To ask if you own a Tesla…

[Orchidzombiewatch]

How do you feel about Elon Musks links with Trump and Putin and that you are supporting him with your car choice?

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/25/elon-musk-has-been-in-regular-contact-with-putin-for-two-years-say-reports

I literally couldn't care less. It's a car. It seems to work well.

Buying now, fair enough. But how are people "supporting him with their car choice" if they bought a Tesla years ago?

There are ongoing costs related to using Tesla infrastructure.

Do you feel the same about other things? Eg blood diamonds? Do you ever think about your consumer choices or never?

What prompted me thinking was seeing a woman at the charging point who had a Tesla and then thinking that EM is a toxically masculine man, a misogynist, a racist and a supporter of Trump and Putin. I just couldn’t knowingly line his pockets.

What should I do? Sell it??

Half of America supports trump, should I also ignore their existence?

I don't care at all.

I think Tesla's are a bit ugly! So I'd never buy one! :) I am not a huge fan of Trump or Musk but I wouldn't buy a Tesla whoever the boss of the company is, or whoever is linked to them! Just not my cup of tea!

I guess that’s up to you. But how do you feel about it?

Me neither.

Do you care about your other consumer choices ever ? Just curious.

I think that he is free to support who he wishes as is important in democracy

I think we live in a bizarre age where the personal has become political. I'm sure there are lots of business leaders that I wouldn't entirely agree with politically. Its not generally a reason to not buy products.

Do you feel the same about Volkswagen and Hiltler?

Yes, but not this one.

I don't have a Tesla but political considerations wouldn't be a concern for me if I were considering it.

I completely disagree with that view.

We don't always feel we have much power in the world. But one of the ways in which we can best exercise the power we do have is by how we spend our money. It is the decent thing to make consumer choices which are, as far as possible consistent with our ethics and hopes for the world. It isn't about the personal becoming political it is about moral consistency.

I wouldn't currently consider buying a Tesla and we got rid of our Tesla shares.

People still buy the Daily Mail

I have no idea about what is contract with Putin is about but encouraging people to not buy his cars because he has contact with potentially the new (old) President in a few weeks’ time is a bit much IMO. You might not like Trump but clearly a lot of people do and many of them business leaders. His choice as to where he puts his political allegiance and I certainly don’t think that’s wrong in a democracy.

I couldn’t give a toss. I love my Tesla!

It was one of the reasons why we didn't get a Tesla when we were choosing an EV. I know there's no such thing as an ethical big business but I find everything about Elon Musk repugnant and I really didn't want to put any money in his coffers. I know it's a drop in the ocean to him, but on principle I don't want to contribute.
The cars have their plus points and the charging infrastructure is very good (though I also find it a bit unsettling) but I still wouldn't have one.

No. How do you feel about supporting him with your choice of car? I’m just curious.

You find the charging infrastructure unsettling? How so?

Same.

Do I?