yeah, and I think that's part of what makes me uncomfortable, or at least disagree somewhat in principle. I mean, in the ideal world, the consumer would make the right choices, and we could let unfettered capitalism reign supreme. Realistically, however, if that were the case probably only luxury cars would have airbags as I think a large number of consumers would short-sightedly rather save a couple hundred bucks (and car manufacturers most assuredly would). So I think we have a responsibility step in, particularly when collectively those effects harm many others (like pollution)--particularly considering how effective marketing has become.
The lawsuit bothers me of course because technically the car manufacturers were in compliance, but then again, it seems as if their marketing and pushing the larger vehicles after CAFE standards were changed was kind of a bad faith way of circumventing the intent of the law. So despite my misgivings, they deserve whatever they get, which I guess is me formulating an opinion out of spite, but I'm kind of pissed they're trying to tell us what we can and cannot do in our own state to curb the problems we have.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-28 07:40 am (UTC)The lawsuit bothers me of course because technically the car manufacturers were in compliance, but then again, it seems as if their marketing and pushing the larger vehicles after CAFE standards were changed was kind of a bad faith way of circumventing the intent of the law. So despite my misgivings, they deserve whatever they get, which I guess is me formulating an opinion out of spite, but I'm kind of pissed they're trying to tell us what we can and cannot do in our own state to curb the problems we have.