According to this site linked on BoingBoing, a California Ford dealership ran a radio ad saying they'd just as soon non-Christians not buy cars from them. Here's an excerpt from the transcript: Did you know that 86% of Americans say they believe in God? Since we all know that 86 out of every 100 of us are Christians, who believe in God, we at Kieffe & Sons Ford wonder why we don't tell the other 14% to sit down and shut up. I guess I just offended 14% of the people who are listening to this message. Well, if that is the case then I say that's tough, this is America folks, it's called free speech. None of us at Kieffe & Sons Ford is afraid to speak out. Kieffe & Sons Ford on Sierra Highway in Mojave and Rosamond, if we don't see you today, by the grace of God, we'll be here tomorrow.
Does proclaiming his distaste for non-believers really make this guy a free speech activist? Or a great martyr for the Christian faith? If his numbers were right (they're not) and Christians were the only believers in God and such a vast majority, it seems like his spot is about as daring as saying, "Hey, call me crazy, but I love puppies! People who kick puppies can just go buy a Chevy!"
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. He's a car dealer. Car dealers use all sorts of crazy gimmicks to sell cars. This wouldn't be one of the better ones I wouldn't think, but there's no point in trying read anything more into it than that.
bob at 11:35AM on May 27th 2008
2. I guess it is one way to get attention. But I bet Ford Motor Co is none too pleased to be associated with this bigoted outfit.
And if these jerks believe in free speech, why would they tell those who have opposing views to sit down and shut up?
cdnbirch at 11:39AM on May 27th 2008
3. Is it really necessary to call every boob to account for what they say? Some things are so patently stupid that silence is the best response.
IRONBLUEEYES at 12:03PM on May 27th 2008
4. You say this guy is in California Ada? Hmmmm, I wonder if he's giving discounts on new Ford F-350 Crew Cabs.....with a power stroke diesel, heated leather bucket seats with arm rest, power windows, tow package, 2x4 drive with push button 4x4 option, power sun roof, tinted glass, GPS stereo with CD and Mp3 player, comfort control air, factory installed bed liner, keyless entry and )last but not least) Goodyear 6 ply Wrangler tires.
Mine getting a little age on it....I'm looking to trade it.
Willet at 12:13PM on May 27th 2008
5.
TJ, you crack me up.
I agree that the whole "I can say what I want because of free speech and I say those who don't agree with me can shut up" thing is moronic.
IF I lived in California and IF I liked Fords and IF I had any money.... well, I wouldn't buy from this place.
FL Chick at 12:32PM on May 27th 2008
6. It's really too bad there's not a place where folks could SHOP FOR CARS ONLINE in order to avoid the religious controversies infesting all those brick and mortar dealerships...
bob at 12:32PM on May 27th 2008
7. This is the problem with projective judgment. Dont pass judgment on car dealers. My cars sell themselves they are so good and I have a higher set of standerds and moral than most because laughing all the way to the bank thanks to japan and china.
mike at 1:13PM on May 27th 2008
8. TJ
I have a jeep that will roast the shit out of your honda believe me. It is such a laugher to look at th faces of those acura drivers when I just smoke the shit out of them with my 4.0 Ho 5spd sport utility vehicle what a laugher it is. This truck is a beast. silent but deadly
mike at 1:14PM on May 27th 2008
9. Ah, Mike
Trying to prove you're a man. Well I guess I don't need a beast, I like the ride, and I like the style and I really like the looks guys like you give me when I have my sunroof open.
TJ at 1:40PM on May 27th 2008
10. the ford dealer, says freedom of speech. what about freedom of speech for nonbelieves.don't they have freedom of speech. the ford dealer should thank, his lucky stars, WE all have freedom of speech.
dallas at 1:40PM on May 27th 2008
11. i think that commercial must have sounded a lot better while they were all drunk on communion wine.
hannah at 1:47PM on May 27th 2008
12.
I love how they think that of all the Americans who say they believe in God, ALL of them are Christians. LOL
FL Chick at 2:10PM on May 27th 2008
13. This is the reason I believe in God but "NOT" Religion.
Judith at 2:27PM on May 27th 2008
14. I understand what he's getting at. I don't necessarily agree with the way he went about it. However, I don't think it's the non-Christians that are the problem. You don't see Jewish people raising a fuss over Walmart employees saying "Merry Christmas". I grew up in a mainly Jewish neighborhood, and they were fine with our Christmas trees and we were fine with their menorahs. It's the atheists (who are the overwheleming minority in this country) who are constantly trying to take away our freedom to speak about or openly practice our religion.
BTW - I know where he got the 86% number that he mentions - studies have shown approx. 86% of Americans identify themselves as Judeo-Christian.
hlaredzz at 3:25PM on May 27th 2008
15. Never heard of a car dealership turning people away because of their faith? A car is a car is a car...what do they do, bless them in a special way?
By the way, how does the dealership know if you are Christian or not? Do church goers carry a special card or something?
Any dealership this idiotic deserves no ones business.
David S. at 3:32PM on May 27th 2008