Repent, all ye owners of Suburbans, thou drivers of Explorers. Mend thy ways, ye Escalade-loving louts! Take heed of the warning the prophet Mika has vouchsafed unto you: greedy thou art; verily, destroyers of the environment be thee!
Oy. Mika Brzezinski was on quite a roll this morning. On the one hand, free-marketers would find much to agree with in Mika's arguments. As noted here yesterday, whereas Joe Scarborough has been vigorously advocating a federal rescue of Detroit, Brzezinski favors bankruptcy over bailout. But Mika couldn't help muddling her message, delivering a jeremiad against Detroit for producing larger vehicles and Americans for buying them, actually condemning the latter as "greedy."
View video here.
MIKE BARNICLE: We also have to go through, start and push forward a cultural revolution. I mean the American public for years has balked, along with everyone from Detroit, along with the congressional delegation from Michigan, have balked at anything that means higher gas mileage. And now we're confronted with having to save--and we have to save this industry--but it's being run by people, the top management has to go because--guess what?--one of their latest things they're coming out with, one of their marketing devices to save the company, is a new Hummer! Hello! Exactly.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: That makes me very angry. John Harwood, that's society also calling for it. We need to stop.
JOHN HARWOOD: Go to any soccer field on Saturdy.
BRZEZINSKI: Uggh.
HARWOOD: Half the people turn up in Hummers and tanks and, you know, Suburbans.
BRZEZINSKI: It's ridiculous.
HARWOOD: They could buy smaller cars.
BRZEZINSKI: Yeah, they could. But there's a whole mentality there that they apparently want to be greedy, and waste gasoline, and do things that are bad for the environment. And now we're going to impose on the Big Three innovation to get beyond that? I'm just not sure it's there, and I'm just not sure this isn't just throwing good money after bad. I mean, unless someone tells me how this is going to work quickly.
BARNICLE [tongue-in-cheek]: Why are you so anti-worker?
BRZEZINSKI: I'm angry.
HARWOOD: Have you ever bought an American-made car?
BRZEZINSKI [proudly]: I drive Toyotas. They're better.
HARWOOD: They're you go.
BRZEZINSKI: Wait a minute, wait a minute. I bought one: F-150. Two tanks. Plastic seats.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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I love how Mika says they
November 18, 2008 - 08:17 ET by motherbeltI love how Mika says they want to be greedy and waste gasoline... (emphasis Mika's)
Yeah, Mika, that's why they do it...they say "I want to waste gasoline so I'm going to buy a Hummer."
Although I personally don't know why anyone wants a Hummer (I actually have a neighbor who owns TWO!) it's their money.
I had to trade in my Milan for a small crossover so that I could lift my husband's wheel chair into the back without breaking my back. Is that OK with you, Mika?
These same people who berate those who can afford it for using more gas than they "should" and pay the penalty of extra money in gas and gas taxes don't have any problem with Gore using more electircity than he "should" because he pays for "carbon offsets" which is just another form of tax!
Gas tax; carbon tax...what's the difference???
Hypocrisy, thy name is Liberal.
Mika shows here hypocrisy often.
November 18, 2008 - 08:20 ET by c5thenMika, Toyota makes SUV's too.
I'm tired of people who make 7 figure salaries and get limo service to and from "work" every day telling me what I should drive.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
I'm tired of people who
November 18, 2008 - 08:32 ET by SeashellI'm tired of people who make 7 figure salaries and get limo service to and from "work" every day telling me what I should drive.
I couldn't agree more. The arrogance of these people is astounding.
And for Mika to say this and then to admit that she drives a big ole F-150 is beyond hypoctitical.
Try getting seven
November 18, 2008 - 08:39 ET by T-Bone Masspeople in a sedan, with car seats for kids up to 10 years of age, camping gear, pull a small trailer, kayaks, groceries, etc... Screw you Mika. Let live my life and spend my money the way I want. We are actually looking at a Honda to do our workhorse daily activies.
Right, I couldn't possibly
November 18, 2008 - 08:49 ET by SeashellRight, I couldn't possibly get my kids, their friends, my dogs, luggage in a sedan for our frequent trips to the beach. I don't know how we could go without a SUV. I guess we are "greedy" and selfish for going to the beach.
Yes, but I am sure if Mika
November 18, 2008 - 09:03 ET by sherylsimsYes, but I am sure if Mika had her way, you wouldn't be "allowed" to have so many kids. If you did defy her mandate and have a child, you would have to move to the city so the child could walk to school like all the other offspring of the unselfish.
Pretty funny that the ad on
November 18, 2008 - 09:15 ET by SickofLibsPretty funny that the ad on this page at the fold (at least right now) is for a monster F-150.
Darned Greedy PIGS
November 18, 2008 - 08:42 ET by AJBHow DARE anyone today own an SUV? Anyone caught driving or riding in one should be put out and forced to walk. AlGore would NEVER... uh... wait... I have to rephrase... John Kerry would... oops... hmmm. Can't think of a democrat who doesn't rail against greedy earth-warming hate mongers who themselves doesn't do the opposite of what they preach.
OK, ignorant masses... YOU and you alone are not allowed to be comfortable in a vehicle. You must and will squeeze yourself into your Prius so AlGore, Teddy Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi and John F'in Kerry can be your role model and example to not follow.
Oh the hypocricy!
toyota is American
November 18, 2008 - 20:24 ET by TruthMongertoyota is American made
and they make SUV's:)
Not quite
November 18, 2008 - 21:44 ET by MichiganVetSOME Toyotas are assembled in America and the profits go back to Japan. I do not believe they are designed or engineered in the U.S. If the American brands go under, watch Toyota pull out of the U.S. and move their assembly to Mexico.
I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy
→ Big 3
November 18, 2008 - 22:04 ET by Cool ArrowI didn't realize it is impossible for an American to buy Toyota stock.
OOPS! Looks like it is traded on the NYSE.
BRZEZINSKI: Uggh.
November 18, 2008 - 09:13 ET by SickofLibsMika: ever try towing a boat, camper or trailer with one of your Toyotas?
Greedy boat-owning bastids.
Can you imagine trying to
November 18, 2008 - 09:15 ET by kgCan you imagine trying to get 3 car seats in the back of a Prius? Groceries? A trip to home depot? Vacation? Golf clubs?
Most people DO have a life outside of work.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
My father-in-law
November 18, 2008 - 13:16 ET by WhoIsJohnGaltbought a Prius to save on gas (nevermind the "wisdom" of spending 25 grand to save a coupla bucks on gas), and the damn thing is so small that when he comes to visit us on holidays (thankfully few and far between) he either has to leave his bike and archery gear (his hobbies) behind or leave the Monster-in-law home.
...guess which option I vote for...insert mother-in-law joke here.
→ Prius
November 18, 2008 - 22:08 ET by Cool ArrowThough I don't think Toyota makes a vehicle to compete with the roominess of the Suburban, they do make SUV's and Full sized trucks.
And It's pretty hard to compete with their Lexus.
Democrats and the unions
November 18, 2008 - 09:40 ET by 5kidsnadogI would like to see a study commissioned that would compare the union support of the Democrats with Republicans. I'm from Michigan, so I still see lots of union made American cars. But, go out east to the big blue states, or out west to the big blue states, it's a sea of foreign cars. What would be the stats on what Democrats say they support, and what they actually support with their own dollars?
Also, my name says it all. I had a lib friend say very snidely to me "Oh I see you bought a yuppy gas guzzler." when I bought a Yukon XL. Ummm, first of all there she is driving a minivan for her two children (one of whom had his own car), and I'm supposed to put five kids, the dog, etc. in a smaller vehicle? As it is, my older boys have a hard time fitting in the back (my oldest is six feet tall), and the space to stow gear is too small in my Yukon -- we had to take a second car on vacation this summer to get all the golf bags to fit. If they legislate smaller cars, I'm in trouble.
I think that the free market would take car of the issue quite nicely if we would let it -- as gas prices rise, more people who can switch to a smaller car, will. Those who have reasons why they drive a larger, less fuel efficient car, will keep what they have if they can afford to do so. The automotive companies will decide what is profitable for them to produce in what quantities, ... If they don't have sufficient profit to make a bigger car, they'll stop making them, or go out of business (and stop making them).
Surely you jest...
November 18, 2008 - 09:48 ET by AJBThe level of blatant hypocrisy from the blue states is unfathomable. There is no pretense of fairness, honor, truth or goodness in the whole lot. They support women, but do their darndest to trash and ruin their political careers. As you pointed out, they say Buy American and support our Unions and then buy foreign cars. They would march until they die holding their ITS MY CHOICE sign, and then proceed to walk 10 feet out of their way to not step on an earthworm or bug on the sidewalk because (almost) all life is precious. They scream how racist we all are, but then do their best to keep African American subservient, uneducated and dependent on big gub'ment. They want you to walk, or bicycle, or use no power while they drive their gas-guzzling SUVs and use 20 times the amount of energy most use in a month. Yeah, they're for the common people allright!
5kids
November 18, 2008 - 11:55 ET by BlondeQuite right you are.
I drive a two seat t-bird (oh yeah, big old honkin' V-8) because it's FUN! But it does have it's drawbacks....like I couldn't take the dog to the vet (greyhound) nor fit more than two bags of mulch in the trunk at the garden store.
My prior vehicle, which I wish I still had, was a Grand Wagoneer...towed the boat, camping, fishing, etc. I wish I could find another one as a second, "utility" vehicle.
So perhaps Mika the Twit is soooo stupid that she doesn't actually get the "Utility" part of SUV.
We drive what we drive because we like it, and we earned it. I really don't care if gas is $10 a gallon, I will never, ever drive a tin can. Nor would I want any of my family to drive one, either.
Mika the Moron
November 18, 2008 - 10:36 ET by Mica the MagnificentI drive an SUV and my wife drives another SUV.
We drive them because we want to. No other justification needed.
I'm pro-choice when it comes to vehicle selection.
Take THAT, Mika! Screw you!
Detroit should make only the vehicles people will not buy. - - Mika's marketing plan to save the unions.
Good of you to bring that up!
November 18, 2008 - 11:59 ET by MaximusBraveheartGreat comment! OK to suck babies brains out while the rest of the body is delivered BUT NOT OK to drive an SUV. Liberals, LOL.
We have two suburbans (2000 & 2004) & love them. 14 mpg city is not bad for something so big. If Chevy/Detroit would make a plug-in hybrid Suburban with even just a 30 mile range I would be set. That would cover 95% of my driving.
M-B
M the M
November 18, 2008 - 19:37 ET by the struggler"We drive them because we want to.No other justification needed."
Mika needs to be told that in person.How can we get you to MSNBC?
Missing Element
November 18, 2008 - 10:54 ET by oilcanOf the discussion was the stranglehold the UAW has over the automakers. Granted, a union presence is probably necessary to ensure worker rights and bargaining power, but the whole morning show did not even touch on it. Joe was pretty sickening throughout, harping on the workers, but why not bring the UAW up and their hardline stance on "no concessions?"
Anybody else notice Mika has
November 18, 2008 - 10:54 ET by SickofLibsAnybody else notice Mika has abandoned the blonde-helmet look in favor of her new Palinesque doo?
Yes, ever since the
November 18, 2008 - 11:02 ET by SeashellYes, ever since the election. What's up with that?
5kidsnadog is correct. Lets
November 18, 2008 - 11:17 ET by reegs5kidsnadog is correct. Lets take a serious look at who buys American made vehicles in Red vs Blue States. I bet you will find a higher percentage in Red States. Most people who diss American made autos are likely Democrats or Libtards. Union members should wake up and see who buys what they make in Detroit.
Personally I had a Honda Accord at one time and loved that car. However I have 3 kids. Two boys are now teenagers. The Chrysler Towne & Country I did drive was getting too small and only averaged 17-19mpg. I now have a Suburban. It is a godsend for family activities. It averages 13-15mpg. I wish I could get better mileage but the vehicle's utility value outweighs the purpose of a small car. So Mika should realize people have different needs. If we didn't have the Suburban then my wife and I would have to drive two vehicles. More gas, wear and tear, and inconvenience.
Pretty soon
November 18, 2008 - 11:31 ET by ahusserThe Chinese will have all those SUV's and big pick-ups and we will have bicycles and Honda 50's for all those big loads. I found on YouTube the libs preferred combined Civilian Defense Force and Alternative Energy/Transportation package all rolled up into one.
"...no civilization, no matter how rich, no matter how refined, can long survive once it loses the power to meet force with equal or superior force." - Bernard Knox
Bubbles better be
November 18, 2008 - 11:36 ET by HockeyKidBubbles better be careful. The top market for Escalades is the hip-hop crowd--a market segment sure to be much more vocal (dare I say, "in her face") with the new administration.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
I'm tired of saying this to
November 18, 2008 - 11:45 ET by SemperrightI'm tired of saying this to Libs but here we go..
F*&^ You,
I could care less what you think, scratch that. I don't care what you feel. If you could think you'd be a conservative.
D_bags
Semper Fi
The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the
Let the SUV owners alone
November 18, 2008 - 11:49 ET by MillerTimeWarpthey're busy admiring all their cupholders and being able to answer their cell phone with the car. GM, Ford, Chrysler......gave the yuppies what they wanted. Now they're paying for it. I have a Nissan - NO cupholders. But the transmission and engine will last for 200,000 miles no doubt.
Sorry to burst your bubble
November 18, 2008 - 18:43 ET by MichiganVetbut your owning a Nissan is no guarantee that your vehicle will last any longer than any other brand. Do a google search on recalls and you'll find Toyota, Honda and Nissan have their share of problems and recalls.
You *think* you have a great vehicle because the MSM has spent the last 10 years bashing the American brands. Even Consumer Reports was giving Toyota an automatic pass as a top-rated brand. Then dirty little secrets like their massive "sludge recall" leaked out and now they are evaluated with the rest of the brands.
I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy
I don't *think* I have a
November 20, 2008 - 16:38 ET by MillerTimeWarpI don't *think* I have a great vehicle. I know I do. I've owned a Plymouth, Ford, Toyota, Nissan.....can only speak from my past experiences. The Toyota and Nissan haven't/don't rust just from sitting. And they start.
Real easy to bash SUV
November 18, 2008 - 11:56 ET by txradioguyReal easy to bash SUV owners and Soccer moms when you ride to work every morning in a Limo paid for by your employer.
"I May Be Changed By War, But I Will Not Be Defeated By It" - Audie Murphy
You got it TX
November 18, 2008 - 18:45 ET by MichiganVetHow about starting with our government? Get them out of the large vehicles and put them all in some nice fuel-sipping imports. Either that or make them pay for their own fuel and airplane tickets.
I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy
I saw a Snoop Dogg video
November 18, 2008 - 13:25 ET by marpelI saw a Snoop Dogg video called "Air Force One" that was hilarious. I can't get into YouTube on my computer at work to send the link, but I recommend you guys take a look on YouTube. :o)
What do you realy want us to drive in??? Brzezinski
November 18, 2008 - 13:37 ET by upcountrywaterYugo... h/t Rush ....opps clinton bombed the factory to rubble
First Mutt's Viet Nam 2
IranianUranium
Mika's mentality?
November 18, 2008 - 13:39 ET by jackie3The woman sounds like she's a French fry short of a Happy Meal. Doesn't take into consideration anything beyond a tunnel vision thought process. Freedom of choice eludes her.
Mika: Hitler had a similar mentality. He wanted a cheap and economical car for the German people that would be good on gas. He gave us the Volkswagen. The thought of the German people having a choice eluded him as well.
Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
SUV
November 18, 2008 - 19:23 ET by doug1950The SUV has been miligned for years but the truth be known any automobile can be modified slightly to get even better gas mileage. I own and use a Ford F-150 SuperCrew cab truck, with the 5.4 Liter engine and with just a few modifications I did myself and not a whole lot of money I have managed to bump the gas mileage from a paltry 15 MPG to a little over 20 on the highway. That is about the same as some of the "gas saving" beer cans they push as eco-friendly. I use the truck for my business because it takes a truck to do it. All that aside, if I can afford to pay for my gasoline and do not look to Obama to fill my tank and make my mortgage payment, whose damn business is it what I drive. It is paid for so I can afford a whole lot of gasoline and when I am not doing business I drive my wife's ride which is a rice burner Kia with a 4 cylinder engine. Liberals have way too much time on their hands and feel it is their right to tell others how to live and more often than not, they are full of **** when it comes tot he facts. I owned one of the original SUVs back in the late 80s; a 4 cylinder Toyota 4 runner. So the SUV moniker is just their buzz word for gas hog when in fact many are more efficient than their sedans and luxury automobiles. They are often the worst kind of hypocrites.
*sigh*
November 18, 2008 - 19:42 ET by katainkentlet he who is without carbon footprint cast the first eco-friendly paver...
member of the Conservative Independant Witness Protection Program since Nov. 5, 2008
SUV Driver
November 18, 2008 - 21:22 ET by Emma GrumpLiving here in the Northeast snow belt, I drive an SUV for purely practical reasons, and so do both my sons, most of my friends, most of my co-workers, and half of my neighbors. The other half are always asking for a hand when they get their Kias and Hondas stuck in 6 inches of the white stuff. Coincedentally, they are the same neighbors who had Obama signs on their lawns, and rarely fly the flag from their porches.
Al Gore's carbon offsets
November 19, 2008 - 06:40 ET by ampul manWhat a load of crap.
The difference you ask between a gas tax and a carbon tax? Al gets to pay himself.