Edwards tells Americans they should give up their SUV's...

6SpeedTA95 · 08-29-2007, 06:08 PM

Edwards tells Americans to give up SUVs | Subscriptions index | Guardian Unlimited

Candidate tells forum: 'America's going to have to change'

Associated Press
Wednesday August 29, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards today said he would ask Americans to give up their SUVs, as he set out his plans to curb carbon emissions.
At a forum held by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Florida, Mr Edwards said he believe Americans were "actually willing to sacrifice".

He said "one of the things they should be asked to do is drive more fuel efficient vehicles." When asked if this meant telling voters to give up their SUVs the former senator said "yes".

The majority of polls place Mr Edwards third among the Demcoratic candidates, behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Mr Edwards was clearly popular with the group, several times drawing standing ovations, including once when he said weapons and equipment used by the US military needed to be made in the United States.

He said tanks and ammunition for M16 rifles are being made in other countries.

"If your tax dollars are being used to produce the products that keep America safe, that provide defence for the American people, those jobs should remain in the United States of America," he said. He also said as president he would ask residents to conserve energy and said the US needs to focus on being a leader in creating alternative energy.

He said he wants a national cap on carbon dioxide emissions that is lowered each year.

"We are the worst polluter on the planet. We are 4% of the world's population, we're putting out 25% of the world's greenhouse gas," Mr Edwards said. "America's going to have to change."

Edwards tells Americans they should give up their SUV's? But when an auto publication asked him why he didn't curb his lifestyle, like downsizing from his 28,000 sq foot mansion or knocking out the trips on private and corporate jets he said no because "I work hard for what I have and to provide for my family".

So the rest of the USA doesnt? We're all a bunch of lazy slackers that deserve to have our wants/needs legislated from some idiot politician in Washington DC? This is ridiculously arrogant on his part and he should be ashamed.

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 06:12 PM

The rambling structure sits in the middle of a 102-acre estate on Old Greensboro Road west of Chapel Hill. The heavily wooded site and winding driveway ensure that the home is not visible from the road. “No Trespassing” signs discourage passersby from venturing past the gate.

Don Knight, Orange County building plans examiner, told CJ that, including the recreational building, the Edwardses’ home would be one of the largest in Orange County.

Knight approved the building plans that showed the Edwards home totaling 28,200 square feet of connected space. The main house is 10,400 square feet and has two garages. The recreation building, a red, barn-like building containing 15,600 square feet, is connected to the house by a closed-in and roofed structure of varying widths and elevations that totals 2,200 square feet.

The main house is all on one level except for a 600-square-foot bedroom and bath area above the guest garage.

The recreation building contains a basketball court, a squash court, two stages, a bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, swimming pool, a four-story tower, and a room designated “John’s Lounge.”

Oh yeah. He should be the one to talk about giving things up to save energy. What a fucking clown!

IminWonderland · 08-29-2007, 08:02 PM

I agree with him.

So I got a MiniVan instead. Because I need the room, but don't want to kill the planet in the process.

I'm willing to take someone's advice within the context of a global problem, without trying to pick through their personal lives to validate what they say.

Do what I say, not as I do is a cultural staple in this country.

JaJae · 08-29-2007, 08:08 PM

What a dumbass. He gets out of this thing to tell people to stop driving SUVs. That takes a lot of ballz.

thomez · 08-29-2007, 08:20 PM

maybe he's buying fuel from Willie Nelson

Scrum · 08-29-2007, 08:51 PM

And Bush asked us to go to war in Iraq without actually picking up a gun and leading the charge himself.

Newsflash: Politicians are hypocrites.

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by IminWonderland

I agree with him.

So I got a MiniVan instead. Because I need the room, but don't want to kill the planet in the process.

I'm willing to take someone's advice within the context of a global problem, without trying to pick through their personal lives to validate what they say.

Do what I say, not as I do is a cultural staple in this country.

Oh, great idea!

Minivan Comparison Test

Observed MPG

Dodge Grand Caravan 16.2 mpg

Honda Odyssey 16.2 mpg

Pontiac Montana 16.6 mpg

Toyota Sienna 15.2 mpg

The full sized Ford Explorer I rented averaged 15.5 when I rented it. And it was a HUGE 4WD.

JaJae · 08-29-2007, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Stylerod

Oh, great idea!

Minivan Comparison Test

Observed MPG

Dodge Grand Caravan 16.2 mpg

Honda Odyssey 16.2 mpg

Pontiac Montana 16.6 mpg

Toyota Sienna 15.2 mpg

The full sized Ford Explorer I rented averaged 15.5 when I rented it. And it was a HUGE 4WD.

Their MPG suck, but they have slightly better emissions.

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 09:12 PM

I was unhappy with my Pacifica getting 21 mpg. Maybe I shouldn't be.

garbagemanlb · 08-29-2007, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Scrum

And Bush asked us to go to war in Iraq without actually picking up a gun and leading the charge himself.

Newsflash: Politicians are hypocrites.

shh...let the GOP sackriders finish jerking each other off.

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by garbagemanlb

shh...let the GOP sackriders finish jerking each other off.

You think there is nothing wrong with Edwards preaching but not practicing? Got the ole blinders on again do we?

garbagemanlb · 08-29-2007, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by Stylerod

You think there is nothing wrong with Edwards preaching but not practicing? Got the ole blinders on again do we?

I do think it is kind of hypocritical, actually. However, I just thought it funny to interrupt the circle jerk. Go on.

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by garbagemanlb

I do think it is kind of hypocritical, actually. However, I just thought it funny to interrupt the circle jerk. Go on.

I know. I have to do that from time to time. There really isn't much that can be said here except admit he needs to shut up about this stuff until he can lead by example. But he never was much of a leader. God knows why he is running for president.

thomez · 08-29-2007, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Stylerod

Oh, great idea!

Minivan Comparison Test

Observed MPG

Dodge Grand Caravan 16.2 mpg

Honda Odyssey 16.2 mpg

Pontiac Montana 16.6 mpg

Toyota Sienna 15.2 mpg

The full sized Ford Explorer I rented averaged 15.5 when I rented it. And it was a HUGE 4WD.

an Explorer is not huge, they make the Expedition and Excursion that are both larger (I think they may have dropped the Excursion). If you need to haul 7 people the only logical way to do this is with a van.... if you want over 12mpg

Stylerod · 08-29-2007, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by thomez

an Explorer is not huge, they make the Expedition and Excursion that are both larger (I think they may have dropped the Excursion). If you need to haul 7 people the only logical way to do this is with a van.... if you want over 12mpg

It was big to me. Compared to my Pacifica at least.

6SpeedTA95 · 08-29-2007, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by IminWonderland

I agree with him.

So I got a MiniVan instead. Because I need the room, but don't want to kill the planet in the process.

I'm willing to take someone's advice within the context of a global problem, without trying to pick through their personal lives to validate what they say.

Do what I say, not as I do is a cultural staple in this country.

If you personally choose to do it great!

He's saying we should get rid of them running as a presidential candidate and having said ON TV that he would help push through and sign legislation effectively eliminating the SUV.

6SpeedTA95 · 08-29-2007, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by thomez

an Explorer is not huge, they make the Expedition and Excursion that are both larger (I think they may have dropped the Excursion). If you need to haul 7 people the only logical way to do this is with a van.... if you want over 12mpg

The explorer is in the same size class as the minivans. I think that was his point. The expedition is substantially bigger and gets about 14 or so mpg city.

thomez · 08-29-2007, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Stylerod

It was big to me. Compared to my Pacifica at least.

Well... an Explorer is really a mid-size SUV these days... along with the 4Runner, the Trailblazer (non EXT), Envoy, H3, Pilot, etc. I'd much rather haul a family around in a van though... the ease and comfort is not even close.

Thorgrim · 08-29-2007, 11:06 PM

he said he'd sign a law that would outlaw SUVs...like the government would pay you market value and take them away? Like it'd be impossible for even Bill Gates to import a new one?

6SpeedTA95 · 08-29-2007, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by thomez

Well... an Explorer is really a mid-size SUV these days... along with the 4Runner, the Trailblazer (non EXT), Envoy, H3, Pilot, etc. I'd much rather haul a family around in a van though... the ease and comfort is not even close.

I'd rather drive the explorer than the minivan. But I'm a tall guy, minivans and me dont do well and I think they suck at life.