chiefstang

Funny and true. Perception is half of the battle. But in the last few years I have noticed that I don't have to tell my customers about quality gains. They are actually telling me. Even the evil ones cross shopping the Japanese cars. I don't think that you would be alienating Toyota customers by asking people to buy American, though. It worked after 9/11, albiet in a state of heightened patriotism, which is what we need. Someone to stir the pot, and make people proud of where they live and who they are. I don't think it should be limited to the auto industry, either. It should be asked of everywhere, from everyone. Be proud. I am.

Currently, Ford's quality is on par, or better than the foriegn "quality leaders" but people still flockto them like lemmings over a cliff. It's almost as though they're making a political statement with their purchase. And that's really sad. We need strong leadership that isn't afraid to ask us to support our country.

I work for a Ford dealer in upstate, NY and recently we ran an ad that asked people to buy American. The backlash was quick, and surprising. People were upset that in a "global economy" why were we trying to mislead people. Now I know that even Ford is guilty of outsourcing some of it's labor, but they have to to remain competitive. But at the end of the day, Ford is an American company that employs and supports thousands and thousands of American people. Toyota employs just enough Americans to brag about it. But my biggest concern is why is it bad to ask the people to support our great nation in a time of economic need. In the 80's we were in a recession similar to the one we're dealing with now, and I remember Reagan emploring the people to buy American... I remember the proud little American flags with the "Made in the U.S.A" adorning everything from kitchen sets to coffee tables. And I remember people being proud to buy them. It worked then, and I would like to believe it could work now. So where are the cries for patriotism now? I know our foreign policy is not a popular one now, but our economy needs help, and nobody wants to step up to the plate and ask people to be accountable and do their part. I just want to cry every time I see a Toyota with an American flag on the antenna. Is it bad to buy American, bad to be American? I don't think so, but people had better wake up and see that buying that Nissan is hurting us... Alot. Gos bless us, and God help us if somebody doesn't man up, and do what Reagan was able to. Obama? McCain? Bush?...Anybody? No, huh? Guess it's up to the people.