y. Financier, Settles With S.E.C. in Pension Case

Steven Rattner, the former car czar, has agreed to settle a kickback case with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a "person with knowledge" of the negotiation said Wednesday.

Mr. Rattner will accept a multiyear ban from the securities industry and pay a fine of more than $5 million, the person said. He is still in negotiations over a similar settlement with the office of the New York attorney general, Andrew M. Cuomo.

The settlement, which is expected to be announced on Thursday, caps off a multiyear investigation by the government into kickbacks paid to officials with New York's pension fund. Earlier this month, Alan Hevesi, the state's former comptroller, pleaded guilty to a corruption charge involving the state fund.

Little Electric Lie

It seems that GM wasn't exactly truthy about the 'all electric' Jesus Car that was being called, well, the Jesus Car.

According to JALOPNIK.com...

The Chevy Volt has been hailed as General Motors’ electric savior. Now, as GM officially rolls out the Volt this week for public consumption, we’re told the much-touted fuel economy was misstated and GM “lied” about the car being all-electric.

In the past, and based on GM’s claims, we’ve gone so far as to call the Volt GM’s “Jesus Car.” And why wouldn’t we call it that? We were told the Volt would achieve 230 MPG fuel economy and would always use the electric drivetrain to motivate the wheels — only using the onboard gasoline engine as a “range extender” for charging the batteries. It now turns out that not only were those fuel economy claims misleading, but the gasoline engine is actually used to motivate the wheels — making the Volt potentially nothing more than a very advanced hybrid car and pushing some automotive journalists like Scott Oldham at Edmunds.com to claim “GM lied to the world” about it.

Of course General Motors has made a response to these revelations... which can be found here.

But it begs the question - can it be called the Jesus Car anymore? How about we call it John the Baptist car?

The only real solution to get off the electric car is obvious - nuclear. Okay, it's a joke, but I'm not kidding... what, like bicycles and trolleys or a robust rail option aren't just as preposterous a suggestion?

Mark your calander

A couple quick thoughts....

One, Memorial Day traffic next year is going to be a breeze.

Two, I can't wait to go over to this guy's house on the 22nd and watch him scrape that crap off his truck.

Christ Run-Over

Mass. woman cited for running down Jesus Christ

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. The victim has probably forgiven the woman who ran him down in a Northampton crosswalk.

The police haven't.

Police say a Pittsfield woman has been cited for running down Lord Jesus Christ as he crossed the street in Northampton.

Officers responding to Tuesday's incident checked the 50-year-old Belchertown man's ID and discovered that, indeed, Lord Jesus Christ is his legal name.

He was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries.

Police say 20-year-old Brittany Cantarella was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

The Week In Review/Sunday Comics

Ah, the week in review already. First off, there was this big useless and showy Healthcare summit.

Despite yielding a few points of agreement, Thursday's health care summit primarily served to highlight major — unbridgeable — differences between the two parties' agendas for the CSPAN viewing audience. If the summit was collegial, underlying tension spilled over at times into silly slap fights involving President Obama and the Republicans. Accusations of budgetary "gimmicks" to claims of partisan timekeeping, here's a look back at the defining clashes of the big showy Blair House pow-wow.

1. Retro 2008
When John McCain charged the Democratic bill was the product of "unsavory deal making," Obama shot back: "We're not campaigning anymore. The election's over." A flustered McCain responded, "Well, I'm reminded of that every day." A bit later though, he got revenge. Cornered by a question from McCain about why some Florida seniors got special treatment on Medicare, Obama conceded, "I think you make a legitimate point." McCain, looking as surprised as anyone in the room, didn't reply.

2. Paul Ryan's smackdown
In a feisty speech, Rep. Paul Ryan (R, WI) described the Democratic bill as a "ponzi scheme" full of accounting "gimmicks and smoke and mirrors" and sought to discredit official projections showing it would reduce the deficit. Critics jumped on the moment as if it were some major GOP victory. "The expression on the president's face as Ryan made his case was absolutely priceless," says Matthew Continetti in the Weekly Standard. "Simply put, he looked like someone who realizes he's met his match." Or maybe someone just told him that he isn't wearing any clothes?

3. Reconciliation
Throughout the summit, Republicans pushed the Dems not to pass health care reform using reconciliation, which would allow a sidestep a GOP filibuster in the Senate. Lamar Alexander asked Obama to "renounce this idea" of "jamming" the bill through Congress "using reconciliation." After all, he said, the process has "never been used for anything like this." But Obama kept the option open: "I think most Americans think that a majority vote makes sense." Except that according to polling data, a majority of Americans are against THIS bill. They're for change in Healthcare, just not THIS change.

4. Any one bother to fact-check that?
While making the GOP's opening remarks, Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee claimed that insurance premiums "will rise as a result of the Senate bill." Obama countered that this was "not factually accurate. The cost for families for the same type of coverage as they're currently receiving would go down 14 to 20 percent." Bloggers immediately scrambled to pick a winner, with most seeming to settle on Obama. "The record is tricky," says Brian Beutler in Talking Points Memo. But overall "Obama is correct."

5. Judges?
In addition to serving as moderator and head debater for the Democrats, Obama was also the official timekeeper, which is to say, Wink Martindale. Which pissed off the GOP. Ninety minutes into the summit, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) noted that Democrats had spent 52 minutes talking compared to only 24 for Republicans. Obama shot back: "I don't count my time, because I'm the president." Lovely.

It snowed again. There was also another earthquake. I'm sure the earthquake will be all we talk about this coming week.
And Mr. Toyota went to Congress this week...
There's been a lot of talk about how to 'fix' the country lately. That the government is broken. The government isn't broken, it's the government that reflects the country. Just as we had an oil man running things the last 8 years. Now we have a squabbling mess where no one takes responsibility for the problems or issues they created. That is a perfect mirror reflecting the population in my eye.
But to be fair, the Federal Government wants to expand their reach and influence into the average American's life [more taxes, services for others] while the States and local governments are raising fees and taxes while screaming poor and cutting services. I can't understand how you can raise taxes more than 50%, cut the program you're raising the taxes for - and then still cry poor. If anyone can explain that to me, I'm all ears. You may also want to explain that to the electorate, before they start hoarding guns and ammunition - what, they already are?
That's this week, see you next.

Toyota Woes

Lawsuit Over a Crash Adds to Toyota’s Difficulties

A fatal crash not explained by brakes or mats is adding to the push for a broader inquiry into problems with sudden, unintended acceleration in Toyotas.

Meanwhile, conservative media outlets, as well as a USA Today blogger, have suggested there is an all out conspiracy by the Obama administration that is forcing the recall of millions of Toyota cars. The suggestion that the recalls over safety issues regarding reports of sudden unintended acceleration in order to denigrate the company, benefit unions, and boost sales of vehicles manufactured by General Motors [Government Motors] and Chrysler, which the federal government bailed out last year. Never mind that the sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles has reportedly been an issue as early as 1999, and Toyota has stated that its recall was voluntary.

Well, look at that on a two sided coin - that means this issue has been around for a decade and no one did anything about it -- and suddenly there's an interest in these issues. I'm not big on conspiracy theories. And even if there was a concerted effort by the Obama Administration - it's not like Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is saying folks shouldn't drive their cars... oh. He did? Here's a way over-hyped version of the events. Funny stuff, if it weren't real.

Well, I guess we'll see what happens. If suddenly there are government probes into Ford - then I'll join that conspiracy theory talk.

All I see is a company that has decided to be EXACTLY like GM, emulating every detail of that fantastic company - with equally stellar products.

I'm expecting to see the CEO of Toyota commit Seppuku in a press conference in about an hour.

Stay Classy, Honda

This was found by a reader who snapped it at a Honda dealership - obviously taking advantage of Toyota's troubles.

Stay classy Honda. Stay classy.

Bitchin' Camaro

This training film makes me wonder how GM ever sold any cars, ever?

Quick Shot

So, if Obama is against the Bush Tax Cuts - which gave a check to taxpayers directly to help encourage short term spending in the economy. (300-1000 dollars back, depending on your qualifier)...

... why would his Administration even consider the Cash 4 Clunkers, which gives the tax payer $4500, directly?

And the Obama plan requires the person to go into debt to purchase a new car. Which puts us all right back into the spiral of consumer debt? That seems like a rope-a-dope, bait-and-switch to me.

I'm just scratching my head over that one.

Feel free to tell me how Bush is evil, and Obama is Superman again.

I'm just not following.

Clunkers

The White House Says 'Clunkers' Rebate Plan Will Go On

The White House said Friday that the "cash for clunkers" program was still alive even though the $1 billion that
Congress had appropriated for it has already been snapped up. Read More:

Cash For Clunkers was doomed just like Oprah's KFC free chicken. It was a pile of paperwork and ever-changing rules. There was only $1 Billion put in the plan. So, at a max of $4000, that's oh, let's pretend about 12 per dealership nationwide.

My guess there were over 100 people banging on the dealership glass window lookin' for theirs.

Okay, let me get my score card out here...

Bail Out - fail
North Korea - fail
Iran ending their nuclear ambitions - fail
Cash for Clunkers - fail
Government Health Care ... oh, hold on! That'll be a win!

What the hell, folks? What HAS worked from this gang of Idiots in Congress and the Obama Administration?

Can anyone give me a Win here?

Efficient Car Rope-a-Dope

How do you save a dying auto industry in the Obama administration? Step 1, Create federal regulations virtually eliminating the production of the models people most want to buy. (linko)

No, I don't mean Honda, Toyota and VW, snarky.

It looks, simply, that he's applying California standards to the nation. I had always assumed that this would be the case some day. The new national fleet mileage rule for cars and light trucks of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. In the odd chance you're wondering, the current national standard is about 25 miles per gallon.

This is a political rope-a-dope. Rather than institute a $2.00 Federal Gas increase - which would have accomplished this goal in the marketplace rather than through government intervention - will put the initial burden on the car manufactures. [Those car manufacturers that are around] In 2016 will happily slide the costs to implement these Federal standards onto your MSRP. So you'll see at least an additional $1,300 added on your next vehicle - but we'll feel good about not paying more tax on gas. That's one tax increase that Obama has dodged, but still gets what he wants. 

A nice maneuver. Smoke and mirrors, and there is no real change.

I Love Florida

Only in Florida can you have a license plate that violates the separation of Church and State - and have a legislature that approves license plate designs without even LOOKING at before approving it.

Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, made it onto a bill Friday even though many members had not seen images of those plates and none was produced for the debate.

Siplin didn't mince words when asked what his "Trinity" plate looks like, saying, "It has a picture of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ." It, along with a "Preserving the Past" plate offered by Siplin, would benefit the Toomey Foundation for the Natural Sciences.

So if your state is approving license plates without visual approval beforehand, I think there's a photoshop contest in there somewhere.

How about this - Submit your license plate design!

Carpocalypse

Rick Wagoner to Step down as GM CEO, at Obama's Request.
He could be heard shouting in the parking lot, "A sedan, a sedan, my kingdom for a well built, fuel efficient sedan!"

One day before unveiling his rescue plan for GM and Chrysler, President Obama asked Wagoner to step down.

"Mr. Wagoner was asked, and agreed to, step down as part of G.M.'s restructuring agreement with the Obama administration, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made yet.
The unexpected move by Mr. Wagoner, who has been at the helm of G.M. for eight years, was not confirmed by the company. A statement about Mr. Wagoner's future will be issued after the president's comments, which is expected to be Monday morning."

No word, yet, on the color of Mr. Wagoner's parachute. My guess it'll require another bailout on top of the second bailout they were asking for.

My take on all this - It's time for GM to be carefully spun off and sold to their competitors. I'm sure that Ford wouldn't mind taking Jeep, and I'm sure that Kia would love all the empty GM dealerships. Perhaps Dodge and Cadillac could survive on their own?

Oh, GM where did you go wrong? Let me count the ways.

Among GM's many problems, I think their worst failure was losing the Gen X and the following Gen Y (whatever you want to call them) crowd. There was never the kind of dialog or loyalty given to these customers, nor was it returned the way it was with previous generations of Americans.

Second largest mistake was to practically concede the sedan to their competition in favor of the more profitable truck and SUV, and GM luxury vehicles. Citation? Ford isn't asking for bail out money, are they?

Third, their business model assumes you're going to purchase another vehicle in three years. Seeing the repair bills and number of recalls a typical GM car gets, this seems to be designed - not a great strategy when your competitors even "seems" or pulls off the Quality issue to the consumer.

Four, their designs focused more on exterior than interior... really, have you been in a GM vehicle - there are gaps and strange things going inside because the engineers took cost cutting inside, not the exterior...

and Five, they were too big to change the ship back to sedans when gas went to $4.



What's your take on this America?

Hey, Car Czar? Whatcha Drivin?

With the fate of Detroit, Michigan and the U.S. automotive industry now in the hands of 18 individuals... Do you wonder what they're drivin'? The Detroit News has been so kind as to rummage through public records to find out for us. I'm sure that the list bears no indication of how the members of the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry feel about cars - or the Big Three... or buying American.

The co-chairs of the task force, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and White House National Economic Council Director Larry Summers, drive a 2008 Acura TSX and a 1995 Mazda Protégé, respectively. Geithner also previously owned a 1999 Honda Accord and a 2002 Acura MDX, public records show. Interestingly, Geithner's maternal grandfather, Charles Moore, was a vice president at Ford - but Secretary Geithner was never very interested in cars, his father said. Summers previously owned a 1996 Taurus GL.

Peter Orszag, director of the Office of Management and Budget, owns a 2008 Honda Odyssey and a 2004 Volvo S60. He previously owned a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 1982 Datsun.

Carol Browner, the White House climate expert, said at the Washington Auto Show earlier this year that she does not own an automobile. According to public records, she once drove a 1995 Saab 9-5 SE.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu also doesn't own a car, according to his wife, Jean Fetter.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson owns a 2008 Toyota Prius and a Honda Odyssey.

No vehicle information was available for transportation Secretary Ray LaHood or Christine Romer, head of the Council of Economic Advisers. I'm sure that someone is still looking into that. He represented Peoria, IL - so it's possible he just drove a Caterpillar tractor. Well, his chauffeur drove it. He sat in the cab.

Not stopping just at the heads - the Detroit News also looked at records for the ten policy aides that are assigned to the task force. Among the current vehicles owned by the aides are a 2004 Toyota Highlander, a 2008 Lexus RX 350, a Volvo C30, a 1991 Harley-Davidson, a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback, a 2003 Mini Cooper S, and a 2005 Honda Odyssey. One aide drives a 2003 Lincoln LS, and one a 1998 Cavalier. One of the aides doesn't own a vehicle.

In summary, there are only three members of the board that drive cars built by one of the Big Three - one of whom owns a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier - and three members who don't own automobiles at all. As there seems to be little familiarity with the automotive world on this task force, we hope these guys and gals have some serious business and economic savvy.

Source: The Detroit News