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

Do you consider any of your consumer choices? I’m curious.

I wouldn't buy one I don't think they look that good. That apart I wouldn't give the EM businesses any of my money.

This is the guy who referred to the British cave diver as "pedo guy" on Twitter because he declined the use of his poxy submarine.

What a horrible man he is. I wouldn't add to his coffers.

I don't know, do you? I was replying to @MrsAvocet

True. I do think he has more power and influence perhaps and I find him particularly malodorous.

Are those ongoing costs really lining Musk's pockets in a significant way? I'm not sure they are.

In all honesty I am really tired of people attacking other people over choices made years ago. It's simplistic to equate a Tesla owner who bought their Model S eight years ago with Apartheid Clyde himself. And it detracts from the problem by putting people on the defensive.

Don’t know that link. Don’t own. VW though either. I guess Hitkers influence is historical though rather than current. Although I don’t buy Disney for that reason.

I bet you haven't got a clue about the political views of the CEOs of 99% of the companies you purchase from though.

I use a iPhone which has a well documented history of terrible working practices at the factories where it’s produced so do not look at Tesla owners and think Nazi.

Most people in the West use gadgets with lithium batteries despite the cruelty that goes on with mining the needed elements.

What costs?

That’s interesting. Are you willing to say why? Where do you care and where do t you?

I'd have thought EM must be quite damaging to Tesla's brand image at this point? I don't want an electric car so not in the market but would say he would be a contributory factor in me not wanting one.

Good point. Good for you.

I don’t.

I dislike Elon Musk, he's a complete bellend. However I do love my Model Y, best car I've ever had. I have no idea about the personal lives of any of the CEOs of brands I buy, I'm sure a lot of them are monsters.

Agree. He’s just awful in so many ways.

I guess it's hard to explain why you don't care about something. We all have different priorities.

Do what you want. But no way do 50% of Americans support Trump. Voter turnout by state ranges from about 50-79%, so even on 50% of the popular vote (which he's never had) it wouldn't be.

That’s true. I guess his interference in the political landscape and attempts to manipulate via ownership of SM platform makes him stand out to me more. At least it’s transparent I guess?

How far do your boycotts go? For example do you boycott Microsoft products because of Gates? Amazon because of the famous terrible working conditions in warehouses? Delivery services like Uber for their policies on paying workers ?

We bought our Tesla way back. Haven’t had any extra costs that would benefit EM.

So what consumer choices do you make because of principles or values rather than just what you want.

I never get this argument. That doesn't mean you can't make buying choices when you do know their views.

And I actually do not like EM. But I love my Tesla. It’s just a car at the end of the day.

I guess it is possible to use other chargers.

I love my Tesla, I really couldn't give a shiny shite about Musk and Trump though