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The Nation's Pulse
Stay on the Bus
Why won’t the inexpensive new Datsun be available in the U.S.?
Datsun, the Japanese motorcar extinct for more than a quarter century, returns from the junkyard to drive again in 2014. More remarkable than the forgotten automobile’s reincarnation is its price: $3,000-$5,000. This is less than Nissan charged for a new Datsun upon the brand’s early-'80s phase out.
Drivers will be traveling back to the future — just not in the United States. Nissan will market the dirt-cheap Datsun in Indonesia, Russia, and India. It’s a car aimed at emerging markets.
Why can’t we have a $3,000 car, too?
Because Americans like their poor people where they belong: on the bus.
Like Indonesia, Russia, and India, America has poor people desirous of cheap transportation. Unlike Indonesia, Russia, and India, we have regulations making cheap transportation impossible.
“Regulation is essential,” Mitt Romney announced in Wednesday’s debate. “You can’t have a free market work if you don’t have regulation. As a businessperson, I had to have — I need to know the regulations. I needed them there. You couldn’t have people opening up banks in their — in their garage and making loans. I mean, you have to have regulations so that you can have an economy work.”
Leaving aside whether depositors are so stupid to need regulations to save them from putting their own money in a bank in a stranger’s garage, what works for a businessman doesn’t always work for the little man. Big businessmen can endure regulations because, aside from putting their smaller competitors out of business, they ultimately force their consumers to endure their costs.
The Ford Motor Company can afford the federal government’s edict that its automobiles travel 54.5 miles for every gallon of gas by 2025. A low-income worker can’t.
Worse than the American government is the American consumer, who has forgotten that a car is primarily a transportation mechanism and not an entertainment center, computer, or a traveling living room with comfy chairs.
One senses that the new Datsuns won’t come with Bluetooth compatibility, sunroofs, or, for that matter, automatic windows, automatic transmission, or perhaps even air conditioners. One also senses that their drivers, unable to currently afford any car, won’t mind much. All that remora weighs down a car’s price. Getting from point A to point B quickly by a motorized vehicle, rather than slowly by foot or bicycle, is the creature comfort that inhabitants of emerging economies crave.
It’s easy to laugh at the front-view camera (isn’t that what a windshield is for?) on the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Fiat 500’s perfume diffuser, and the Honda Element’s “Dog Friendly Package,” which offers a spill-proof doggie bowl, a canine ramp, and a fan for the cargo bay in case you prefer not to put man’s best friend atop the roof. These are options, and if it startles us that anyone opts for them it comforts us that nobody forces us to pay for them.
Alas, the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses effect makes yesterday’s options today’s standard features. If Thorsten Veblen weren’t such a Marxist bore, here would be a perfect place to say something about conspicuous consumption.
Do consumers really clamor for the rear heated seats on the Hyundai Elantra Limited? How much more pricy is the Pilot Touring model because an in-car DVD player has been deemed a necessity by Honda’s honchos? Since when did the seven-inch touchscreen found in the Chevrolet Malibu become an essential feature of an automobile?
American consumers can have all the gadget and gizmo accessories. They can’t, apparently, have a $3,000 car. We’re not more advanced than Indonesians, Russians, and Indians in every way.
Their poor will soon be able to afford a car. We still tell ours to take the bus.
About the Author
Daniel J. Flynn is the author of Blue Collar Intellectuals: When the Enlightened and the Everyman Elevated America. He blogs at www.flynnfiles.com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (126) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 10.5.12 @ 6:33AM
There's a free market called Craigslist. Dozens of used vehicles in good shape are available there every day for less than $5,000.
Pecos Pete| 10.5.12 @ 6:44AM
I was willing to buy a new Ford F-150 if it did not include electric windows, DVD player, power seats, etc. All I wanted was a V-8 with horse power and a radio. Something to haul hay and firewood, pull a trailer and use regular gas with no ethanol.
Guess what? No deal.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:26PM
Contest.
Hello?
Appleby| 10.5.12 @ 6:59AM
Around here, it costs about $150 a month just to park your car in the garage at your apartment/condo complex. And they are building condos downtown starting at $300,000 for 458 square feet, with NO parking available. Don't have any out of town visitors, folks, unless they come in by bus.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 7:24AM
Once upon a time, there was a vigorous used car market in the US, where vehicles were available that ranged from a few months past their first trip off the dealer's lot new, to models manufactured decades in the past. Then, in 2009, as part of the stimulus activities, the government introduced "Cash for Clunkers", and blew a whole through the low end of the market, as it outbid the poor for the least expensive vehicles, and removed them permanently from the market.
Like forcing the use of corn for fuel, when the government intervenes in a long established market, the consequences are often different than those announced as intended, and usually most detrimental to those on the lower rungs of the economy.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 8:01AM
Wow. That was something the other night, eh? Who knew that this Genius was so Fckng Stupid, or that Drudge would actually get a Picture of BIGFOOT, lumbering on to the Stage right after the Debate?
Think about what we Witnessed. I imagine that the Closest comparison would be watching JESUS sink to the Bottom, as he stepped out of the Boat, in the Middle of the Sea. That would've been the end of that, wouldn't it? No Messiah. No Religion.
That's what we saw, Wednesday Night. Black Jesus took a Bath. He could've Sealed the Deal that night, just by stepping outta that Boat, and Walking Across that Water (like AlanI'msorrythatwasmeIdon'tseemtobeabletoholdmyfartsinanymoreBrooks) does after his Enema Bag finishes doing, what Enema Bags do.
The False Messiah was shown to be MORTAL, and the disappointment within his Followers was palpable, as we witnessed Yesterday by their Dubious Absence.
I imagine Purp, and the other Unbelievably Stupid Bast*rds, cowering in doorways. Denying their former Master 3 Times, when asked, through the Glory Hole, if they were one of His Followers.
Then again, I also see them with their Heads in their Gas Ovens.
Sounds like a Contest, to me.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 8:27AM
The contestants are milling around, waiting for the rules and a place and time to begin.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 9:17AM
Why, the place is right here, and the time is now.
Ask, and you shall recieve.
Scroll Down, and you shall make a Fool of yourself.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 8:30AM
I don't know about anybody else, but when I saw that? I saw TITANIC.
The Movie - TITANIC.
The White Star Line Ship Building Company (Democrat Party) built the Greatest Ship (Obama) that the World had ever seen. It was New. It was Sleek. And, it was Smart.
It featured all of the best Amenities. You need that if you wanna attract the Big Money (Buffett, Gates, Weinstein, and the like.) or Hollywood Actors. (Hollywood Douchebags)
It was the Fastest Ship, the Coolest Ship, and most of all - It was UNSINKABLE. That's how they sold it to the World. It wasn't just an Irish Ship, or an English Ship. It was a Citizen of the World.
It was the only Ocean Liner with FOUR Steam Exhausts. Unfckingbelievable. Four Steam Exhausts. Of course, later on, we would find out that one of them was a Fake. (That 4th Stack represents Obama's Vaunted Intellect. His Superior Mind. And his I.Q. Which noted Historian - Michael Beschloss proclaimed to be "Off the Charts" until Don Imus actually ASKED HIM what Obama's I.Q. was, wherebye Beschloss admitted that he had "NO IDEA")
Moe Blotz| 10.5.12 @ 8:48AM
Timmy, what does your rant have to do with Mr.Flynn and Datsun? Permit me to point out that White Star Line was the operator of the Titanic, not the manufacturer. Harland and Wolff built the great ship at their yards in Belfast, Ireland.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 8:55AM
Naturally, everybody wanted to get on board. Rich and Poor, alike, flocked to get a Ticket (Vote) for this great new Ship. (Obama) Some travelled on the Left of the Ship (Liberals) while others travelled on its' Right side. (Peggy Noonan comes to mind)
Well, everybody gets on Board (The Media. The Press. Hollywood, and Academia.) and the ship sets sail (Implementing a Leftist Agenda) and proceeds from Europe to America (Leftwards, as you look at the Map) as fast as it can to set a Record. (Ramming Obamacare down our throats.)
Everything looked good for this State of the Art, Spare No Expense, Luxury Liner (Obama and Fat@ss, and their Multi Million $ Vacations, Parties, Iranian Caviar, and $1,000 Bottles of Wine with the New Royal Couple. It looked, pretty much, like Clear Sailing all the way to Port. (Reelection)
Then. Outta nowhere, came an Iceberg (A debate, where he actually had to answer some pointed questions, and had an Opponent who didn't drop outta the Race, because of Unsealed Divorce Records, and wasn't having Flashbacks of Vietnam up on the Stage) which it (Obama) rams in to (Romney's Debate Performance), and begins to Sink. (His unbelievable Asswhupping in front of MILLIONS OF PEOPLE.
And then, for some inexplicable reason, Sasquatch lumbers onto the Stage, as seen on Drudge.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 9:14AM
Good luck beating that one. Although, I must say. I thought of a lot of them, so this should be as easy as Pointing out the Creature from the Black Lagoon, in that Picture at Drudge.
The Object of the Contest is the same - Come up with an Analogy to what we're Discussing. In this Case - Wednesday Nights Debacle. I mean - Debate.
You can use a Movie, like I did, because I'm so Awesome.
You can use a T.V. Show. A Play. A Cartoon. Or (and he knows who he is) something from the Soft Prn Section in the REDBOX.
Naturally, there will be Prizes.
The Winner(s) will recieve a Jar of DRed's Tears, an Audiotape of vtwin puking his guys in the toilet, and the Rope that will, undoubtedly, be around RCV's Chicken Neck on Oct. 11, when "Mittens" gives it to his Boy, the way they used to "Give it to him" at the Bathhouses, in Chicago.
The Loser(s) will receive an Artist's Redition (it's actually a picture done in Crayon by my 7 year old) of Chris Mathews with a Gun in his Mouth. Rachel Maddow with a Gun up her @ss, and Lawrence O'Donnell with Sharpton up his @ss.
Good Luck.
And, be careful out there.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 9:22AM
My entry will be “The Longest Day”, the film adaptation of Cornelius Ryan’s book by the same name on the June 6, 1944 Normandy invasion. Having been told that the Atlantic Wall was impregnable (and believing that the main attack would be Calais, anyway), the Germans are relaxing, with Rommel back in Germany for his wife’s birthday. Pluskat, a German officer, is suffering from insomnia, and spends the night at the beach side fortifications. As dawn approaches, he gets ready to leave, but as it begins to get light, he looks out and sees the Allied armada. At first, he thinks his eyes deceive him, but he realizes that they are there, and notifies higher headquarters. They try to convince him that he is mistaken, and then the naval gunfire begins.
The Obama administration, of course, is the German occupation of France. The Romney campaign is the invasion fleet, the “Great Crusade” commanded by Ike (for our purposes here-Romney). The first shells represent the debate on Wednesday.
It is important to note that there is much sacrifice and hard work to be done between now and the time of success next month when the beachhead will be secured with Romney’s election, and then the long slog to Berlin represents the battle to ensure more conservative governance.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 9:22AM
But Wednesday was the moment when Pluskat shouted to his superior officers that the 5000 ships that you say the Allies don’t have, well, they have them (cue the sound of a 16 inch shell flying overhead and exploding).
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 9:38AM
You are so lucky that I'm not eligible.
And, how about Moe.
I can never get it all finished in time, before some Moe Fcks it all up.
Good one, Albert.
That's what we want at the top of the Order.
Good Luck.
(there's no way in hell)
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 9:45AM
Win, lose or draw, I'll have an acceptance or concession speech ready after Happy Hour.
R Martin| 10.5.12 @ 9:45AM
The first movie, when the Terminator arrives on earth au naturale and is confronted by a group of stupid, heckling thugs.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 9:56AM
Is this really Ricky Martin?
Seriously.
Is that you, Ricky?
R Martin| 10.5.12 @ 10:39AM
Si. Nos gusta grandes hombres fuertes mit der no clothes.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 10:08AM
Bill Paxton: "Nice night for a walk."
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:43PM
I don't get it.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 9:52AM
TLP, This being my first foray into the unknown of your contest and not being familiar with all the pitfalls put in place by contestants to thwart their competitors, with apologies to Edgar Allen Poe, I humbly offer the following:
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 9:58AM
Two days past, A Wednesday, nearly, all the Obamabots, weak-kneed and teary,
gathered to hear what their messiah had in store
for this Mormon, would-be pretender, striding ‘cross the theater floor.
But slowly then, began a gnawing, in their guts and slowly drawing
from them an angst felt nearly to their core.
A case of nerves. Nothing more.
Ah, distinctly I remember all who said, “Come this November,
The One would vanquish all he came before.”
He would leave them beaten, crying, lying in a pool of gore.
But now the gnawing starts anew, surely this cannot be true,
They look, the Kenyan gazes at the floor.
Is he not Forevermore?
Before them Romney just grew stronger, and the Marxist seemed no longer
to freely spread the fairy dust of yore.
With no scripted prompter present, one could see the fear that burned him to his core.
And the gnawing grows apace with the blankness on his face.
And still he gazes at the floor.
Then the whisper, “Nevermore”.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 10:05AM
Directly at Obamarx peering, Romney stood. There was no fearing.
The Kenyan’s minions needed, cried for more!
But nothing came to quell the anguish knocking on their door.
With the spotlight on him streaming, he put an end to all their dreaming.
And still he gazes at the floor.
Quoth the people, “Nevermore”.
So Obamarx, feeling lonely, on the barren stage, spoke only
that one word that always brought a roar.
“We must be FAIR!” he cried to them, but no reaction, like before.
Maddow cringed. Tingles cried. Before their eyes the imposter died.
And still he gazes at the floor.
Quoth the people, “Nevermore”.
Presently my soul grew stronger, as I began to feel no longer,
that all was lost, storm-tossed upon the shore.
And then I saw, so satisfying, Moochelle Obamarx sadly eyeing, gazing at an exit door.
And then it’s over, vict’ry complete, Axeldouche slumping in his seat
while the Muslim Marxist gazes at the floor.
Roared the people, “NEVERMORE!”
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 10:48AM
This one wins.
CJW| 10.5.12 @ 11:03AM
I vote for KJack
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:35PM
Where's Your Entry?
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 10:06AM
KJ;
I believe the appropriate response to brilliance at a poetry reading is to snap one's fingers.
SNAP!SNAP!SNAP!SNAP!SNAP!
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 10:15AM
Where did he come from?
Wow.
I still think he just dropped dead. I don't know why.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 10:00AM
I'm assuming that you just Dropped Dead.
Whoa.
Wait a minute.
Could it be?
You Dropped Dead, just like Obama did at the Debate.
You sly Dog.
Excellent Entry !
mike 3/505| 10.5.12 @ 2:56PM
Awesome entry...Here's mine....knowing full well that Kennesaw has me whupped.
End of the movie Patton: George C. Scott is walking and doing the voice over....words to the effect...
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 3:23PM
Sic gloria transit mundi. I spent the day yesterday reminding myself of that, but it didn't suppress my grin.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:47PM
I don't get that one, either.
Do I need to start Pushing 3 for Latin, from now on?
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 4:00PM
Bravo!
Bob Grant| 10.5.12 @ 4:58PM
TLP,
I'm on SERIOUS cold medication so pardon me if this appears lame.
Titanic:
The crease in obama's pants - as drooled over by one David Brooks - represents the crease incurred by the Titanic when it hit the 'burg.
The real question is will Brooks continue to drool when the ship takes on massive amounts of water?
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 5:08PM
Bob, the short answer is, YES.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:48PM
It's not so much that it's LAME.
It's that it's a LAME Copy of mine.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:50PM
Just say No to Drugs.
I think you might need some help.
Bob Grant| 10.5.12 @ 5:55PM
All I can say is Pat Sajak wouldn't treat his contestants like this!
Give me Vanna White for half a day and all's forgiven.
CJW| 10.5.12 @ 6:09PM
Keep in mind I had a long day in court.
Movie: Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid
Characters: Obama and Joey as Butch and the Kid, originally played by two lefty rich Hollywood liberals.. Butch and the Kid play two boys who never worked and took money from others, in our case taxpayers. In real life O and Joey are two rich lefties who never worked and live off the taxpayers.
Scene 1: Butch and the Kid are being chased, cannot get away, keep looking back, worried and ask "Who are those guys?" The guys, obviously are Mitt and Ryan who do not give up. Butch and the Kid have to flee the USA for Bolivia, Obama and Joey will go to one of the 57 states.
Scene 2. Final scene, Butch and the Kid are shot up, in the old house, and planning their escape. They are oblivious to reality that there are 1,000 soldiers outside, and are confident they will make it. The soldiers outside are the voters ready to throw out these bums.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 6:35PM
Gimme two hours with her and I'll forgive you anything.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:37PM
You can have Alan.
He's white.
SUBVET| 10.5.12 @ 8:42PM
TIM........It would be more appropriate to call Mit....GLOVES not mittens after wednesday's match.
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 6:22AM
Look at you.
Better LATE than never.
Then, again, you are on the West Coast.
Did you happen to send that Mailing Address to my Email?
Let's Go, yo. This is a Great VET SHIRT. Embroidered. Polo. Very Classy.
Red, White, or Blue.
Sweeeeeeeeet.
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 9:27AM
Actually, Cunard's Lusitania and Mauritania, as well as White Star's Olympic (Titanic's sister) all had four funnels. Those on the 1909 Cunarders were all functional; the fourth on the White Stars was mainly for show, but also housed ventilators. Also, Titanic and her sisters were NOT the fastest ships--nor were they intended to be. Mauritania and Lusitania held the Blue Ribband for decades, with a speed of over 25 knots, while Olympic and Titanic could make but 22 knots. Both Olympic and Titanic were intended mainly to be comfortable and luxurious (more stable than Lusitania and Mauritania, they were not prone to the nausea-inducing roll of the Cunarders) mainly to attract the steerage passenger; the luxury side of the White Star ships was icing on the cake--the "business case" was based wholly on third class traffic.
I guess what I'm doing here is puncturing a pretentious and erroneous analogy, in the hope that people will stick to writing about what they know, rather than trying to impress--because, as you might have guessed, I wasn't.
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 9:30AM
By the way, Titanic's slightly older sister, Olympic, was hugely successful, continuing on the North Atlantic run until 1934, and making tons of money for White Star. During World War I, she was used as a troop ship, and actually rammed and sank a U-boat attempting to torpedo her. Always considered a happy and lucky ship, when she was scrapped, the internal paneling and finishings of her first class lounge were incorporated into a British pub, where they can be seen to this day.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 9:43AM
Yeah. I'M PRETENTIOUS.
How about movin along @sshole.
Regular People are trying to have a good time.
What a Shock, that some Lib Ccksckr feels the need to Kill everybody's good time.
All you do is make me Stronger.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 10:30AM
Timmy, ever get the feeling some folks just don't have a life?
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 10:44AM
Like Limberger cheese?
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 10:56AM
Actually, Limburger Cheese always presented a conundrum to me. My father ate it and it occurred to me, "How can something that smells like it died, have an aroma that lives on and on and on, etc. etc. etc.?"
Occam's Tool| 10.5.12 @ 11:21AM
Good to see you, Stuart! Excellent historical points.
However, meanness to TLP is not required. The simplest aspect of the analogy that Tim brought out, the one Tim hit precisely, is the concept of Hubris against the Gods, and the price one pays for confusing one's own flawed self derived sense of ethics with the Eternal One's. Obama conflates himself with the L-rd too frequently; making it worse is that he more easily and accurately could conflate himself with Satan.
That being said, always love the history lessons. But remember, the first lesson in Hebrew School always involved covering the slate in honey so that the children could learn knowledge is Sweet. (And speaking of sweet, any new books from you?)
By the way, you're both on the same side. Have a great weekend, both of you. Remember, the idea is to do this to the Obama campaign:
http://www.cagepotato.com/knoc.....-mastered/
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 4:12PM
It's always nice to know that you have my back.
Thanks O.T.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:53PM
And, you NAILED my Entry, if you don't mind my saying.
Expect a Frozen Banana from Alan's Freezer.
Nick| 10.5.12 @ 1:03PM
I'm getting my entry in early, so I don't have to find a judge to keep the polls open this week!
It was the incredibly vulgar and obscene classic: Slap Shot.
The Romney campaign is, obviously, the Charlestown Chiefs, led by the charming, but scheming, head coach, Reggie Dunlop.
With the news that the team will fold (the past 3 weeks), Reggie has to come up with a way to save his job.
Enter the Hansons. They represent Romney on Wednesday night. Thoroughly annihilating every challenger (O'Bama's lies & Leher's questions).
Manager Joe McGrath represents the RINO campaign consultants on Team Romney. (Who like to wear women's clothing, by the way.)
Francine Dunlop is Ann, duh! She likes getting her hair done and her furs.
Dave "Killer" Carlson is Paul Ryan.
Ned Braden is a composite of Brooks, Noonan, Parker, et al. He doesn't want to play "dirty." "Chicken****!!!
Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken is O'Biden. Big-mouth windbag.
Media Matters is the punk fan who throws his keys at Jeff(?) Hanson, and then tries to run away.
MSNBC is the Hyannisport announcer: "Look at that. You can't see that, I'm on radio."
Nick| 10.5.12 @ 1:09PM
Now that the Chiefs (Team Romney) are winning, the Syracuse Bulldogs (Team O'Bama) will bring in Andre "Poodle" Lussier, Ross "Mad Dog" Madison, Clarence "Screaming Buffalo" Swamptown, and Ogie Ogilthorpe to stand-up to the new Chiefs.
(I.e., the O'Bama regime and LSM will do whatever it takes to win, like, I dunno', put out fake unemployment numbers, maybe?)
The question is: How will this end?
Like the first period, when the Chiefs stop their winning strategy by playing "old time hockey"?
Or, like the second, after McGrath tells them that there are NHL scouts in the audience, and they go back on the attack?
Or, with Braden doing a striptease? (Okay, I'll admit it, I've got nothin' for that one!)
Plus, it looks like Reggie was right about the owner's son: He grew up to be Andrew Sullivan.
Bill Clinton is Hanrahan, of course.
He's drunk/high on the job, and his wife is a switch-hitter.
Nick| 10.5.12 @ 1:16PM
"The fans are standing up to them! The security guards are standing up to them! The peanut vendors are standing up to them! And by golly, if I could get down there, I'd be standing up to them!
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 1:46PM
I would be torn between Hanrahan (for the reason that you give) and Morris Wanchuck ("save me some $n*tch by the pool" sex preoccupation) for Clinton.
Nick| 10.5.12 @ 1:58PM
Good point, Mr. Constantine. Morris does resemble the perverted Clinton.
Except, he's on the wrong team. And, he didn't RAPE anyone, like Bubba.
Maybe, he could be former Gov. Mark Sanford.
Or, Dick Morris. They have the same name!
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:55PM
You are getting way too good at this.
So, why am I so Scared?
Nick| 10.5.12 @ 6:15PM
Too many Mad Magazine movie parodies as a kid, I guess.
p.s. If you're wondering why I didn't assign O'Bama a character from the movie, that's simple:
Everybody knows that black guys don't play hockey!
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 7:24AM
I'm gonna pretend that I didn't see what you wrote, there. I think it's Borderline Racist.
I wouldn't mind if you said something like: "Everybody knows that Black Guys don't Get Married and actually Raise their Kids. They don't get up, and get a Job. They don't wear Belts, and they don't know who their Baby Daddy's are."
I can understand those things.
They don't take responsibility. They don't seem to Care that a Man Works, and that "Any man, who does not provide for his Family, is not a Man". (Godfather) They don't speak English or Ebonics very well. And, they don't seem to understand that the Sun Visor on their Hats, is for keeping the Sun out of their Eyes, not off of the side of their Head.
But - They don't play Hockey?
Methinks that you might wanna shove off, get outta the House and into your Pickup Truck. You don't wanna be late for The Cross Burning!
Moe Blotz| 10.5.12 @ 8:39AM
To answer Mr. Flynn's question, Nissan could not build their reborn Datsun here and make a profit on a $3,000.00 automobile. The reincarnate Datsun will have a manual transmission, no radio, no air conditioning, fabric seats, no air bag crash restraints, no carpeting, just like my first car: a 1962 Chevy II. Most new automobiles incur upwards of one billion dollars development costs just to introduce a model to the market, Nissan hopes to do it for a few million. If they build the mini car in India, Nissan will not have to pay as much in labour to build them. Not having to crash certify the Datsun to meet US regulations will save a few quid as well. Designed to compete in developing markets, the Datsun most likely will see mostly Tatas on the continent where it will be sold.
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 10:47AM
Tatras, not "Tatas"--though rolling boobs might attract some of the teenage male demographic.
JeffB| 10.5.12 @ 9:14AM
Used car sales will soon be a thing of the past. With all the complicated electronics, expensive air bags and the expense to fix it all no one will be able to keep one going. Aire bags alone add thousands to the price and only have a projected life of about 10 years. There is no shade tree mechanic that could possibly track down a bad computer part or a shorted wire; as a result these new cars will all become junk.
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 9:35AM
Not at all true. Modern cars last significantly longer than their 1960s-70s counterparts. Almost all commonly put on more than 100,000 miles; to get 200,000 is now common, and a lot keep going for more than that. Back in the "good old days", a car that lasted 100,000 miles was worthy of throwing a party. Sure, you may not be able to tinker with the engine in your front yard, but that's not why most people buy a car, either.
And that's part of the problem with the car industry: planned obsolescence has vanished: cars cost more, but they last longer, so people hang onto them longer, and with the population growing at a slower pace, the overall demand for used cars has fallen--yet the industry business model is based on the assumption that people will still buy a new car every three years or so (or whenever the ashtray gets full, as we used to say in my family).
Ask me if I would trade in my infinitely reliable Honda for a car built with '60s or '70s technology, and the answer just has to be no.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 1:52PM
Stuart, pretty much on the mark. As to the planned obsolescnese; two observations. Part of that was forced out by the Japanese and the quality of their products. I remember when I was in Viet Nam, Nissan motors was offering a new Datsun at dealer cost to any vet who ordered one while in Nam for pick-up at their local dealer. I bought a Datsun 1600 2-seater sports car which I loved and drove the wheels off. I'll never forget my older brothers laughing at me over the "Made in Japan" stamp on the rear bumper. Little did they know...
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 2:00PM
Secondly, and this is something I've never entirely understood; in the old days the manufacturers changed, in most cases significantly, body styles. Everyone knew how old your car was because the styles were so distinctive, so I think folks were a bit more motivated to update. I understand the costs of retooling the stamping dies but it seems that the good old American desire to be seen as successful would serve to increase sales if the industry returned to that practice. Your Honda is a great car, probably one of the best, but unless you own one, who can really tell the difference among the models of the last three or four years?
Given the quality of the drive trains, as you correctly point out, there is really no incentive to buy that new ride every three years or so.
Butch| 10.5.12 @ 3:21PM
"Everyone knew how old your car was . . ." from a hundred yards away! They did it on purpose, too. I heard an old designer talk about it in a Turner-produced TV program on the history of cars in America. Great show. I've seen it twice.
Stuart Koehl| 10.7.12 @ 7:28AM
The real reason body styles typically endure for three to five years is aerodynamics--which also explains why most cars look alike. With government mandating both increased fuel economy and heavy, mileage-killing safety devices, and consumers demanding all sorts of gadgets as standard features, there are only two ways to meet mileage goals: reducing chassis and body weight (which has a lower limit), and improved aerodynamics. That dictates a common shape, with a minimum of drag and turbulence producing protuberances, distinctive trim, oddball fins and fancy grills. Form now follows function, ruthlessly. And unless the new design yields some sort of weight or drag benefit, might as well stick with the old one.
Petronius| 10.5.12 @ 9:43AM
There are many makes of compact high mileage vehicles in Europe we can't buy. But none has what our climate requires; air conditioning.
Stuart Koehl| 10.5.12 @ 10:45AM
I've driven some of those. You wouldn't want to. On the other hand, Europeans make a number of excellent diesel cars these days--not miserable little econo-boxes, but decent mid-size and even full-size sedans, that have great performance, and get more than forty miles to the gallon. And they are immense fun to drive.
2Anglico| 10.5.12 @ 9:51AM
Mr. Flynn says the government wants poor people to ride the bus. This is only partially true, the government wants EVERYONE to ride the bus...or train. Listen to the recently released tape of Barry O from 2007.
Who Knows?| 10.5.12 @ 10:20AM
Why can’t a $3K Datsun NOW be sold in the USA?
Why are used cars of old age endangered species?
LAWYERS!
When you say “regulations”, what you really mean are humans working as lawyers, doing what lawyers do—say NO! Their motto is---STIFLE!
However, the free market, even in used vehicles, will probably remain alive, albeit in reduced form. Supply-demand rules.
What IS an automobile, truck or car?
A machine to move you and stuff from here to there, using a physical fuel, which will continue to be gas or diesel, for as long as people now alive survive. And, what is that machine made of?
Systems. Just buy a manual for your vehicle, and note the chapter titles---brakes, steering, motor, transmission, etc.
Each one of these can be kept up to functioning specs.
I took a worn out 77 Toyota and went through each system, starting by having the leaking radiator fixed, getting a new clutch, and rebuilding the brake system. As long as the LAWYERS don’t get in the way, there’s NO WAY they can stop me from maintaining each system, and thus having and using a perfectly useable truck, practically forever.
Bill8472| 10.5.12 @ 10:31AM
Add the purchase price and then the costs of bringing each system up to functioning specs together, then tell us how much the car cost.
Who Knows?| 10.5.12 @ 11:43AM
Funny you should mention this.
As a retired controller, I actually have done this, accounting for every penny I spent. Of course, I haven’t kept track of the many hours I worked on the truck, because I consider that time as FUN.
Since 1994, when I bought it used for $700, the total dollars spent for “things” is exactly $5,638.96, and I’ve driven 50,566 miles. Do the math.
And, most of the systems have many miles of service left on them, which means in the future, expenses will be quite minimal.
The lesson?
For those willing to learn and do the work, even now it’s possible to create a “$3,000” car.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 5:57PM
Think: The Volt.
Bill8472| 10.5.12 @ 10:30AM
If we want a low-cost car, we may have to do without "perhaps even air conditioners?"
Oh, Mr. Flynn, that remark shows how accustomed even you have become to cars as rolling "entertainment centers."
Houdini| 10.5.12 @ 10:58AM
TLP,
The movie is Blazing Saddles, where the pols exclaim that they have to save their phony baloney jobs.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 11:03AM
Harrumph, Harrumph (Hey, I didn't get a harrumph out of that guy!)
Bill8472| 10.5.12 @ 11:23AM
Rape-my favorite.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 11:31AM
More precisely:
HL: Your specialties?
Bandit: Rape, Arson, Murder and Rape.
HL: You said Rape twice.
Bandit: I like Rape.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:08PM
You don't understand.
Bill8472 is a Muslim.
Rape IS his Favorite.
mike 3/505| 10.7.12 @ 2:09PM
Do what he say! Do what he say!
Stkman| 10.5.12 @ 11:20AM
Here's my entry, and I'm going to go with something simple so Purp andhis friends can understand it.
The Empperors New Clothes.
Obama is the Emperor thinking we are all so stupid we can't see what he's trying to pull and Romney would be the serfs who wintess the Emperor as he parades in front of all the serfs naked and exposed for what he really is.
Simple short and sweet.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:14PM
That was actually my first choice, and it's a good one.
It's just that so many people were pointing that out, yesterday.
You're absolutely right in you're analyst.
Expect a Prize.
Do you like Frozen Bananas?
Joellen| 10.5.12 @ 4:11PM
Picture this: The Ten Commandments. Moses (Charlton Heston aka Mitt Romney) through the power of GOD gives many signs and omens to the people that GOD is mad at how his people (those who abide by his Commandments aka those who adhere to the Constitution) are being abused by Ramsey aka Obama/marxist regime. Now the ever arrogent Ramsey aka Obama refuses to heed to GOD's warnings, so GOD smites Ramsey's son aka Obama's arrogance at the first debate. GOD then leads his people out of Egypt aka inability to discern truth, however many people (liberals) are still smugly subverting GOD's laws. So Moses aka Romney and true patriots will have to continue in the next two debates to inform the people aka liberals, the undecided, etc. what is truth. Remember though these folks will have to be open to truth and choose truth, which will be hard due to the fact we are of the world and the word is usually conveyed inacurately by the storytellers aka the corrupt media (i.e., the news today about unemployment). Its an ongoing battle folks good vs evil.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 4:19PM
Am I the only one who thinks that there are way too many people interested in this Datsun Story?
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 4:49PM
YOU sent us here for the contest, remember? By the way, if I were, by some anomaly, to win, could I exchange the prize for one of Jack From WI's used Yarmulkas or are they being reserved for a future contest?
Bob Grant| 10.5.12 @ 5:19PM
Ken,
The prize is the confiscated bicycle seat. You failed to read TLP's fine print.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:17PM
I'll do better than that.
If you win, Jack?
I'll send you Jack's Foreskin.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 6:33PM
Just make sure it's mummified and in an hermetically sealed container, PULEEZE. Will it come wrapped in one of his Yarmulkas?
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:56PM
It come wrapped in his Muslim Scarf.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:18PM
Where are all the "Friends" you promised me, Joellen?
Joellen| 10.5.12 @ 6:59PM
They have till 8:00 no? Unless we scared them off, you with Titanic, CJW with Butch Cassidy, Stuart, Bob Grant, etc. they are hard to compete with. Anyways, I gave it a try.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 5:46PM
I was just kinda hopin', you know.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:23PM
You're the Man, Jack.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 6:24PM
It's getting to be 7 O'Clock.
Let's go, people.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 7:17PM
Okay.
It's 6:57, and since Nick has already sent in his Entry, I think it's safe to say that, the Contest is over.
Normally, I would thnk all of you for your Enthusiasm, if not your Entries, but I'm gonna leave that to Albert, as he is the Master, when it comes to such things.
The winners of the Pictures of RCV with the Rope around his Neck. the Audio of vtwin Puking his Guts, the Jar of DRed's Tears, and (I needed one more prize) a week's supply of Alan Brooks' Frozen Bananas are - KennasawJack, for his Non-Gay Poetry, that I think was head and Shoulders above all of the other Non-Gay stuff. I'm also sending him Jack's Foreskin, wrapped in Jack's Palestinian Scarf, because I know that he would be Devistated, if he didn't get it.
mike 3/505 wins, because of his Entry, and because he's a Man's Man.
Albert Constantine Jr. Wins, for his English Language Entries, and because, this Contest wouldn't even Exist, if it wasn't for his Enthusiasm.
Joellen wins for her Entry, and because she's so Hoy, and the rest of you are So Not Hot.
And, CJW wins, because he Stuck It To The Man, in Court, yet still found time to enter a post about Slapshot. One of my all time Favourites.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 7:30PM
With left hand wrapped around an ice cold Yuengling, a shot of even colder Jaeger sitting by its side while watching my beloved Syracuse Orangemen beating Pitt (at least for now) I am humbled by TLP's generosity. It is my intention to donate the prizes from Jack in Wi. to the Center for Recovering Jewish Obamarx Supporters to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at their next fund raiser in Miami.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 7:43PM
You're Killing me.
CJW| 10.5.12 @ 8:25PM
K Jack,
I always drink Yuengling, a Pa beer, I think it is the oldest brewery?
Congratulations, but I hate to spoil your evening by reminding you that Joey Biden graduated 91 out of 96 from the Syracuse Law School. They reprimanded hims for submitting a term paper he plagiarized. I bring this up only because I am a Pitt grad.
Your poem was excellent.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 8:45PM
That was low. Very low. Otherwise, thanks for the complement.
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 10:12PM
Ahem....
CJW| 10.6.12 @ 9:14AM
14-13. The altitude, or was it the low pressure, affected my team. Besides, Syracuse lied about something.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 7:32PM
I wanna give an Honourable Mention Lifetime Supply of Frozen Bananas from Alan Brooks' Freezer to Occam, for always having my back, and doing it in a Gentlemanly Way.
Thank You, Occam.
I can't believe I almost forgot Nick.
Nick, you are also one of the Winners. You continue, with your Entries, to establish yourself as Top Dog, in the quest for Perfection in a Contest with No Cash Value.
Your Analogy was nothing short of Perfect. And I apologize for giving Credit to CJW for your Fabulous Rendition of Slapshot.
I also Apologize to CJW, who, I'm afraid, will have to be satisfied with the pictures of Chris Mathews with a Gun in his Mouth. Rachael Maddow with a Gun up her @ss. And, Lawrence O'Donnell with Al Sharpton up his @ss.
Of 'be left anyone out? I apologize.
I'm way past Half in the Bag, and I have to make Dinner for my Kid, who's just finishing up those Marvelous Pictures you're about to recieve.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 7:42PM
I hereby turn over these proceedings to Albert Constantine Jr. to Sum Up this week's Contest.
Anyone I left out (I'm really Wasted) will be recieving the Pictures drawn in Crayon. I promise you.
And, before I turn you over to Albert, I wanna say one thing- We're all Family. We are One. And, for all of those we invited, who didn't show up?
All I can say is - They missed out.
I hope look forward to this, as much as I do.
Thanks to you?
TGIF.
Have a Great Weekend.
Even you - Stuart.
It's all yours, Albert.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 8:02PM
Albert?
Joellen| 10.5.12 @ 8:07PM
Tim, be at peace Brother, you've done your job for the week. Now enjoy your family and be at peace.
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 6:33AM
I told you she was Hot.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 9:59PM
TLP:
Again, thank you for the contest, and the opportunity to get so many together on a common thread.
I think a shout out to the Yuengling Brewery is highly necessitated, as along with the winner KJ and so many others, I spent a few hours sampling their well-crafted wares this evening.
While film is a great milieu that so many of us can relate to, KJ went deep to the classics tonight, and resurrected the spirit of Edgar Allen Poe tonight, with all that is entailed by his reference. For those who were read poetry in the days before TV was on all night, I imagine a tear is being shed for his ability to parody the talent of a great opium abuser.
Nick, Maxine Nightingale is singing in the background as a result of your entry.
Stkman summarized Obama on Wednesday well, even if no one remembers the movie he cited. Houdini cited a great film about politics and race in Blazing Saddles, even if he didn’t link to the debate, as the rules required.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.5.12 @ 10:04PM
CJW mocked Biden with facts, which long suffering Delawareans such as I and R Martin understand.
Joellen called on Moses and the 10 Commandments, and in that she invokes higher authority than any of us could hope to claim. Even after the passing of Charlton Heston, you carry the favor of higher authority than anyone else here could claim.
OT entered as a peacemaker, despite Jack from Wi characterizations to the contrary.
Mike dropped in from the 82nd, and gave us the well reasoned Patton reference. I believe he should be allowed to populate a foxhole with Pecos Pete, who remains stung from his characterization in weeks past.
Bob Grant should be remembered, not for his contributions to the contest, but for the Pat Sajak reference, as one of a few known conservative gane show hosts (along with Chuck Woolery).
Thanks to AMSPEC and Daniel Flynn should also not be forgotten, as without them, we would be diffused throughout the country trying to make our points in a less friendly environment.
I hope to see everyone tonight and more at the next challenge.
Bob Grant| 10.5.12 @ 10:33PM
Albert,
Come on. You guys must reconsider my entry. In addition to being pithy, it included a David Brooks smear. That alone should have put me in contention.
As Rodney Dangerfield put it: " All I ever wanted was one of these".
KennesawJack| 10.5.12 @ 10:46PM
Bob, I agree the reference to Brooksie Boy was big league stuff but, when you consider the visual affored by my line about Moochelle, it comes up just a little, mind you just a little, short.
Bob Grant| 10.6.12 @ 12:04AM
Ken,
Your twist on Edgar Allen Poe was spot on. The complaint's not against your excellent work as much as his blatant dismissal of mine.
But if he took the time to look past the misspellings, grammatical errors, and the obvious obama-like effort put into it, he'd fully appreciate the Brooks dig.
Speaking of Edgar Allen's Hos, I indeed enjoyed the Mooochelle visual.
Cheers.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.6.12 @ 10:14AM
I'm not the judge, I'm just the guy that wraps it up in the speech. While your "crease of his pants" remark had merit, I liked the later Pat Sajak reference, and chose to highlight that. I will try to be more sensitive in future closings.
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 6:08PM
I've read all of these things 10 Times, and I just now noticed your Pecos Pete thing.
Unfckingbelievabley Hilarious.
I'm Cracking Up as I'm writing this.
You're Amazing, Albert.
Thank You.
I might Write the Contests?
But you ARE the Contest.
See ya, Monday.
CJW| 10.5.12 @ 8:29PM
Tim
Please send the photos of Tingles, Rachel, Lawrence, and Al Sharpton to Purpie so he can post them alongside his posters of Che, Hugo Chavez, Ho Chi Minh, Rev Wright, and Billy Ayers.
Have a pleasant weekend.
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 6:54AM
I got a feeling that he only wants the one with Lawrence O'Donnell and Al Sharpton, so he can do a Cut and Paste job, putting His Face on O'Donnell's Neck.
I'm really sorry that I screwed up your Entry. Your Butch Cassidy was good. It was better than good. But, as you can see, from reading about HALF OF THESE, this Contest may very well soon be Sponsored by Alcoholics Anonomys.
I felt bad, because I WAS half in the bag.
Long Day of Hard Labour, and then the Kids, the Laundry, the Dinner, the Dog, the Fosters Oil Cans.
(I Mister Mom it, and do Landscaping while the Kids are in School)
I forgot that the Prizes don't get handed out until 8. And, I think I might've sent K.J. my old Lucky Rubber, instead of Jack's Foreskin, by accident.
Anyway.
You keep those Pictures for yourself.
You deserve them.
tankrtrash| 10.6.12 @ 10:03AM
I too sometimes find my muse
In those big blue cans that you choose
The secret lies twixt one & two...
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 12:54PM
One and two?
Those are the Warmup Beers.
mike 3/505| 10.7.12 @ 2:13PM
Tim,
Thanx for the compliment.
Kennesaw....I stand in awe.....Awwwwe...of your literary ability. Snap, snap, snap, Sir!
Joellen| 10.5.12 @ 7:03PM
I have one more, although maybe too obvious: "Invasion of The Body Snatcher". Though simplicity might just be what is obvious. We are the few who have not been overtaken by the PODS - however, we are getting tired - must stay awake folks - must stay awake - so drink that coffee and keep one step ahead of them.
TLP| 10.5.12 @ 8:03PM
Way too Obvious.
Sorry.
TLP| 10.6.12 @ 6:57AM
Just kidding.
Actually, that wasn't bad.
PeterHal| 10.6.12 @ 1:20PM
It is surprising how effectively none of the comments addresses the legitimate question, asked:
Why can't we have a $3,000 car, too?
The answer is obvious. Car safety regulations in the USA block a lot of cars from the US market.
In Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain Renault acquired Romanian Dacia, a known manufacturer of not quite so good cars and decided to produce a cheap, no-frills model for the nascent Eastern European market and to export to Middle East countries like India.
To Renault's surprise they got a lot of requests from Western Europe for these modern, but simple Dacia Logan model at €5000 - €6000.
Renault therefore started to import them too.
Nissan, a company where Renault acquired a large stake and their CEO Carlos Ghosn did such a good restructuring job, he later was appointed Renault CEO, is now doing the same for poorer Asian countries, with their revived Datsun.
The key question is thus, why is it possible in Western-Europe to get the cheap Dacia Logan's introduced, (off course backed by Renault) while in the USA the new cheap Datsun's aren't allowed to enter the US market.
This is obvious a political question and not only the market or marketeers who say that American's do not want to drive around in a cheap no-frills car.
Sean| 10.6.12 @ 5:02PM
I think I am conservative because I grew up lower middle class and saw how government made life very difficult for me. My first car was a a very cheap volvo 244 dl that I used just to drive to work and school. Put on probably less than 7k miles a year on it and it had almost no frills like power windows etc. The car drove very well as long as I didn't haul around a bunch of people in it. Every year I would have to find a someone that could pass the car inspection for me because it would barely fail the smog check. Instead of driving my cheap car that probably caused very little pollution overall government was wanting me to spend 20k on a new car.