A submission by Dr. Glenn Mollette
My wife’s grandfather, Lyle Harlow, was a prisoner of war during World War II and survived the Bataan Death March. As a result, he harbored strong feelings toward Japanese soldiers and people. My father-in-law also fought in World War II and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He, too, had negative opinions about the Japanese.
When I bought a Toyota Celica in 1978, my father-in-law was not impressed. He had worked for General Motors for many years and was a loyal Chevrolet driver. However, despite their experiences and opinions, neither of these men ever expressed any desire to destroy my Toyota—or anyone else’s.
Back then, my Celica cost $7,000, a significant amount for my wife and me as struggling students. Our $150 monthly car payment felt overwhelming. I can’t imagine how we would have coped with the threat of someone vandalizing our car simply because they disliked Toyota or those who made them. Ironically, today, Toyota and other foreign automakers have revitalized American communities, providing thousands of jobs.
Destroying someone’s property is a criminal act that deserves punishment. Whether it’s riots in Louisville, Baltimore, Portland, or Los Angeles, no one has the right to set fire to buildings, businesses, or cars.
Recent reports of Tesla dealerships and charging stations being vandalized and set on fire are outrageous. Those responsible would never tolerate having their own cars burned or the places they fuel up destroyed.
Business owners are already struggling to stay afloat. Operating costs are astronomical, and turning a profit is harder than ever. Every day, restaurants, grocery stores, churches, newspapers, and car dealerships shut down across America. This could be your job or the job of someone you know.
Elon Musk is a billionaire, and not everyone agrees with his role in America today. But burning his cars and charging stations doesn’t hurt him—it hurts hardworking Americans. Dealership employees, mechanics, and those simply trying to earn a living are the ones who suffer. And let’s not forget, most Teslas on the road today were purchased before President Trump was even re-elected.
Protest with your words. Buy whatever car or product you prefer. But don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of Uncommon Sense. Available wherever books are sold.
