A bit of much needed honesty today!

Bo Eder

Platinum Member
Here in the States, or at least California anyway, our vehicles have to pass a smog test to make sure the car isn't putting more pollutants into the air than is allowable. The car needs to be tested every other year in order to register it and be legal to drive.

A few weeks ago my "check engine" light comes on and won't turn off, and I've been mentally preparing myself for the coming $500 or so repair bill that always comes with these repairs that result from no visible damage (it's like paying for an intangible). One local place couldn't figure it out and told me to keep driving it until something really broke.

I took it to a guy who's closer to me (so I can walk home) and let him work on it. Two hours later he calls me back and says to come get the car and he'll fill me in when I get there. I prepare to have my American Express cards at the ready.

He tells me he won't take any money because it was simple sensor connection that came loose. It wasn't right to charge me. He even told me stories of the place I originally went to who couldn't figure it out. What a nice guy. So I asked him what kind of beer he likes. So I'm off to go get him a case of Coronas.

Today is a great day ;)
 
"Today is a great day ;) "
And so is karma!
 
We used to have to have our cars checked in Florida but the system was so corrupt it has ended. Nice to find an honest mechanic other than Bob
 
We don't have any of that mess here in Arkansas. No emissions, no inspections, no nothing. If it runs and has all its lights, you are good to go.
 
Arkansas is my kind of place. I moved to SoCal from Cleveland OH and, lemme tell ya, when it comes time to retire, I'm moving to the Ozarks and ridding myself of this liberal nonsense out here....(did I just say that?)

Ok...yes...here I am....conservative republican on-board....take your shots

We don't have any of that mess here in Arkansas. No emissions, no inspections, no nothing. If it runs and has all its lights, you are good to go.
 
Here in the States, or at least California anyway, our vehicles have to pass a smog test to make sure the car isn't putting more pollutants into the air than is allowable. The car needs to be tested every other year in order to register it and be legal to drive.

A few weeks ago my "check engine" light comes on and won't turn off, and I've been mentally preparing myself for the coming $500 or so repair bill that always comes with these repairs that result from no visible damage (it's like paying for an intangible). One local place couldn't figure it out and told me to keep driving it until something really broke.

I took it to a guy who's closer to me (so I can walk home) and let him work on it. Two hours later he calls me back and says to come get the car and he'll fill me in when I get there. I prepare to have my American Express cards at the ready.

He tells me he won't take any money because it was simple sensor connection that came loose. It wasn't right to charge me. He even told me stories of the place I originally went to who couldn't figure it out. What a nice guy. So I asked him what kind of beer he likes. So I'm off to go get him a case of Coronas.

Today is a great day ;)

Be sure to throw in a few limes.
 
I'm jealous! I just paid $200 to have my engine light fixed. Good for you!
 
... liberal nonsense out here....

One day I will understand US politics. It seems to me that in the US tighter controls over people's behaviour equals liberalism, unless the controls are placed over people's sex lives or preferred state of consciousness, in which case the tighter controls become Republican ...

The ever shifting tribal loyalties of human beings don't make a lot of sense, apart from bonding and networking I guess. Like Masonic handshakes.

Bo, good to run into decent mechanics. I must be lucky because wherever I move the local garage is run by honest, decent types. Hopefully your mechanic likes Coronas. Some men scoff at Corona's as wimpy beer, preferring the thick malty beers that taste like urine ...
 
Quite good analysis, Ms. Anon La Ply, Ma'am! ;-)

... It seems that urine is better than wimpy juice! ;-D

One day I will understand US politics. It seems to me that in the US tighter controls over people's behaviour equals liberalism, unless the controls are placed over people's sex lives or preferred state of consciousness, in which case the tighter controls become Republican ...

The ever shifting tribal loyalties of human beings don't make a lot of sense, apart from bonding and networking I guess. Like Masonic handshakes.

Bo, good to run into decent mechanics. I must be lucky because wherever I move the local garage is run by honest, decent types. Hopefully your mechanic likes Coronas. Some men scoff at Corona's as wimpy beer, preferring the thick malty beers that taste like urine ...
 

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You'll figure it out one day Pol. We are very swayed by rhetoric here and this ever-changing notion of personal liberties. After 9/11 this concept of "Freedom" was kicked up and has been used quite a bit ever since.

Sorry, not meaning to start a political discussion here. I do find it strange now that I think about it though. I always held AZ to be a pretty conservative state but we have required emission tests same as California. I have to go get it checked every year before I renew my vehicle registration.

Good story Bo, I like a story that ends with beer. My father in law likes Coronas, me not so much. I jokingly told him once "Mexicans don't drink their own urine."
 
I do find it strange now that I think about it though. I always held AZ to be a pretty conservative state but we have required emission tests same as California. I have to go get it checked every year before I renew my vehicle registration.

Harking back to the basis of conservatism and liberalism - exploited workers struggling against the yoke of their oppressors bla bla - I wonder if having to get your car checked for fumes is actually "liberal"? It looks neutral to me.

All sides of politics are far more Machiavellian than honest, hence their continued existence (anyone trying to be truthful in politics will HAVE NO alliances and soon get chewed up and spat out). People take their ethical cues from politicians and honesty is increasingly seen as naivete, so it makes instances of honesty like Bo described seem special rather than commonplace.

My father in law likes Coronas, me not so much. I jokingly told him once "Mexicans don't drink their own urine."

It might look more like pee than the ghastly stuff Ian posted, but at least it doesn't taste like it :)
 
What I've always found wonderful about American politics is that people on either side of the Republican/Democrat divide tar the other side as pinko communist socialists or crazed reactionaries.

...and those of us outside the US struggle to see the difference betweet the two sides.
 
What I've always found wonderful about American politics is that people on either side of the Republican/Democrat divide tar the other side as pinko communist socialists or crazed reactionaries.

...and those of us outside the US struggle to see the difference betweet the two sides.

To me, it seems like an increasing lot of us in the US want to be the ones outside.
 
What I've always found wonderful about American politics is that people on either side of the Republican/Democrat divide tar the other side as pinko communist socialists or crazed reactionaries.

...and those of us outside the US struggle to see the difference betweet the two sides.

Pretty much.

It's all meant as a distraction I think. They are only concerned with themselves.

If they can get us bitching at each other, we don't seem to notice how much they all screw us.
 
What I've always found wonderful about American politics is that people on either side of the Republican/Democrat divide tar the other side as pinko communist socialists or crazed reactionaries.

...and those of us outside the US struggle to see the difference between the two sides.

Same with our two "sides" of politics in Oz, of course. Ditto the rest of the west. Basically our governments act as the administrative arm, distraction and fall guy for the major multinational corporations who dictate national policy. He who pays the piper calls the tune. The two majors differ in the smaller policy areas their corporate masters permit them to determine without "guidance".

Sorry Bo! lol
 
...and just like that the thread has been Saturn'd.

Dang it! Well, at least my intentions were good. Actually, I asked my mechanic what he liked, and he told me Coronas. He didn't believe I actually brought back an 18-count box of the stuff for him. He laughed and we shook hands, and I told him I'll be back for an oil change next week.

Regarding the political "sleight of hand" that goes on, I often wondered if Michael Jackson was on the government payroll. I seem to recall whenever we got screwed out of something, Michael Jackson would do something crazy. It's all about misdirection, I guess :)

I dunno, sometimes it's good to say, "I'm just the drummer, ya know?"
 
I kind of see the two issues in the same bucket.

Politicians create almost innumerable problems with their laws, regulations, fees, etc. That leaves less money for people to spend on their automobiles, musical instruments, etc, which then effects the people in those industries and the amount of money they have to spend on things they like or need. Obamacare is a perfect example which effects all Americans and the amount of money millions will no longer have to spend on things THEY want to spend it on.

Politicians are the destruction of the Republic. If they were all statesmen, patriots, loyal to their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and stay within the confines of limited government, everyone would have more money to spend, or save, and the economy would be strong.
 
He tells me he won't take any money because it was simple sensor connection that came loose. It wasn't right to charge me.
Fantastic! Human nature, faith in - restored. Actually, I find examples daily. What a good man, & someone who knows how to build a loyal customer base too.

We don't have any of that mess here in Arkansas. No emissions, no inspections, no nothing.
I don't see why it's "unconstitutional" to control PM10s & other very harmful emissions. Driving behind someone who's operating a mobile soot dispenser is no fun. Maybe I should go & light up that cigar in the nursery ;)

It seems to me that in the US tighter controls over people's behaviour equals liberalism, unless the controls are placed over people's sex lives or preferred state of consciousness, in which case the tighter controls become Republican ...
;) ;) ;)
 
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