What's wrong with this picture?

[Ernesto]

Whats up with the people who drive foriegn (mostly Japanese) vehicles that are covered with 'Merican flags? Are they just brain dead? Do they think the flag is a cute fad like a "happy face" sticker? Do they think sending dollars over seas is the patriotic thing to do? ........Drives me crazy!

[LeftCoast]

1. Feh.

Those Japanese cars are made right here in the ol' USofA. Most of your Fords are made in Canada and Mexico.

Do your research.

[xJlM]

3. Ford Fiesta is made in Mexico

But most of Ford's cars are still from USA manufacturing and USA parts. Not that I'm partial or anything (I own a 1994 Ranger with 180,000 miles on it), but an awful lot of Chevies are assembled in Mexico. I know this because I have worked in automotive supply (plastic parts, interior and otherwise) for over ten years, and I see where the finished product ships to. The "Heartbeat Of America" acually refers to Central America.

[alfredo]

14. The big three automakers

are planning on moving parts production to China. they have held talks.

[Ernesto]

6. Very old & naive argument

When Japanese carpet baggers come to the US, they build their plants in anti-union states, pay the lowest wages in the industry. The states they land in give them huge tax breaks @ the cost of the community. They put a cute 'Merican name like "Dakota" on a Toyota. You fall for it. This also puts career American auto workers on un-employment. Then the profits are sent over seas to increase the trade deficit. Think about the television industry: Americans invented TV, now we produce NONE!........ Do YOUR research.

[LeftCoast]

10. Well

Since most Japanese cars sold in America employ more american workers than most american car manufacturers it seems kind of silly to pick on the Japanese brands.

Unless you're arguing that people just shouldn't drive. I'd support you there. Spend all that money on a kick ass public transport system and dump the autos.

[Ernesto]

11. Let me start with this!

LeftCoast is a GREAT moniker. I'm proud to be a California (a state that rejects the chimp) DEMOCRAT! However, my original question was about the mentality of the drivers of foriegn cars plastered with 'Merican flags. I drive Fords, but do not see the need to use my bumper to shout the obvious. I think this is probably a "sheeple" deal. Most are clueless, but mean well. BTW.. As a Marine, I enjoyed living in Japan. I'm not here to bash them.

[LeftCoast]

12. Thanks!

I think I misread your first post. Then I got splashed by some DU toxic waste and got cranky. :)

[Owl]

15. Ernestos' question still unanswered.

My observations in Minneapolis, after the 9-11 event, have been that the majority of flag decals resided upon 'foreign' cars. The whole decal thing has diminished, though many exceptions flourish.

I'm still of the belief that many 'foreign' car owners either desired, or felt compelled to 'fly' the flag after the 9-11 debacle due to their cars nameplate.

[LeftCoast]

17. I don't know.

I personally didn't notice any more on japanese cars...but then most cars here are foreign. I did seem to notice MORE flags here in SF than down in OC where my folks live. That was wierd, but not a very scientific study.

[Art_from_Ark]

13. Welcome to the DODGE Dakota

Made by Daimler-Chrysler (where do THOSE profits go, eh?)

And the first Japanese "transplant" was built in Marietta, Ohio.

[salin]

2. I used to drive a Mitsubishi that was made in Peoria

(the mirage and the colt were made on the same assembly line). Many "Japanese" cars are now made here - or many of the components are.

What drives me more crazy are the luxury SUVs that don't appear to be used for need (no work equipt, sports equipt, and not in a high snow area - plus the leather interior also give it away) that when considered in mass (how many there are) have driven US Gas consumption up by multiples in the past 10 years - that ensure that we are dependent upon middle east oil ... that fly tattered flags, and state "support our troops"... when it seems they should state "I Support US Dependence On Mid-East Oil".

Please note - I make a big distinction between the largest and most egregious consumption SUVs especially those driven with no "need", and the more moderate - and or those driven with need SUVs. And I note that some smaller SUVs get as good or better gas/mileage than some midsized cars.

[UCLA02]

4. You might be interested in this site:

http://www.changingtheclimate.com/

Sounds like its right up your alley.

[salin]

8. LOL

A year or so ago I joked about such a thing. Would never do it - but had to laugh at that site!

[UCLA02]

5. My German VW made in Mexico, sold in Orange County

Whodathunkit?

[Owl]

7. Perhaps a "Nationalism" guilt response?

nt

[MisterP]

9. saw a Kia swathed in painted, swirly U.S. flags...

[tabasco]

16. It is more patriotic to drive Japanese cars!!

American automakers have kept us hooked on oil and done NOTHING to increase the efficiency of their machines. SCREW THEM. I will not support US car makers until they show a shred of concern for our environment and our security. They can do this by emulating foreign manufacturers that actually consider efficiency a desirable goal.

[Owl]

18. Huh?

nt

[MercutioATC]

19. Which is more American, a Honda made in Ohio or a Ford made in Mexico?

...and I STILL think most foreign cars are made better than American cars...

1 Japanese car
1 German car

0 plans to get an American car

[spooky3]

21. It is unfortunately that the US auto industry

has been so mismanaged that it has to be dragged kicking and screaming (by unrelenting competition or regularion) to improve quality, reliability, etc. I am not about to subsidize those managers while putting my own personal safety at greater risk (such as when my Ford broke down for the nth time in rush hour or on a remote road).

[LTR]

20. What exactly IS an 'American car'?

I read an article in a car magazine (Car and Driver?) years back, and it was about so-called American-made cars. Consider that Honda builds the Accord and a few other models in Marysville, Ohio, in the largest auto manufacturing facility in the US.

Meanwhile, Ford and GM manufacture many of their cars in Canada and Mexico. And Chrysler is owned by a German company.

The gist of the article was that even the 'most' American car built at the time the article was published (early 90's) contained 75% US-made parts. Many parts, from engine components to stereo systems to car seats to tires to fuel tanks to a simple bolt were likely manufactured in other countries and continents around the world, including Europe and Asia.

My Toyota was manufactured in Fremont, CA, in the same plant where they used to build Oldsmobile Cutlasses.

What exactly IS an American car?

[karlschneider]

22. "what exactly is an American car?"...your question, and a damn good one

I'm thinking back to the early 70s when there were some similar questions raised. "Buy American" was popularized and not many people bothered to investigate just what the hell that meant.

There are, obviously, remnants of the xenophobic idiots who seem to think we (Americans, in this case) are autonomous...that we (WE) can do ANYTHING. We're SUPREME. What We say GOES and fuck anybody else.

Am I exaggerating? I don't think so.

Yes, I am pissed.