Gas-Guzzling SUV Haters

Want more proof that many of the anti-SUV crowd are less concerned about patriotism or the environment and more concerned about drawing arbitrary distinctions to assert moral superiority? Check out today's NY Post's "Page Six" col, which notes:

THE four founders of the Detroit Project - the anti-SUV campaign that blames the gas-guzzlers for aiding terrorism - have a blind spot when it comes to the use of gas-guzzling private jets.

The short bit details how Arianna Huffington, film producer Lawrence Bender (Reservoir Dogs), talent agent Ari Emanuel (brother of U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel), and Laurie David (wife of Seinfeld co-creator Larry David), all prefer private jets to commercial flights.

It's not about burning petrol in toto, you see--it's about doing it in style.

Comments

[Buck]

What would Jesus Fly?

[Wozz]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize liberal hypocrisy changed the fact that SUV's are wasteful and unsafe. Thanks for setting me straight.

[Steve]

I'm with Buck. I just can't imagine liberals being hypocrites. It just staggers the imagination to think they would want the rest of us to do something they don't believe they need to.

Yo' y'all get outta the limos and ride a bicycle for a change.

Freakin' dirtbag libs.

[Wozz]

Incidently, its plainly obvious that the ads are parodies of the similarly styled drug-war ads. Whoever is saying that was not the intention (a Slashdot style "anonymous coward" apparently) is not only apparently unaware of these similarities, but also incapable of doing some basic research. Please read Arianna's column introducing the idea here and then feel free to respond with the location of the creators comments you mention.

[Caddyman]

No, Wozz. Liberal ( or whatever other brand of ) hypocrisy is why you think it's OK to present your OPINION that SUV's are "wasteful" as fact that the rest of us are somehow just too stupid to realize. Thank God you and Arianna, Rob Reiner, Ted Turner, et al. are around to "guide" us>

[Brad S]

I'm with you, Caddyman. I cannot imagine where I would be if celebrities weren't there at every turn to tell me what to think. In addition to your list, I'm also eternally grateful to Barbara Streisand, Sean Penn, and Rosie O'Donnell.

[Dan]

Forget the private jets - I did a derivation on our web site last year to show that people who fly first class on commercial airliners are responsible for burning an average of 66 gallons of extra fuel on a trip across the country (measured by counting the number of economy seats lost to first class and dividing by hourly fuel consumption of a 767).

If a car with average CAFE fuel mileage and an SUV with the CAFE average for light trucks both start driving, it'll take about 8000 miles before the SUV has burned 66 gallons of gas more than the car.

Message: If you fly first class, you're helping to fund terrorism. Think we'll hear that slogan from Hollywood any time soon?

[Fred Boness]

Maybe those jets should be sporting "Ask me how I'm changing the environment" bumper stickers.

[Drumwaster]

:What Would Jesus Fly?:

That's an eeeeasy one.

Flaming chariots! Just ask Elijah... LOL

[David Foster]

Dan...could you provide link to the first-class fuel-consumption calculation? I'm sure first class uses substantially more fuel, but this number sounds awfully high...

[bp]

Kevin & Wozz:

Yes, one of the purposes of the ads is to mock the earlier anti-drug ads.

The other purpose, which Arianna spells out pretty clearly in the article Wozz linked to, is to get people to stop driving cars she considers "wasteful".

Therefore the original point - that the people behind this ad are flaming hypocrites - still stands.

[Brad S]

Yet another example of a Limousine Liberal. You know. The kind who shames working, middle-class Americans for being too greedy and not giving enough to charity, just before jumping into the back of a stretch Limousine and sipping some Dom Perignon.

[Buck Hicks]

Hypocrisy from a liberal? I'm shocked. How long has this been going on?

[Henry Hanks]

Huffington's reaction to a question Hannity asked about private planes is priceless: "I have ridden private planes. They're not planes that I own. They're planes that were going somewhere in any case."

[Bill]

Brad, everybody knows that Liberals eat babies, so why don't you come out and say so? What are you, a Liberal apologist?

[Kevin]

Maybe the commercial was meant to be SARCASTIC! Maybe it was a spoof on the President's drug/terrorist commercials. You guys are brilliant!

[Chris May]

My wife and kids are alive because they were driving a Suburban. They were stopped in a traffic jam when they were rear-ended by a semi truck going at full tilt. It knocked them 200 feet off the road and totally destroyed the rear half of the vehicle, but my family walked away with minor injuries.

So...... I'll drive the biggest land yacht I can afford for the rest of my life, and any skinny bearded wierdo who doesn't like it can KISS MY ASS, right in the groove.

-ccm

[Anonymous]

Maybe, but it wasn't. Not according to the creators.

[Hank]

What would Jesus drive?

[acline]

Hmmm...I don't suppose it has occurred to some of you that a liberal might be outraged over this nonsense, too.

[Dan]

Here's a link to the article. If you think I got the numbers wrong, let me know.

Remember, first class also requires more aisle space, more equipment, etc.

[John]

First, plenty of Republicans hate SUVs. Being concerned about gas-guzzlers that hurt the environment and aren't safe to drive. Why? Because they have common sense. They don't like breathing poisoned air, and they don't want to get killed. Duh... very few people want to get killed. So liberals aren't the only ones who hate SUVs.

Second, so what if the people who made the ads are hypocrites. So, theyre idiots. Just because someone like that has an opinion doesn't make it wrong. Be logical...

Third, FOX news is so right-wing it isn't even funny. Whereas the other stations are unbiased. Try changing the channel.

Fourth, to the "Kiss my ass" guy who thinks his family was saved by the SUV: there are plenty of non-SUVs that are SAFER than the safest SUV. If you really want to protect your family, get a Volvo or something.

[Bob]

dump the suvs and drive corvettes they are alot faster and fun to drive and have just as big as engines as the suvs and they also have a lowwer profile to ground to make faster turns and will not roll like a suv

[Shawn]

A huge example of a non thinking liberal. The guy who thinks FOX is biased but all the other networks aren't? FOX is the only one who even comes close to telling both sides of the story. It just seems biased because the liberal side is so obiously stupid when the facts are discussed openly. Mr. Liberal you are just used to allowing yourself to think that what you are hearing on the other networks is non biased. Get some self honesty man.

As far as SUV's go drive what you want. You drive your Geo Metro and I will drive my Suburban. Just remember, when you get in an accident with a cadillac (just a bigger car. not even an SUV) you can have all the good little politically correct feelings you want on your way to the hospital. Oh, did you also mean to target all large cars after you get rid of the SUV's? What about the poor guy on the bicycle who you hit with your metro. Better outlaw metros also.

[Tyler]

John, im not sure you would know about Republican's driving SUV's you sound like some bogus whiney left wing Democrat.

"Third, FOX news is so right-wing it isn't even funny. Whereas the other stations are unbiased. Try changing the channel."

i quoted that from you. What do you think the media is? all left-wing except for fox. Wake up,

they don't want to get killed. Duh... very few people want to get killed. So liberals aren't the only ones who hate SUVs

get killed? the air is not "poisoned" because of SUV's, that was very ignorant to say of you. Its polluted because of factories, cars, pick up trucks, deisel trucks, and SUV's.

Fourth, to the "Kiss my ass" guy who thinks his family was saved by the SUV: there are plenty of non-SUVs that are SAFER than the safest SUV. If you really want to protect your family, get a Volvo or something.

are you to lazy to read? it saved his FAMILY because of the size. If they were to be driving a Volvo and gotten hit, it would of been a different story. There always has to be some Liberal ass like you, who goes looking for a argument but doesnt have the faintest clue what he is talking about.

[S]

ummm actually suv's are pretty cool.lol volvo has one which protects other cars by providing a lower bumper... and corvettes please, cheap and not safe....

[jake]

why do you want to ban SUVS? SUVS are the coolest vehicle, and i will always own one. right now i have a v-10 ford excursion and if you don't like it move to Iraq!

[J]

why do you people hate on the SUV? SUVS are a lot heavier and safer then a small car, or even a truck. if you hate SUVS fine, but you do not have to try and get people to stop driving their suv! this is America, we people in America can drive what we want!

[joshua]

your meanie heads !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[joshua]

your meanie heads !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[joshua]

I own a hummer h2. It's big, It's the boss of da block. If u see me in my h2 then spedd away before i get you

[joe]

sorry

[Casey]

Maybe some of us hate SUV's because they've nearly gotten some of us killed more than a few times. I was nearly t-boned by a girl going 60 in a 45 mph zone and didn't see her for the huge black Suburban sitting in the clogged lane of traffic...had she hit me, I wouldn't be writing this post or breathing for that matter. To make things worse, my new next-door neighbors also own one of these larger Nissan SUV's and since we live on a major thoroughfare, I can't see to get out to head off to work in the mornings. Had I not quickly hit reverse and backed up, the front of my car would be missing...and it's not the first time...nor will it be the last I'm sure. Most of the posts here seem to focus on money and classicism...what about the safety of those who do drive small cars?

[Otto]

2-Suv's, a Big House, Large Motorhome, 3-HDTV's tuned to Fox (not a Clinton News Network fan) and pay $30k+ a year in taxes so you can have some nice programs for you who can't fend for yourselves. So shut up about my gas usage and keep enjoying my money for your"programs". You know I made my business without your handouts and MORE than pay my share to have the right to drive what I paid for.

Hey move to France like the other stump huggin actors and be free.

[joshua]

suvs is not like your ugly ass hybird cars, ugly like so there is safety issues about being safe in a suv or a dumb car. first, cars don't weigh as much, like what, 1,750 pounds of cheap meaterial, like plastic, not a good idea. second, geo's suck also. and i mean they really suck. not a safe car. there's this one fag who's saying "You get 8 miles to a gallon."

that person sucks. drive a suv alot safer than geo metros!!!!!!!!!!!

[joshua]

suvs is not like your ugly ass hybird cars, ugly like so there is safety issues about being safe in a suv or a dumb car. first, cars don't weigh as much, like what, 1,750 pounds of cheap meaterial, like plastic, not a good idea. second, geo's suck also. and i mean they really suck. not a safe car.

[joshua]

Maybe some of us love SUV's because they've saved a lot of people

[dmx]

suvs is not like your ugly ass hybird cars, ugly like so there is safety issues about being safe in a suv or a dumb car. first, cars don't weigh as much, like what, 1,750 pounds of cheap meaterial, like plastic, not a good idea. second, geo's suck also. and i mean they really suck. not a safe car. there's this one fag who's saying "You get 8 miles to a gallon."

that person sucks. drive a suv alot safer than geo metros!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmx]

suvs is not like your ugly ass hybird cars, ugly like so there is safety issues about being safe in a suv or a dumb car. first, cars don't weigh as much, like what, 1,750 pounds of cheap meaterial, like plastic, not a good idea. second, geo's suck also. and i mean they really suck. not a safe car. there's this one fag who's saying "You get 8 miles to a gallon."

that person sucks. drive a suv alot safer than geo metros!!!!!!!!!!!

[james]

well all you evromeltist can suck my **** cuz i'm gonna keep driving my 12 mpg suv 35k miles a year around seattle no matter how high gas prices are this is the land of freedom we can do what we want so mind your own f***ing beeswax have a nice day ....

[Bob]

i hate people that hate big gas SUVs or cars

[Just an observer from outer sp]

I was googling for hybrid car information and hit this interesting debate of social concern and personal choice. My feeling is that we might not have much control either way. With China and India racing toward consumer economy, their contribution to global warming will surpass us very quickly. Adding this to the continue problem in the Middle East supply line, the price of petroleum will continue to take a big chunk out of our economy and household budget. So we might as well settle back, continue the ride, and be positive that the later generation of human kind will have to find their way or make way for new species that can adapt to the changing climate and economy. I believe even in the worst case scenario, human will survive. The system dynamic will also adjust to the population it will support.

[Just an observer from outer sp]

I was googling for hybrid car information and hit this interesting debate of social concern and personal choice. My feeling is that we might not have much control either way. With China and India racing toward consumer economy, their contribution to global warming will surpass us very quickly. Adding this to the continue problem in the Middle East supply line, the price of petroleum will continue to take a big chunk out of our economy and household budget. So we might as well settle back, continue the ride, and be positive that the later generation of human kind will have to find their way or make way for new species that can adapt to the changing climate and economy. I believe even in the worst case scenario, human will survive. The system dynamic will also adjust to the population it will support.

[Just an observer from outer sp]

I was googling for hybrid car information and hit this interesting debate of social concern and personal choice. My feeling is that we might not have much control either way. With China and India racing toward consumer economy, their contribution to global warming will surpass us very quickly. Adding this to the continue problem in the Middle East supply line, the price of petroleum will continue to take a big chunk out of our economy and household budget. So we might as well settle back, continue the ride, and be positive that the later generation of human kind will have to find their way or make way for new species that can adapt to the changing climate and economy. I believe even in the worst case scenario, human will survive. The system dynamic will also adjust to the population it will support.

[Observer]

I was googling for hybrid car information and hit this interesting debate of social concern and personal choice. My feeling is that we might not have much control either way. With China and India racing toward consumer economy, their contribution to global warming will surpass us very quickly. Adding this to the continue problem in the Middle East supply line, the price of petroleum will continue to take a big chunk out of our economy and household budget. So we might as well settle back, continue the ride, and be positive that the later generation of human kind will have to find their way or make way for new species that can adapt to the changing climate and economy. I believe even in the worst case scenario, human will survive. The system dynamic will also adjust to the population it will support.

[Observer]

I was googling for hybrid car information and hit this interesting debate of social concern and personal choice. My feeling is that we might not have much control either way. With China and India racing toward consumer economy, their contribution to global warming will surpass us very quickly. Adding this to the continue problem in the Middle East supply line, the price of petroleum will continue to take a big chunk out of our economy and household budget. So we might as well settle back, continue the ride, and be positive that the later generation of human kind will have to find their way or make way for new species that can adapt to the changing climate and economy. I believe even in the worst case scenario, human will survive. The system dynamic will also adjust to the population it will support.

[josh]

hybird cars are really unsafe. people in suvs are better off in a huge suv rather than a stupied geo metro. you guys need to stop worrying about other people and worry about your own health! if you die in a wreck don't say i did not worn you!.
cocclusion: sell your geo metro and drive the biggest suv in the world.

[Thurgood]

Try try again,
If at first you don't succeed.
Boogers can be tasty,
If first you let them bleed.

Sincerely,
Thurgood Marshall

[Neil Armstrong]

Hi everyone,

You're probably wondering why you haven't heard from me in a while. Well, I can tell you why: it's because I'm still on the moon! You idiots left me up here. Why, I've probably lost billions of dollars in commercial fees and lecture tours by now. Goddammit.

Sincerely,
Neil Armstrong
Holding Down the Sea of Tranquility

[Commissioner]

Maybe some have a reason to drive a large SUV. My wife is a photographer and pulls a 7x16 cargo trailer. It is heavy even for our Expedition. I don't think a Geo Metro would be able to pull it. I wouldn't mind goverment making the car manufacters meet certain standards, but Free Americans should be able to drive what they want. John Kerry does.

Ernest

[josh]

mkay u people who hate suvs can just die in their tiny little geo metro!!!!!!!!!!!! hummer h2 is better so watch out mkay!!!!!!!!!!!