IraqiFreedomSUV
July 20, 2003 7:06 AM Subscribe
"Have you forgotten how it felt that day?"
...when all that precious petroleum product was needlessly burned up inside the twin towers?
posted by machaus at 7:19 AM on July 20, 2003
...when all that precious petroleum product was needlessly burned up inside the twin towers?
posted by machaus at 7:19 AM on July 20, 2003
Apparently this is their third painted truck - here is a site for the one that got them started. The second one was a tribute to Operation Eduring Freedom, and can be viewed in the photo galleries.
posted by madamjujujive at 7:26 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by madamjujujive at 7:26 AM on July 20, 2003
Well, I find it garish, but it's their choice and they seem to be doing it out of honest emotions. While I looked for the free publicity angle I couldn't find it. When I read that the ran a courier business I fully expected the URLs on the truck to point so sites that provided some way to send care packages to the troops. I was further anticipating that they would just happen to be the courier used.
posted by substrate at 7:37 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by substrate at 7:37 AM on July 20, 2003
Content aside, the graphics are terrific! How can I get my old clunker painted up? I want the Sistine Chapel ceiling... Michelangelomobile!
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:37 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:37 AM on July 20, 2003
An excellent paint job, if it's not a photoshopped truck
posted by elpapacito at 7:38 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by elpapacito at 7:38 AM on July 20, 2003
I'm guessing it isn't painted. A lot of the buses here get an all over advertising treatment, and I read an article, which is no longer available in the online archives of the paper I read it in, about the process. Basically, they're printing the images on plastic and then shrink-wrapping the buses.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:40 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by jacquilynne at 7:40 AM on July 20, 2003
Well it's about time these artsy hippies finally sold their American Traveler vans and stepped up to the truly patriotic: Instead of wholesome American eagles on the sides, with lush mountains and flowing rivers in full techinicolor paint in the background... we have a blatant promotion of war! YEEEEE HAW! All on the most gas-guzzlinist, fuel-burninest vee-hicle god hath ever inspired our men to ever make! God bless America.
posted by phylum sinter at 7:45 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by phylum sinter at 7:45 AM on July 20, 2003
War is awesome.
posted by the fire you left me at 7:48 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by the fire you left me at 7:48 AM on July 20, 2003
Can you see out of the painted windows, or is it a "novelty vehicle", not meant to be driven?
posted by dgaicun at 7:49 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by dgaicun at 7:49 AM on July 20, 2003
someone must've spent a lot of money to ruin a perfectly (bad?) SUV for a joke.
er, it is a joke, correct?
posted by mcsweetie at 8:28 AM on July 20, 2003
er, it is a joke, correct?
posted by mcsweetie at 8:28 AM on July 20, 2003
Of course, you are a threat to the troops if you want them to live.
posted by boost ventilator at 8:37 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by boost ventilator at 8:37 AM on July 20, 2003
"Great job liberating, guys! Now if you could just stick around there dodging bullets, grenades, and general ire long enough for us to start pumping that blessed oil, I'd really appreciate it. Can't let gas get above $2.00/gallon..."
posted by Busithoth at 8:44 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by Busithoth at 8:44 AM on July 20, 2003
Sadly, it's not a joke. And, it's to be expected.
Patriotism is one thing; when it turns into fanaticism, that's when it becomes scary. While this is tacky, the part that scares me is the "Pray for our troops" part - that somehow, God's behind us all the way in this detestable action. The blending of religion and warfare, especially in this war, with Pat Robertson foaming at the mouth and Bush's obvious fundamentalist bent, frightens the crap out of me.
posted by FormlessOne at 8:44 AM on July 20, 2003
Patriotism is one thing; when it turns into fanaticism, that's when it becomes scary. While this is tacky, the part that scares me is the "Pray for our troops" part - that somehow, God's behind us all the way in this detestable action. The blending of religion and warfare, especially in this war, with Pat Robertson foaming at the mouth and Bush's obvious fundamentalist bent, frightens the crap out of me.
posted by FormlessOne at 8:44 AM on July 20, 2003
They say liberals have more fun, but judging by threads like this, I'm not buying it. Most of the responses to threads such as this one sound just as uptight, intolerant, and angry as the conservatives on the other side of the fence.
posted by jammer at 8:51 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by jammer at 8:51 AM on July 20, 2003
I'm with Jammer.
Seems like all the fun people have left the Liberal ranks and become Neocons. :p
posted by swerdloff at 9:00 AM on July 20, 2003
Seems like all the fun people have left the Liberal ranks and become Neocons. :p
posted by swerdloff at 9:00 AM on July 20, 2003
jammer -
so what you're saying is that liberals should not worry their little heads with all these issues and just have fun fun fun weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
hehe that's so lame.
posted by carfilhiot at 9:02 AM on July 20, 2003
so what you're saying is that liberals should not worry their little heads with all these issues and just have fun fun fun weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
hehe that's so lame.
posted by carfilhiot at 9:02 AM on July 20, 2003
While I disagree with the politics I like the form. Sure is better executed than a barefoot hippy VW bus spraypainted with "no war" in shaky matte-black letters.
posted by Nelson at 9:02 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by Nelson at 9:02 AM on July 20, 2003
Well, this is Metafilter, where nobody has any fun.
I don't know, I can't help contemplating the adventures I would have if I drove that truck for a week. It's like a Weinermobile of piety.
posted by furiousthought at 9:10 AM on July 20, 2003
I don't know, I can't help contemplating the adventures I would have if I drove that truck for a week. It's like a Weinermobile of piety.
posted by furiousthought at 9:10 AM on July 20, 2003
And here I've been wondering if putting a Cthulhu fish on my bumper would be too garish.
posted by Hildago at 9:12 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by Hildago at 9:12 AM on July 20, 2003
jammer, swerdloff:
It's a Sunday morning. If you're bright and cheery, you're the ones who don't have enough fun. :)
Maybe "liberals" have a definition of fun that goes beyond screen-printed trucks.
It's like a Weinermobile of piety.
It's like the Pietymobile of weiners.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:13 AM on July 20, 2003
It's a Sunday morning. If you're bright and cheery, you're the ones who don't have enough fun. :)
Maybe "liberals" have a definition of fun that goes beyond screen-printed trucks.
It's like a Weinermobile of piety.
It's like the Pietymobile of weiners.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:13 AM on July 20, 2003
I can see some ad buster type grabbing a hold of that perma-marker and putting in a few choice comic strip balloons. heh-heh.
It is a shrink wrap photoshop file and you can see out of the windows.
Hey, the guy is just wearing his... um, patriotism on his sleeve, or SUV, you know. As long as I can tool around in my version of the same and not get arrested as a suspected terrorist or for conspiracy, cool.
Say my SUV gets trashed while parked, will the force say I deserved to get it trashed because of my opposite view of what is truly great in this heah amurica?
Yo, what? No gun rack? That 'aint a truck!
posted by alicesshoe at 9:27 AM on July 20, 2003
It is a shrink wrap photoshop file and you can see out of the windows.
Hey, the guy is just wearing his... um, patriotism on his sleeve, or SUV, you know. As long as I can tool around in my version of the same and not get arrested as a suspected terrorist or for conspiracy, cool.
Say my SUV gets trashed while parked, will the force say I deserved to get it trashed because of my opposite view of what is truly great in this heah amurica?
Yo, what? No gun rack? That 'aint a truck!
posted by alicesshoe at 9:27 AM on July 20, 2003
brilliant. i'm going to get the spray paint out and make a blair tribute waggon.
probably with a ford fiesta.
posted by quarsan at 9:27 AM on July 20, 2003
probably with a ford fiesta.
posted by quarsan at 9:27 AM on July 20, 2003
Hey, the guy is just wearing his... um, patriotism on his sleeve, or SUV, you know. As long as I can tool around in my version of the same and not get arrested as a suspected terrorist or for conspiracy, cool.
And if you can't? Which you can't, if your version of same is significantly different than same. Then what?
posted by Hildago at 9:39 AM on July 20, 2003
And if you can't? Which you can't, if your version of same is significantly different than same. Then what?
posted by Hildago at 9:39 AM on July 20, 2003
That truck makes me reach for a brick.
Because of course the first answer that should leap to mind is "ARR DESTROY". I know I know you wouldn't actually do it, but it's maybe an impulse you should take a look at.
However, as Busithoth points out, the alignment of all the worst stereotypes about supporters of the war (and Bush in general) is pretty amazing, and certainly worth a giggle. God/Bush/War, all plastered in brilliant colors across a vehicle practically large enough to suck the middle east dry on its own. Golly.
Hildago, people can and do tool around in the ideological antonym of that truck.
posted by kavasa at 9:48 AM on July 20, 2003
Because of course the first answer that should leap to mind is "ARR DESTROY". I know I know you wouldn't actually do it, but it's maybe an impulse you should take a look at.
However, as Busithoth points out, the alignment of all the worst stereotypes about supporters of the war (and Bush in general) is pretty amazing, and certainly worth a giggle. God/Bush/War, all plastered in brilliant colors across a vehicle practically large enough to suck the middle east dry on its own. Golly.
Hildago, people can and do tool around in the ideological antonym of that truck.
posted by kavasa at 9:48 AM on July 20, 2003
I would kill myself if I was their daughter. Your parents come to visit... Imagine the embarrassment.
posted by tcaleb at 9:51 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by tcaleb at 9:51 AM on July 20, 2003
All people on the fringe (such as this couple) do is embarrass people who are more moderate, left or right.
I'd be embarrassed if my parents were driving around in that monstrosity, but I'd be equally embarrassed if they had a volvo painted up with a bodycount and "Bush Lies, People Die" stuff on it.
That said, these people are freaks.
posted by graventy at 10:13 AM on July 20, 2003
I'd be embarrassed if my parents were driving around in that monstrosity, but I'd be equally embarrassed if they had a volvo painted up with a bodycount and "Bush Lies, People Die" stuff on it.
That said, these people are freaks.
posted by graventy at 10:13 AM on July 20, 2003
What's the problem with this? They had strong feelings and expressed them in a creative, non-violent, non-offensive way. That's free speech, folks.
the part that scares me is the "Pray for our troops" part - that somehow, God's behind us all the way in this detestable action.
Why exactly does this scare you, FormlessOne? I'm a liberal, I'm completely against this boondoggle of a war, and I'm somewhat religious -- and I pray for our troops too. I pray that they survive and make it home safely, and I pray for the civilians that are being hurt and killed as well. I'd wager that my politics are decidedly different from the people that are decorating their truck this way, but "Pray for our troops" doesn't mean that God endorses the war.
posted by Vidiot at 10:29 AM on July 20, 2003
the part that scares me is the "Pray for our troops" part - that somehow, God's behind us all the way in this detestable action.
Why exactly does this scare you, FormlessOne? I'm a liberal, I'm completely against this boondoggle of a war, and I'm somewhat religious -- and I pray for our troops too. I pray that they survive and make it home safely, and I pray for the civilians that are being hurt and killed as well. I'd wager that my politics are decidedly different from the people that are decorating their truck this way, but "Pray for our troops" doesn't mean that God endorses the war.
posted by Vidiot at 10:29 AM on July 20, 2003
What's the problem with this? They had strong feelings and expressed them in a creative, non-violent, non-offensive way. That's free speech, folks.
that don't make it any less tacky!
posted by mcsweetie at 10:32 AM on July 20, 2003
that don't make it any less tacky!
posted by mcsweetie at 10:32 AM on July 20, 2003
True. But it's also no reason to get your collective knickers in a twist over it.
posted by Vidiot at 10:51 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by Vidiot at 10:51 AM on July 20, 2003
Thirty-two comments and nobody's noticed who's behind the wheel in the last picture?
posted by trondant at 10:51 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by trondant at 10:51 AM on July 20, 2003
That's not street legal in Michigan and probably a few other states. I really hope they're not driving them - as having the windows painted or tinted like that is a safety hazard to other drivers.
posted by pyramid termite at 10:58 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by pyramid termite at 10:58 AM on July 20, 2003
who's behind the wheel in the last picture?
Is that a smirking chimp?
posted by jaronson at 11:01 AM on July 20, 2003
Is that a smirking chimp?
posted by jaronson at 11:01 AM on July 20, 2003
I don't understand why there aren't any pictures of corpses (ours or theirs) on the truck. Don't these people love all aspects of war, or do they just like the parts related to preening and prancing?
posted by George_Spiggott at 11:23 AM on July 20, 2003
posted by George_Spiggott at 11:23 AM on July 20, 2003
the part that scares me is the "Pray for our troops" part - that somehow, God's behind us all the way in this detestable action
Non sequitur. If God was "behind us all the way," there would be no need to pray for the troops. Praying is a way to keep the pressure on God. If we don't pray, He'll forget. He's very old, you know.
posted by kindall at 11:49 AM on July 20, 2003
Non sequitur. If God was "behind us all the way," there would be no need to pray for the troops. Praying is a way to keep the pressure on God. If we don't pray, He'll forget. He's very old, you know.
posted by kindall at 11:49 AM on July 20, 2003
Hildago, people can and do tool around in the ideological antonym of that truck.
You're right, I guess, but it's weird that there is more freedom of speech when it comes to trucks than there is with t-shirts and buttons. Certainly the acceptability threshold is skewed towards pro-war, pro-party line, no doubt about that. And if anyone who was against the war created a truck like this it's not hard to imagine them getting all kinds of trouble with airports, police officers, random OHS tiplines, background checks, et cetera.
posted by Hildago at 12:11 PM on July 20, 2003
You're right, I guess, but it's weird that there is more freedom of speech when it comes to trucks than there is with t-shirts and buttons. Certainly the acceptability threshold is skewed towards pro-war, pro-party line, no doubt about that. And if anyone who was against the war created a truck like this it's not hard to imagine them getting all kinds of trouble with airports, police officers, random OHS tiplines, background checks, et cetera.
posted by Hildago at 12:11 PM on July 20, 2003
I have a feeling that if I took a Toyota Prius and had it done up with an anti-war message that it would be vandalized within a few days. In some communities I might get arrested for "disturbing the peace."
Why? Because many would feel that it was unamerican and not supportive of our troops.
posted by birdherder at 12:21 PM on July 20, 2003
Why? Because many would feel that it was unamerican and not supportive of our troops.
posted by birdherder at 12:21 PM on July 20, 2003
True. But it's also no reason to get your collective knickers in a twist over it.
but sir, I do not wear knickers!
posted by mcsweetie at 12:32 PM on July 20, 2003
but sir, I do not wear knickers!
posted by mcsweetie at 12:32 PM on July 20, 2003
people can and do tool around in the ideological antonym of that truck
"Early one morning I heard a voice in the gas tank telling me to drive a big green car because war is bad for children."
posted by eddydamascene at 12:41 PM on July 20, 2003
"Early one morning I heard a voice in the gas tank telling me to drive a big green car because war is bad for children."
posted by eddydamascene at 12:41 PM on July 20, 2003
Tasteless, egregiously wasteful and ostentatious Americans always get my knickers in a twist. Especially when they run around with "R-I-G-H-T-E-O-U-S" tattooed on their brows.
I mean, sheesh, way to bring down the national character. And in keeping with the basic problem, they believe they are shining examples in the best thereof.
It's an irony! Wrapped up in a joke! Inside a conundrum!
posted by scarabic at 12:52 PM on July 20, 2003
I mean, sheesh, way to bring down the national character. And in keeping with the basic problem, they believe they are shining examples in the best thereof.
It's an irony! Wrapped up in a joke! Inside a conundrum!
posted by scarabic at 12:52 PM on July 20, 2003
I do not like the chosen theme, but it seems very high quality and it is their truck to do whatever they wish with.
*shrug*
Non-issue.
There are little Ford Focus's all over town done with similar technology, except they are advertisements for Coca-Cola logos and bottles and such.
It's bumperstickers for the new millennium. Yippee.
posted by Ynoxas at 1:01 PM on July 20, 2003
*shrug*
Non-issue.
There are little Ford Focus's all over town done with similar technology, except they are advertisements for Coca-Cola logos and bottles and such.
It's bumperstickers for the new millennium. Yippee.
posted by Ynoxas at 1:01 PM on July 20, 2003
Since reading this, I wonder what would be done if, say, someone contacted the FBI about the occupants of this truck?
"Hello, FBI? Yes, I just saw an extremely patriotic looking truck (vanity license plate number BRNGITON) driving suspiciously. I think it would be the perfect cover for God and America hating terrorists."
Seeing how the feds seem duty bound to follow all leads they get, the occupants/owners of this truck might get a first hand chance to experience Ashcroft's "Operation American Freedom" up close and personal.
posted by sharksandwich at 1:39 PM on July 20, 2003
"Hello, FBI? Yes, I just saw an extremely patriotic looking truck (vanity license plate number BRNGITON) driving suspiciously. I think it would be the perfect cover for God and America hating terrorists."
Seeing how the feds seem duty bound to follow all leads they get, the occupants/owners of this truck might get a first hand chance to experience Ashcroft's "Operation American Freedom" up close and personal.
posted by sharksandwich at 1:39 PM on July 20, 2003
In nature the evolutionary purpose of this kind of display is to attract a mate. Given that these people are a bit beyond that point in life I think we have a case of maladaptation. Perhaps a veterinarian could look them over and determine if they're developmentally impaired. They could be moved to a zoo or some kind of nature park, but the kindest thing might be to put them down.
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:58 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:58 PM on July 20, 2003
They had strong feelings and expressed them in a creative, non-violent, non-offensive way.
I find it incredibly tacky, but I think it's fine that people express their opinions in this way--regardless of how different that opinion may be from mine. I do however find one aspect of it offensive: the "Have you forgotten... how you felt that day" and pictures from 9/11 on the back of the truck. Given what we know about the connection between Iraq and the attacks of 9/11 (ie, there was none) I find it offensive that people will use those events to justify the killing of innocent people.
posted by jpoulos at 2:14 PM on July 20, 2003
I find it incredibly tacky, but I think it's fine that people express their opinions in this way--regardless of how different that opinion may be from mine. I do however find one aspect of it offensive: the "Have you forgotten... how you felt that day" and pictures from 9/11 on the back of the truck. Given what we know about the connection between Iraq and the attacks of 9/11 (ie, there was none) I find it offensive that people will use those events to justify the killing of innocent people.
posted by jpoulos at 2:14 PM on July 20, 2003
Paint your house pink. Wear garish clothing. Drive a political SUV. I love it! Ain't the first amendment great! Better than a fart in a stalled elevator.
posted by flatlander at 2:18 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by flatlander at 2:18 PM on July 20, 2003
Judging from the images on the back of this SUV, do you think these people are part of that percentage that believe that Saddam/Iraq was responsible for 9/11?
Oh, and to the commentors saying that the windows being covered by the images are a hazard, from the inside, these overlays can be seen through and really don't block either vision or light anymore than regular window tinting. Most of our city buses are garishly decorated with ads that cover the windows as well, and many of our local taxis are starting to have them as well.
posted by Orb at 2:29 PM on July 20, 2003
Oh, and to the commentors saying that the windows being covered by the images are a hazard, from the inside, these overlays can be seen through and really don't block either vision or light anymore than regular window tinting. Most of our city buses are garishly decorated with ads that cover the windows as well, and many of our local taxis are starting to have them as well.
posted by Orb at 2:29 PM on July 20, 2003
Praying is a way to keep the pressure on God. If we don't pray, He'll forget. He's very old, you know.
Hee.
I do however find one aspect of it offensive: the "Have you forgotten... how you felt that day" and pictures from 9/11 on the back of the truck. Given what we know about the connection between Iraq and the attacks of 9/11 (ie, there was none) I find it offensive that people will use those events to justify the killing of innocent people.
Indeed.
posted by rushmc at 2:37 PM on July 20, 2003
Hee.
I do however find one aspect of it offensive: the "Have you forgotten... how you felt that day" and pictures from 9/11 on the back of the truck. Given what we know about the connection between Iraq and the attacks of 9/11 (ie, there was none) I find it offensive that people will use those events to justify the killing of innocent people.
Indeed.
posted by rushmc at 2:37 PM on July 20, 2003
Anyone get the feeling we're seeing the dawn of a new artistic style? In the past we've seen cubism, art deco, commie-propaganda-poster, futurism styles. This truck's style seems to be "Network-TV-News-Artist". The same kind of look as the title graphics taking up the bottom 1/3 of the screen reading "War On Freedom" or whatever they're calling it this week. The same kind of hyper-hygenic texture as the 3D maps showing the locations where the last week's worth of allied soldiers were killed.
"Git 'dem Ayrabs"
Vinyl on Pick Up Truck
2003
posted by Jimbob at 3:30 PM on July 20, 2003
"Git 'dem Ayrabs"
Vinyl on Pick Up Truck
2003
posted by Jimbob at 3:30 PM on July 20, 2003
Actually, I don't think that this is a "wrap" job at all - the high-gloss finish suggests that it is more likely to have been done the old-fashioned way, with an airbrush and lots of patience. The vinyl wraps used for advertising have a definite low-sheen finish to them. The window covering is perforated vinyl, with the graphics printed on and is almost invisible from the inside.
I am a little disappointed with those here who on many occasions are decrying the government or whoever is the enemy of the day for taking away their right to express themselves and then taking pot-shots at someone who expresses their opinion in their own way, without hurting anyone. Of course, their opinion is wrong, but that does not take away their right to express it.
posted by dg at 4:33 PM on July 20, 2003
I am a little disappointed with those here who on many occasions are decrying the government or whoever is the enemy of the day for taking away their right to express themselves and then taking pot-shots at someone who expresses their opinion in their own way, without hurting anyone. Of course, their opinion is wrong, but that does not take away their right to express it.
posted by dg at 4:33 PM on July 20, 2003
"Of course, their opinion is wrong..."
Which on MeFi means their opinion is Right.
Right?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 4:53 PM on July 20, 2003
Which on MeFi means their opinion is Right.
Right?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 4:53 PM on July 20, 2003
I don't think that calling someone a stupid rube means that one doesn't respect their right to say stupid rubish shit.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 4:56 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 4:56 PM on July 20, 2003
I don't think that calling someone a stupid rube...
And therein lays the problem with most the fighting that goes on here...
posted by jmd82 at 5:14 PM on July 20, 2003
And therein lays the problem with most the fighting that goes on here...
posted by jmd82 at 5:14 PM on July 20, 2003
Yeah, why don't they just bitch on MeFi like everyone else.
posted by Joeforking at 5:15 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by Joeforking at 5:15 PM on July 20, 2003
I have a feeling that if I took a Toyota Prius and had it done up with an anti-war message that it would be vandalized within a few days. In some communities I might get arrested for "disturbing the peace."
Whaaa? Where I live, I see cars everyday w/ tons of anti-war and anti-Bush bumper stickers on the back of their invariably rusted bodies. Actuallly I'd actually be much more fearful of putting up any pro-war signage on my car for fear of vandalism.
posted by gyc at 5:23 PM on July 20, 2003
Whaaa? Where I live, I see cars everyday w/ tons of anti-war and anti-Bush bumper stickers on the back of their invariably rusted bodies. Actuallly I'd actually be much more fearful of putting up any pro-war signage on my car for fear of vandalism.
posted by gyc at 5:23 PM on July 20, 2003
In fact srboisvert I'd like to why exactly did it leave you speechless. The quality of the paintjob? The originality of the expression of the owner's opinion? Or was this just yet another invite to yet another Bush - bashing circle jerk? Speak up, sir.
posted by Joeforking at 5:24 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by Joeforking at 5:24 PM on July 20, 2003
People that get creeped out by people praying and actually thinking it does anything in the real world creep me out.
posted by Plunge at 5:47 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by Plunge at 5:47 PM on July 20, 2003
invariably rusted bodies
heh. clever stroke, that. i wonder what kind of car a law student planning to carry 100k in debt drives? and i wonder if he carries broad form.
posted by quonsar at 6:17 PM on July 20, 2003
heh. clever stroke, that. i wonder what kind of car a law student planning to carry 100k in debt drives? and i wonder if he carries broad form.
posted by quonsar at 6:17 PM on July 20, 2003
It IS a monkey at the wheel! And woudja lookit the troops lining up in firing position on the driver at the front left wheel well. Well. Call the man and have them interrogate talk to the owner immediatly!
I'm liking this art truck. I like the helicopter too in an "Apocalypse Now" kind of way.
Heh-heh.
Thanks eddydamascene for the links and burning man reminder.
posted by alicesshoe at 6:53 PM on July 20, 2003
I'm liking this art truck. I like the helicopter too in an "Apocalypse Now" kind of way.
Heh-heh.
Thanks eddydamascene for the links and burning man reminder.
posted by alicesshoe at 6:53 PM on July 20, 2003
The problem with this truck is that, arguably, in many ways its designer is a racist and engages in anti-Islamic rhetoric.
And they may consider what you're saying anti-patriotic rhetoric, so life goes on.
posted by jmd82 at 6:56 PM on July 20, 2003
And they may consider what you're saying anti-patriotic rhetoric, so life goes on.
posted by jmd82 at 6:56 PM on July 20, 2003
And they may consider what you're saying anti-patriotic rhetoric, so life goes on.
Except that skallas has the truth on his side. That's the difference. Everyone loves to fall back on the "that's just your opinion" argument, but the fact is either the link between bin Laden and Saddam exists or it doesn't. If it did, skallas would be unpatriotic. But all evidence indicates that it doesn't. Hence, skallas is RIGHT, and these people are confusing apples with oranges.
posted by jpoulos at 7:12 PM on July 20, 2003
Except that skallas has the truth on his side. That's the difference. Everyone loves to fall back on the "that's just your opinion" argument, but the fact is either the link between bin Laden and Saddam exists or it doesn't. If it did, skallas would be unpatriotic. But all evidence indicates that it doesn't. Hence, skallas is RIGHT, and these people are confusing apples with oranges.
posted by jpoulos at 7:12 PM on July 20, 2003
Tomorrow I will destroy Metaregion in Nationstates. And there is nothing you can do to stop me.
That being said. That is one tacky looking vehicle. But, this being America, they can pretty much paint it how they want to.
I do so love all of the rants that go on here. Who wears what on their sleeve?
I for one, hope we suck that country dry, then turn around and fill it up with our trash. just to piss you lefties off all the more.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
posted by a3matrix at 7:23 PM on July 20, 2003
That being said. That is one tacky looking vehicle. But, this being America, they can pretty much paint it how they want to.
I do so love all of the rants that go on here. Who wears what on their sleeve?
I for one, hope we suck that country dry, then turn around and fill it up with our trash. just to piss you lefties off all the more.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
posted by a3matrix at 7:23 PM on July 20, 2003
See, thats where the opinion does come into play. Take for example the hawk i live with's opinion of this. The link between 9/11 and Osama and Iraq isn't necessarily that Iraq helped Osama in those attacks. Rather, its "Hey, remember 9/11? If we don't do anything - ie, take out our enemies before they can take us out again - then they will take us out and 9/11 will happen again."
Me? I think people show their patriotism in different way. These people show it on vans and who knows how else, Skallas shows it in his own way. Just because its different doesn't make it wrong.
posted by jmd82 at 7:24 PM on July 20, 2003
Me? I think people show their patriotism in different way. These people show it on vans and who knows how else, Skallas shows it in his own way. Just because its different doesn't make it wrong.
posted by jmd82 at 7:24 PM on July 20, 2003
I'm doing the same to my car, except I'm calling it "Operation Blow off Little Kids Arms".
What?
posted by spazzm at 7:48 PM on July 20, 2003
What?
posted by spazzm at 7:48 PM on July 20, 2003
"Hey, remember 9/11? If we don't do anything - ie, take out our enemies before they can take us out again - then they will take us out and 9/11 will happen again."
Skallas has it right-- plus, the attitude seems to be, (and I get the impression it is in many cases, and I can definitely say it is the case with my family members who support the war, and are the people I butt heads with most frequently), that the idea was that we had to blow up SOMEBODY to make up for 9/11. And it's an unspoken message, but the underlying sentiment seems to be "It doesn't matter which brown people we blow up".
I could give the case for pre-emptive war more credence if in the last two years any of the new measures we'd taken or wars we'd started would actually have done anything to stop Al-Qaeda or terrorism. (Bombing Afghanistan to hell while Osama bin Laden was there doesn't count, especially since we didn't actually kill him.)
posted by nath at 8:11 PM on July 20, 2003
Skallas has it right-- plus, the attitude seems to be, (and I get the impression it is in many cases, and I can definitely say it is the case with my family members who support the war, and are the people I butt heads with most frequently), that the idea was that we had to blow up SOMEBODY to make up for 9/11. And it's an unspoken message, but the underlying sentiment seems to be "It doesn't matter which brown people we blow up".
I could give the case for pre-emptive war more credence if in the last two years any of the new measures we'd taken or wars we'd started would actually have done anything to stop Al-Qaeda or terrorism. (Bombing Afghanistan to hell while Osama bin Laden was there doesn't count, especially since we didn't actually kill him.)
posted by nath at 8:11 PM on July 20, 2003
Hypothetically speaking, if Bush did find supporting evidence that Iraq was about to attack us, would that change any opinions of the war or shows of patriotism such as this van? I'm just curious.
posted by jmd82 at 8:32 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by jmd82 at 8:32 PM on July 20, 2003
no. then we'd just go back to ranting about the theft of the election.
posted by quonsar at 8:43 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by quonsar at 8:43 PM on July 20, 2003
if Bush did find supporting evidence that Iraq was about to attack us, would that change any opinions of the war or shows of patriotism such as this van?
I certainly didn't oppose our actions in Afghanistan, if that's any indication. I didn't like it; I didn't cheer it; but I considered it more or less necessary. (Although I still thought the plastic flags on everyone's cars were tacky, and a sign of a dangerous growing mentality.)
posted by jpoulos at 8:52 PM on July 20, 2003
I certainly didn't oppose our actions in Afghanistan, if that's any indication. I didn't like it; I didn't cheer it; but I considered it more or less necessary. (Although I still thought the plastic flags on everyone's cars were tacky, and a sign of a dangerous growing mentality.)
posted by jpoulos at 8:52 PM on July 20, 2003
We call it critical thinking. Ask your buddy to try it, he may like it.
OK, one last comment before sleep, which is simply that he thinks the same of you. These arguments always boil down to "no, I am right, you are wrong and you'de see it my way if you actually thought about it." After all, people don't think they're wrong (or admits it) if they're saying it, right?
posted by jmd82 at 9:07 PM on July 20, 2003
OK, one last comment before sleep, which is simply that he thinks the same of you. These arguments always boil down to "no, I am right, you are wrong and you'de see it my way if you actually thought about it." After all, people don't think they're wrong (or admits it) if they're saying it, right?
posted by jmd82 at 9:07 PM on July 20, 2003
I don't think anyone objects very much to the truck expressing patriotism, I think they object to its unthinking militancy. It's first and foremost an endorsement and glorification of a particular war, and only secondarily and by implication patriotic. To say nothing of the way it perpetuates the deception conflating Iraq and the September 11 attacks. But I don't think anyone's objecting very hard -- free speech even protects lies if they're not slanderous or exhortations to violence -- which this isn't, quite.
Patriotism and martial fervor are not the same thing.
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:16 PM on July 20, 2003
Patriotism and martial fervor are not the same thing.
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:16 PM on July 20, 2003
Very nice artwork. And if the content bothers you, I suggest you leave your cloistered liberal enclave and get some fresh air once every decade or so. These "look how glibly someone is taking WAR, which means like death and stuff" posts get ridiculous.
posted by HTuttle at 11:33 PM on July 20, 2003
posted by HTuttle at 11:33 PM on July 20, 2003
Beautiful paint job, even if the actual art is of the "velvet Elvis" school.
In re: legality, a number of states have maximum tinting laws-- i.e., tinting can only be so dark (in Texas it's 30%, IIRC). The justification is that it's as important for a police officer to see in as it is for the driver to see out.
posted by Cerebus at 5:19 AM on July 21, 2003
In re: legality, a number of states have maximum tinting laws-- i.e., tinting can only be so dark (in Texas it's 30%, IIRC). The justification is that it's as important for a police officer to see in as it is for the driver to see out.
posted by Cerebus at 5:19 AM on July 21, 2003
Trackback says it best.
posted by thomcatspike at 6:02 AM on July 21, 2003
posted by thomcatspike at 6:02 AM on July 21, 2003
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:10 AM on July 21, 2003
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:10 AM on July 21, 2003
Tacky? OK, but I like tacky stuff.
Misguided? Sure. But in a sincere way, I guess, because as somebody said I don't see how, there's any personal gain here. As far as bringing up 9/11, I imagine that day stirs strong emotions (including rage) for them. I guess that makes me gauche. Forgive me. maybe I'm at the point where I'll take dopey sincerity over insufferable smugness. So the point of this thread is to pat ourselves on the back about how enlightened we are? We do enough of that already.
And also, enough, with the dumb "amurica," joke. First of all, it's bigoted to trot out a southern accent every time you wanna portray stupidity. Secondly, while the "Bubba" demographic may be well represented on the battlefield, it certainly isn't who's actually behind this war. If you wanted be accurate your say "america" in a Ivy League accent.
It just makes me wonder is all the fervor here motivated by honest concern or just a need to feel superior to those who disagree with you. More and more, I'm beginning to believe the latter, since the snark and condescension don't seem likely to change any minds and actually serve to alienate those (like my self) who for the most part agree with you but find the overdose of attitude insufferable.
posted by jonmc at 7:28 AM on July 21, 2003
Misguided? Sure. But in a sincere way, I guess, because as somebody said I don't see how, there's any personal gain here. As far as bringing up 9/11, I imagine that day stirs strong emotions (including rage) for them. I guess that makes me gauche. Forgive me. maybe I'm at the point where I'll take dopey sincerity over insufferable smugness. So the point of this thread is to pat ourselves on the back about how enlightened we are? We do enough of that already.
And also, enough, with the dumb "amurica," joke. First of all, it's bigoted to trot out a southern accent every time you wanna portray stupidity. Secondly, while the "Bubba" demographic may be well represented on the battlefield, it certainly isn't who's actually behind this war. If you wanted be accurate your say "america" in a Ivy League accent.
It just makes me wonder is all the fervor here motivated by honest concern or just a need to feel superior to those who disagree with you. More and more, I'm beginning to believe the latter, since the snark and condescension don't seem likely to change any minds and actually serve to alienate those (like my self) who for the most part agree with you but find the overdose of attitude insufferable.
posted by jonmc at 7:28 AM on July 21, 2003
maybe I'm at the point where I'll take dopey sincerity over insufferable smugness.
Jon, you come off as far more smug than anyone else in this thread. We're having a rational discussion in which most of us are perfectly fine with the truck, and you're reading "insufferable smugness" into it. You may have a point in some of the other threads where you recite that tired mantra, but I think you're seeing spooks where there aren't any.
posted by jpoulos at 8:23 AM on July 21, 2003
Jon, you come off as far more smug than anyone else in this thread. We're having a rational discussion in which most of us are perfectly fine with the truck, and you're reading "insufferable smugness" into it. You may have a point in some of the other threads where you recite that tired mantra, but I think you're seeing spooks where there aren't any.
posted by jpoulos at 8:23 AM on July 21, 2003
Metafilter: Insufferable.
posted by sharksandwich at 8:41 AM on July 21, 2003
posted by sharksandwich at 8:41 AM on July 21, 2003
but I think you're seeing spooks where there aren't any.
here, here, here, here, here, here, here.
That's enough smugness to choke on. I'm not seeing spooks, and I sure as hell am not being smug, at least I have the balls to publicly admit my many conflicts over a lot of recent events. It usally only brings me condesention and/or use as a whipping boy.
And nobody's actually answered the question I posited in the last paragraph of the comment. I honestly wonder.
posted by jonmc at 8:52 AM on July 21, 2003
here, here, here, here, here, here, here.
That's enough smugness to choke on. I'm not seeing spooks, and I sure as hell am not being smug, at least I have the balls to publicly admit my many conflicts over a lot of recent events. It usally only brings me condesention and/or use as a whipping boy.
And nobody's actually answered the question I posited in the last paragraph of the comment. I honestly wonder.
posted by jonmc at 8:52 AM on July 21, 2003
Zung!
Although, having convictions != smugness, just as having doubts != being open-minded.
posted by jpoulos at 11:58 AM on July 21, 2003
Although, having convictions != smugness, just as having doubts != being open-minded.
posted by jpoulos at 11:58 AM on July 21, 2003
I'm just saying how it comes off to this reader and I can't be the only one. And I'm sorry, but there's no other way to take some of those comments.
posted by jonmc at 12:07 PM on July 21, 2003
posted by jonmc at 12:07 PM on July 21, 2003
Well spotted Jon. So ignore 'em. They are in a minority so why focus on them so much.
Personally I thought that skallas brought something interesting to the discussion and kept it going above the level of 'her, her, dumb hicks'.
This reader is thinking that *you* are sounding like the one who needs to feel all superior to those with whom you disagree. As you were wondering...
posted by i_cola at 12:41 PM on July 21, 2003
Personally I thought that skallas brought something interesting to the discussion and kept it going above the level of 'her, her, dumb hicks'.
This reader is thinking that *you* are sounding like the one who needs to feel all superior to those with whom you disagree. As you were wondering...
posted by i_cola at 12:41 PM on July 21, 2003
This reader is thinking that *you* are sounding like the one who needs to feel all superior to those with whom you disagree.
No offeense, i_cola, but if you knew me at all, you'd know that's the farthest thing from the truth. It's just that due to the war and the man in the white house, this country is becoming more polarized tahn at any time since the Vietnam war. And yes, those on the right (and those in the center, like myself) can all take a big bite of the blame pie. I quite frankly think it's deliberate. As in "divide and conquer."
What makes me so upset, is that as ordinary citizens with a rather extraordinary tool at our disposal to bridge the gap, we could be fixing things rather than making them worse. When we realize that people have valid reasons for disagreement, maybe we can make some progress. Lately, even the more reasonable among us (myself included) have been more about belittling those who disagree with us or just winning pissing contests. And that's a shame.
posted by jonmc at 12:51 PM on July 21, 2003
No offeense, i_cola, but if you knew me at all, you'd know that's the farthest thing from the truth. It's just that due to the war and the man in the white house, this country is becoming more polarized tahn at any time since the Vietnam war. And yes, those on the right (and those in the center, like myself) can all take a big bite of the blame pie. I quite frankly think it's deliberate. As in "divide and conquer."
What makes me so upset, is that as ordinary citizens with a rather extraordinary tool at our disposal to bridge the gap, we could be fixing things rather than making them worse. When we realize that people have valid reasons for disagreement, maybe we can make some progress. Lately, even the more reasonable among us (myself included) have been more about belittling those who disagree with us or just winning pissing contests. And that's a shame.
posted by jonmc at 12:51 PM on July 21, 2003
I wthi Jon on the "amurica" joke. Its dumb and bigoted. Why's it ok to mock a rural/southern accent? If we were discussing some urban issue and someone started parroting an innercity African-American accent, I can guarrantee that most of this site would find it in bad taste.
posted by pjgulliver at 1:51 PM on July 21, 2003
posted by pjgulliver at 1:51 PM on July 21, 2003
Why's it ok to mock a rural/southern accent?
It's political correctness gone maaaaaad!
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:22 PM on July 21, 2003
It's political correctness gone maaaaaad!
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:22 PM on July 21, 2003
Writing 'Amurica/Amerka/etc ' is not a joke, it's a serious and concise sidelong reference, not to 'rural/southern accents', but to the smirking halfwit who's running the country into the dirt, and the drooling Springer-fodder that allowed him to do so by deciding to go cash in their coupons at the Burger Bucket on election day rather than meeting the concomitant responsibilities that are meant to accompany the privileges of citizenship. Unless it's a joke. Then it'd be a joke.
It's elitist, it's slightly obnoxious, it's definitely insulting, it's old-hat, certainly, but it's a useful textual shorthand, if used carefully.
Tilt at some other windmills.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:11 PM on July 21, 2003
It's elitist, it's slightly obnoxious, it's definitely insulting, it's old-hat, certainly, but it's a useful textual shorthand, if used carefully.
Tilt at some other windmills.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:11 PM on July 21, 2003
Stav, old freind, I consider him as much of a smirking halfwit as you do, but I retain that dumb smidgen of hope that maybe we can reach those people who are confused and on the fence, and who may be the ones most damaged by his policies, and I believe that calling them "amuricans" may not be the best way to reach them. Quite frankly, I've always thought that the best way for the left to succeed wood be to beat bush at his own game and embrace it's inner redneck, and call Bush what he is, a spoiled rich-kid moron fighting for those like him at everyones expense.
But like you said, maybe I'm tilting at windmills, and no, I'm not being sarcastic.
posted by jonmc at 6:17 PM on July 21, 2003
But like you said, maybe I'm tilting at windmills, and no, I'm not being sarcastic.
posted by jonmc at 6:17 PM on July 21, 2003
Stav...first, that's not how Bush pronounces "America" (and believe me, I agree with your assessment of him)...I just think that taking on this anti-rural stance, examplified by this pronounciation, is the worse thing liberals could be doing right now. And I find it insulting. I know people who pronounce the word like that, a lot of them, and they are deeper thinkers than you would think, a patriotic in a deep way that transcends party boundaries and the war of the week. Show some respect.
The smug elitism of Mefi really gets to me sometimes.
posted by pjgulliver at 8:51 PM on July 21, 2003
The smug elitism of Mefi really gets to me sometimes.
posted by pjgulliver at 8:51 PM on July 21, 2003
A few months ago, we stayed in a tiny town in the middle of ranch country. The bedroom was copiously decorated with cowboy memorabilia, and there was a stack of copies of American Rifleman in the bathroom.
Much to our amazement, our hostess, who raises cattle and whose son is a trucker, in the course of conversation that evening, expressed at considerable length how completely disgusted she had become with Bush (whom she'd voted for) and said she missed Bill Clinton.
So I'd have to agree with you there, pj.
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:06 PM on July 21, 2003
Much to our amazement, our hostess, who raises cattle and whose son is a trucker, in the course of conversation that evening, expressed at considerable length how completely disgusted she had become with Bush (whom she'd voted for) and said she missed Bill Clinton.
So I'd have to agree with you there, pj.
posted by George_Spiggott at 9:06 PM on July 21, 2003
Jesus George, that's probably the only time we've ever agreed about anything.
I know my views might be unpopular here from time to time...but I am deeply disgusted when smug people who don't know small town America seek to impunge it as some sort of proto-fascist populatist arena...
Thanks for speaking up...
(and I'm glad someone else is posting this late!)
posted by pjgulliver at 9:19 PM on July 21, 2003
I know my views might be unpopular here from time to time...but I am deeply disgusted when smug people who don't know small town America seek to impunge it as some sort of proto-fascist populatist arena...
Thanks for speaking up...
(and I'm glad someone else is posting this late!)
posted by pjgulliver at 9:19 PM on July 21, 2003
I grew up in small-town America, except for the fact that it was about 800 miles north of the border. I do know that of which I speak, really.
Still, I am smugger than fuck, I'll give you that.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 9:44 PM on July 21, 2003
Still, I am smugger than fuck, I'll give you that.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 9:44 PM on July 21, 2003
in the course of conversation that evening, expressed at considerable length how completely disgusted she had become with Bush (whom she'd voted for)
Let's hope she is legion.
posted by rushmc at 5:07 AM on July 22, 2003
Let's hope she is legion.
posted by rushmc at 5:07 AM on July 22, 2003
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posted by ac at 7:14 AM on July 20, 2003