Monday, April 27, 2009

Detroit Finally Defeats Pontiac


Sadly, today marked the beginning of the end of GMs stalwart middle-class Pontiac model. To say it is an end of an era is almost too trite, and unfortunately we may see more "endings" than "beginnings" in the American auto industry for some time.

I was closely related to three Pontiacs over my lifetime; the first a 1951 two-door, two-tone green model owned by my parents. A behemoth by today's standards, that car gave off a husky whirr from the automatic transmission (or was it Hydra-matic?) as it pulled away from a stop. I especially liked the lighted orange hood ornament of a stylized Indian Chief. It added a touch of class, especially at night, only to be outshone by the more uppity opera lights.
My second experience with a Pontiac, and another massive sedan, was with a 1957 Chieftain. I bought it in 1967, a little worn, and hardly a color I would have chosen - pink. Actually I think it was called "salmon" but I got more laughs protesting that it was salmon, not pink, than if I had just kept my mouth shut.
My third and last venture into Pontiacdom was when I bought my wife a 1979 Firebird Trans Am, black with gold accents. It was a tough car for sure, with rumbling exhaust and a T-top. It didn't last long, however, when my lovely wife fell asleep at the wheel returning from a conference and rolled it 2 1/2 times. Hanging from her seat belt, she was saved by that T-top and roll bar.

Ironically, Detroit has finally beaten Pontiac. In 1763, Pontiac, an Ottawa chieftain, attempted to take Fort Detroit by storming it with his band of Indians. They didn't beat the British but the Pontiac name was destined for history by his actions. That long history for Chief Pontiac's namesake will now soon end.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Don't Mess With the U.S. Navy

The calm demeanor of President Obama belies something fuming underneath. When a U.S.-flagged ship is taken by Somali pirates, he and the U.S. Navy didn't wring their hands and say "We must exhaust all diplomatic efforts before we even think of force". Instead, the President gave the Navy its head to solve the crisis as he ordered three U.S. warships to the area. It was clear that even while some talks might start the process, the Navy made sure that no one else would try to come to the rescue of those terrorist pirates in the meantime. A destroyer and helicopter ship were there to guarantee that.

Today, even while "negotiations" were happening onboard the U.S.S. Bainbridge, our elite Navy Seals made their move to rescue Captain Phillips. It may be too bad that three Somali pirates had to die....no, it is not too bad. They are putting so many others in jeopardy, they surely know they could lose their lives in an instant in the criminal field they chose. And they did today.

Although we can be happy that Captain Phillips is unharmed and this incident is over, these pirates must now get the message that this high piracy must end. All nations must stand up to them and not "negotiate with terrorists". It won't happen of course; the ransoms will continue to be paid, and the pirates, although slowed today, will get back in their little boats and continue to harass the ships that pass through that area. Maybe it will give them pause if they notice the "Star and Stripes" flying off the fantail.

Friday, April 3, 2009

"She Touched Me First!"

It's not like there aren't any important issues around the world these days, but it looks like the fact the Michelle Obama had touched Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, when they met the other day created a stir among those who like to be stirred. This apparently is a violation of royal protocol -- to touch a royal, that is (that in itself can cause a sight picture of sorts, doesn't it?).

While we may be be all for protocol, as it does have its place in civility, it seems that the Obama bashers have it a little wrong. Further reading, and in fact viewing the video, clearly shows the Her Majesty first placed her hand around the First Lady as they were talking about how tall Michelle was, and then the First Lady, in a perfectly natural movement, put her arm around the stately (and diminutive) Queen's waist as well.

It should be clear that the Queen felt very comfortable in the presence of Mrs. Obama, and was in fact, quite animated in their discussion.
So, although the Queen does like protocol to be followed, it can hardly be a breach of protocol if the Queen herself initiates the friendly gesture. I have a feeling these two women will develop their friendship over time - far more than usual. No "Off with her head" in this case. At least the President didn't wink at the Queen.