Chrysler’s Jedi Mind Trick: “Let’s Refuel America” - $2.99 per Gallon Gasoline Guaranteed for Three Years

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July 10, 2008
By Lateef Abro

Chrysler’s new campaign “Let’s Refuel America” gives customers that buy one of its cars a guarantee that will ensure them gasoline at $2.99 per gallon for the next three years (CarReview.com, 2008). This is such a great idea - hats off to the marketing team that came up with this campaign. The fact is that consumers still ends up having to shell out more money since Chrysler is way behind in the fuel-efficient car category. Just check out this Consumer Reports article that breaks down the financial aspects related to purchasing a Chrysler instead of more fuel-economic cars. A consumer could purchase a hybrid Honda, which is the only company that actually turned a profit this last fiscal cycle, and save a lot more money. Besides, Chrysler has announced that it will shutdown its factories for two weeks this July just to cut costs (NPR, 2008)

That’s all fine though…the marketing was great…and even though Consumer Reports found holes in the plan I don’t think this is a tough one to push past a sizable amount of consumers. This campaign sure sounds less shady than the ‘employee pricing’ ploys.

I just wish American auto manufacturers modernized their advertising a bit…we’ve been watching the same commercials for the past two decades: A shiny car that speeds through back roads and handles curves with ultimate precision…all to a great all-American soundtrack featuring some flavor a bad-ass classic rock jam. And let’s not get started on the truck commercials! The new Acura commercials are a good example of a change of pace, they highlight lifestyles that appeal to their target market - hip 25-40 year olds that strive to achieve a balance between luxury, sport, and fun.

This article made me laugh: Why Local Car Dealers Ads Suck

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July 10, 2008 | Filed Under Current Events, Marketing | Leave a Comment 

Economic Stimulus Package 2008 Details

Stimulate Me. Taxpaying individuals will receive at least $600 in the form of a rebate check this May thanks to the U.S. government’s Economic Stimulus Package of 2008. This is going to cost the government $145 Billion (msnbc.com, Jan 08) . The rebate check will be delivered to about 160 million American families (cnn.com, Apr 08).

So how much will you get? When will you get it? How will you get it? The answers are here:

How much will I get? Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. (irs.gov, Mar 08).

When will I get it? As long as you filed your taxes before April 15 you can live by this payment schedule:

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits:	Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20	May 2
21 through 75	May 9
76 through 99	May 16

PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits:	Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09	May 16
10 through 18	May 23
19 through 25	May 30
26 through 38	June 6
39 through 51	June 13
52 through 63	June 20
64 through 75	June 27
76 through 87	July 4
88 through 99	July 11

How will I get it? If you specified a bank account for direct deposit on your 2007 tax return you’ll see the money in your bank account soon enough. Otherwise, you’ll receive a traditional paper check in the mail.

Hagel to Bush: Begin Unilateral and Unconditional Talks with Iran | Leaked Letter -->
November 1, 2007
By Lateef Abro

Senator Chuck Hagel’s letter to President George Bush has leaked. In the straightforward letter, Hagel insists that the time has come to engage Iran in a one-on-one conversation to address the sour relationship between the two countries. It seems like his point his fairly obvious - he wants to stop beating around the bush and initiate direct dialogue with Iran’s government in order to prevent a seemingly inevitable ‘clash of civilizations.’

Hagel expresses support for Bush’s efforts in Iraq and Iran and respectfully points out that our current policy towards Iran is not producing results:

I am increasingly concerned, however, that this diplomatic strategy is stalling.

Hagel continues to explain that this hostile situation can erupt at any time if it is not handled appropriately:

Unless there is a strategic shift, I believe we will find ourselves in a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months.

Here is the text of Chuck Hagel’s letter to George Bush:
Click Here to Download the Original Letter

October 17, 2007

The President

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to urge you to consider pursuing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

In the last two years, the United States has worked closely with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, Japan, and other key states as well as the UN Secretary General and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to pursue a diplomatic strategy regarding Iran’s nuclear program. I have supported your efforts. Maintaining a cohesive and united international front remains one of our most effective levers on Iran.

In the last year, you have also authorized our Ambassador in Iraq, Ryan Crocker, to hold bilateral talks with Iranian officials regarding the situation in Iraq. I have also supported this effort. Although Iran has continued dangerous actions in Iraq, this channel for dialogue is important.

I am increasingly concerned, however, that this diplomatic strategy is stalling. There are growing differences with our international partners. Concerns remain that the United States’ actual objectives is regime change in Iran, not a change in Iran’s behavior. Prospects for further action in the UN Security Council have grown dim, and we appear increasingly reliant on a single-track effort to expand financial pressure on Iran outside of the UN Security Council. Iran’s actions, both on its nuclear program and in Iraq, are unchanged. Iran’s leaders appear increasingly confident in their positions vis-a-vis the United States.

Unless there is a strategic shift, I believe we will find ourselves in a dangerous and increasingly isolated position in the coming months. I do not see how the collective actions that we are now taking will produce the results that we seek. If this continues, our ability to sustain a united international front will weaken as countries grow uncertain over our motives and unwilling to risk open confrontation with Iran, and we are left with fewer and fewer policy options.

Now is the time for the United States to active consider when and how to offer direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran. The offer should be made even as we continue to work with our allies on financial pressure, in the UN Security Council on a third sanctions resolution, and in the region to support those Middle East countries who share our concerns with Iran. The November report by IAEA Director General ElBaradei to the IAEA Board of Governors could provide an opportunity to advance the offer of bilateral talks.

An approach such as this would strengthen our ability across the board to deal with Iran. Our friends and allies would be more confident to stand with us if we seek to increase pressure, including tougher sanctions on Iran. It could create a historic new dynamic in US-Iran relations, in part forcing the Iranians to react to the possibility of better relations with the West. We should be prepared that any dialogue process with Iran will take time, and we should continue all efforts, as you have, to engage Iran from a position of strength.

We should not wait to consider the option of bilateral talks until all other diplomatic options are exhausted. At that point, it could well be too late.

I urge you to consider pursing direct, unconditional and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran.

Thank you for considering my views.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Chuck H.

Chuck Hagel
United States Senator

cc: Condoleezza Rice

Robert M. Gates

Stephen J. Hadley

And so…
Obviously, foreign policy and international relations are not simple orders; nevertheless, common sense is often overlooked for the sake of personal/political interests. The idea that ‘we do not negotiate with terrorists’ is one that will very likely cripple our ability to negotiate for our interests in the present and even worse, in the future. If current events are any indicator of the drama to come, we need to put on the thinking caps and prepare.

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