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America Wide Open.

PMD, your readers come to this site for inside information and commentary on the auto industry. Being the swirling maelstrom that it is, there’s always something to write and take umbrage with. So why is it that those that seek this commentary get pissed off when you go after the terrible leadership we have in Washington? Do they think people like that look at everything with an open mind and see the bullshit unabridged only stop at auto executives? Nobody is immune from this IF you’re a carpetbagging fugazi. If your readers cannot understand this than THEY are part of this collective group of derelicts too. The act of free speech is a right so cherished the founders put it in writing. No one should ever tell anyone to stick to sports or cars. It’s our right and duty to not to.

JRR
Plymouth, Michigan



The Ugly Reality.

The analogy of a butterfly alighting on a tree branch is not too far unlike how the current population has come to take its personal freedoms and liberties for granted: like the experience of the butterfly, that tree limb has simply always been there, and for all intents and purposes, will continue to be so. The same goes for our rights: they have always been there, too, and so will continue to be so.

But what if suddenly a lumberjack was to come along and raze the butterfly's tree to the ground? And what if an orange-topped autocrat was to come along and do the very same with your constitutional rights?

Because once felled, it would take entire generations of butterflies to see any replacement for that tree -- just as it will take many generations to get Americans back to embracing the Constitution again...

Eddy S.
Newcastle, Ontario, CANADA



On haters.

I’ve been a loyal, weekly reader since Autoextremist’s founding. Hallelujah and undying gratitude to you for telling these “DTI” snowflakes where to get off, like all bullies they can dish it out, but they can’t take it. No one’s holding a gun to their heads to visit your complimentary website, so good riddance to them if they find their delicate sensibilities offended by what you’re entirely free to write and publish. The First Amendment free speech protections have no carve-out for speech that offends fascist goons. Reality and sanity will only be restored to this country when everyone stops coddling these morons and their ignorant delusions. Facts are non-negotiable, journalism, like science, depends on fact-finding and when necessary, speaking truth to power, consequences be damned. Keep up the good work!

DR
Palm Beach, Florida



An Unending Privilege. "It’s important to remember, too, that it is our unending privilege to honor those that came before us, because we are reveling in the fruits of their sacrifices."

My precocious high school classmate who sat in front of me during Latin II class always had the daily Aeneid verse translations perfect and at the ready to save us should either of us be called on by the nun to recite them. I hated Latin but he and I were best car buddies anyway. A certain tri-power big block '59 Impala coupe was our common bond.

After graduation he got a "Dear Paul" letter from our local draft board. I got a notice of deferral for college.

On the second day of his deployment to Viet Nam, he jumped off his helicopter into the jungle with his battalion and was instantly shred to pieces by Viet Cong fire and incinerated in the ensuing inferno of the helicopter crash. That was 60 years ago this July 4th. He came back to us in Michigan at Selfridge AFB, his remains barely filling a container the size of a shoe box.

When I'm in Washington, DC, I always honor Paul's spirit at the Viet Nam Veterans' Memorial. I run my hand across his name engraved in the mirror face of the flawless granite slab and place my fingers in its finely chiseled letters. By then I need a tissue and still realize I live in the fruit of his sacrifice. Somehow a '59 is not my favorite Chevy.

Thank you for ranting a solemn holiday reminder to us all.

Happy 4th of July.

Dr. John
Phoenix, Arizona



Simple.

It's very simple here, folks. If you dislike what Peter writes, then don't fucking read it! There are a shitload of other websites that will publish crap you agree with, which you can happily read while having your morning coffee and congratulating yourself for agreeing with the "masses". Then you can go off to work feeling wonderful while ignoring the reality of things.

Ted R
Raleigh, North Carolina



Keep preaching.

Bravo, my friend! You so eloquently (lol) expressed my now disgust and resentment at Trump and MAGA stupidity. In 2016 I was "you've been snookered". In 2020 I was "You can't defend this". In 2024 I was "You're a fucking moron. Which is what he's counting on". I no longer have time or patience for his supporters. Keep preaching, my man.

Dave M.
Houston, Texas



Power to a few.

The problem is that too many assume that a person being critical or disapproving of well anything, has to be 100% in the extreme opposite camp. Our two political parties have been prime architects of this mindset, and it is now biting them in the ass. George Washington was opposed to political parties as he foresaw them consolidating power and driving out the voices of the citizens. And so here we are, a country whose citizens somewhat resemble the German people between the world wars, where out of increasing desperation and disgust with their dithering leadership, they turned to a party and a person who initially delivered on their promises but then eventually destroyed Germany (and a good part of the world as well).

Neither of our parties understand this; the Republican leadership in DC sent flowers and a condolence card to Hakeem Jeffries, House Democrat leader, for the loss of his candidates to the Democrat Socialist candidates in the New York City primaries. I do not understand how the Republican leadership can think this will benefit them. But it does expose the tunnel vision that exists in D.C., as the prime concern of both parties is the power for themselves, but none for the state of the people of the United States.

Sorry for my rant, Happy Fourth of July to all.

DG
Berwick, Maine



Ex-reader.

Peter, I have great respect for your automotive background and for your keen insight to the automotive industry. I really looked forward to reading your weekly rants and have learned a lot from them over the years. However, it tires me to sift through the political commentary every week. I am very sad to report that I will take your advice and not read your column going forward. Thank you for your exceptional service through the years as it is greatly appreciated and respected.

John B.
Houston, Texas