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Comments
My heart goes out to those who were immediately affected by this heinous act, and I know we as a people - Americans (no matter the nationality) - will overcome and show the world that we truly are the people we claim to be. When the hammer falls, our enemies will be reminded that we are no one to trifle with as well. But time will tell.
Thanks to all the men and women of the search and rescue teams, thanks to all the folks who have given blood and thanks to all the families for remaining strong, even if the outcome for your family members seems bleak.
They hung a large flag on the Pentagon last night, as a symbol to the world that although we may be hurt, we are not beaten, and will stand strong against the tyranny of horror after these events, and will rebuild.
For other news, I and my family are okay, thanks for asking Coolchick. I called Badulah on Tuesday evening to make sure he was not affected, and he and his family are fine. He has not been able to post lately for personal reasons, but his heart goes out to all those affected. He is working just across the harbor in NJ from where the towers went down, and has been working with the rescue teams involved to get them to the right place at the right time. He has also been covering for his local PD while they are in the city assisting wtih cleanup and salvage.
Thanks Bad-man, and check in when you can.
I'll keep you all posted as I hear how things are going from his perspective and mine, and again wish all the best to the victims and thier families.
Its subject is "America: The Good Neighbor"
Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television commentator. What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:
"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these
countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States.
When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.
When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped.
The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans.
I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they fly them. why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes?
Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon-not once, but several times-and safely home again. You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here.
When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.
I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.
Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."
Stand proud, America!
This was posted on another message board I go to. I don't know the author.
IN GOD WE TRUST
Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America. You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. You used helpless American bodies, to take out other American bodies, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America.
Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEA. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue Happiness. (No guarantees that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!)
Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech. But you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of guys that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country. If you're free enough.
Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going goofs most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free and easy about the world you live in. It's unfortunate too, because people start to forget that when you attack Americans, they tend to fight like a cornered badger. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent.
No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both. Grandpa Jones worked on the Manhattan Project. Told me once, that right up until they threw the switch, the physicists were still arguing over whether the Uranium alone would fission, or whether it would start a fissioning chain reaction that would eat everything. But they threw the switch anyway, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve?
So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places who think they're safe. Just like the Barbary Pirates did. They were wrong. So are you. Better start sleeping with one eye open.
There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. The Marielistas that Castro emptied out of his prisons, were overjoyed to find out how much freedom there was. First thing they did when they hit our shores, was run out and buy guns. The ones that didn't end up dead, ended up in prisons. It was a big problem then (especially in south Florida). We solved that problem. As for you, you're only the newest problem, not the first.
You guys seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in US! American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit. Until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of Spirit.
Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time.
Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming.
Your best wishes are appreciated by all of us here below the border. My wife and I even got a call from some friends in England with words of condolence and support.
As has been said, this wasan't just an attack on the U.S., it was an attack on civilization!!!
Coolchick: That one of yours is accurate as hell!!! Now, if I could figure out how to detach it, or, if you would, send to me through normal e-mail, there's a lot of people I'd like to pass it along to.
Lefty:
1. Thanks for the disassembly tip on the car. The steering seems to be the next barrier, but a little finageling should get it.
2. When you next call the badman, give him our best!!!
All:
Just got back to work after a weeks vaacation time. Cat worked well, but the shimmy has finally gotten to the point that even the service techs can't possibly say, "No problem found." I know some others have had this problem, and if you're still monitoring, could you please pass along what the cure was. I'd appreciate knowing.
Skip G.
All you need to do is a select, copy and paste and you can take it wherever on your computer your heart desires.
You're trying to make me do something computer literate :-(
I'll give it a go, but if I crash the company's system, it'll be all your fault ;-)
Skip G.
Honestly, guys, I'm looking for a new car. Going to get my car cleaned up and either sold to a local (don't tell anyone about its hiccups!) or to CarMax -- wherever the money's best. I've had it with going to dealerships and getting scary repair work.
I've heard a few folks recommend Subarus in here -- any comments? I'm looking at something a bit more practical (a.k.a. wagon), as well as something that has pickle-proof cloth or leather seating. The WRX wagon seats were...uh...a bit snug around my ever-expanding [non-permissible content removed]. However, the Forester S was nice, and it would serve me and my fiancée down the road. About the time I'd finish paying for it, she'd be ready to plop nasty children in the backseat ;-)
Fish8 - I think we should both agree to not recommend Pugmire until after I get my last little punchlist items fixed. I opened the hood to throw in 2qts of oil to tide me over for another 2 weeks when I noticed that...um...pieces were missing. It appears that there's no underhood insulation anymore (was there any to begin with?), and a piece from near the hood latch appears to be missing.
Like I said...scary.
Be safe, folks!
burnsmr4
Later,
burnsmr4
The shimmy was present in much reduced form when I got the car. I didn't mention it because it was slight enough that I knew I'd get the famous, "No problem found." comment on the squawk sheet.
It's strong enough now that the only time it's not present is when it's standing still or above 40mph.
I'm going to take it in next week and see what happens (along with an oil change. etc..)
Skip G
You mentioned your Cougar is missing the insulation from under the hood. My car has never had such insulation. Either the Cougar never came with it or they forgot to install it on my car.
As far as getting rid of my Cougar: My lease runs out in about 18 months so that is the longest I will have my car. When my warranty runs out at 36,000 or next June, I may look into trading it in. We'll see!!!
Rattles, squeaks, hums, moans, creaks, clunks and yawns. These are the things that were on the minds of Cougar owners since day one. I remember way back, in 1998 when this whole CSG thing started, about a dozen people with the first delivery of cars were mentioning various first-year-glitches that we hoped would be fixed under warranty and fixed in the QC during production at the factory. Things we would normally expect in the category of car we purchased, and things we expected as owners of a middle-class manufacturer's product with an aging image, were not compensated for in treatment, nor build quality. I've had my share of dealer visits, it seemed like during the first year I had so many things fixed. However, after that first year, I really haven't seemed to have that many complaints. It's almost as if the car finally broke-in, and shed itself of all the new-model - well - "newness". The car was tighter than it had ever been, ran the best it ever had, and was still the car I purchased in 1998. It's the same way today, mind you, this is after a fare share of "bits-and-pieces" replacements and repairs. I get the oil changed at 5000 miles, just like I always have and put 89 octane fuel. It gets a bit of a tummy ache with 87. Anyway, the seats are just as comfy and with new tires it's back to traction limits, so I guess I'm the one with the good experience from Mercury and their Cougar.
I really feel for you guys and gals that have had really mind-boggling, troublesome problems that should not have ever been passed through a QC, much less the drive from the factory floor to the truck/train it was delivered on. Sad, but true. I'm sorry for saying that, Mercury.
The people who build the Cougar at the Flat Rock plant are fantastic folks, and I commend every one of them for what they do. It looks like a cool job to build cars for a living - even if it's cliche' to them. Mercury and Mazda share the line and the cars all run through mixed up. For every one Cougar built, there are two 626's. They run down the line like that, it's kind of neat to see, Cougar - 626 - 626 - Cougar.
The problem, I believe, is not that they make a bad car there, only that they're more used to building 626's than Cougars, and they are simply better at it because of repitition.
I know it costs more money - a whole lot more - but if the Cougar was built in an isolated facility, then there problably wouldn't be half the quality issues they deal with on a regular basis. I don't blame you for wanting to trade in your Cats, really. Everyone deserves a good car for their money, and if you haven't gotten your money's worth, then by all means, do what you have to do.
I still believe they've got most, if not all, of the kinks out production, and the new ones are not like the old ones in that respect. I just wish they would help the media to get things right now and then. I picked up the new Motor Trend 2002-03 cars issue and read the blurb on the new Cougar:
blah, blah, not much changed, blah blah, three engine choices (Hmmmm.) blah, I4, V6, SVT Contour engine in the upcoming Type S. blah blah (WHAT?!?!? They need some fact-checking before they print last year's blurb! We know the S has been cancelled since FEBRUARY!! How come they don't know this?)
Anyway, it went something like that in my mind.
The Subaru's are nice these days and seems to be the "car of choice" when ridding oneself of one's Cougar. :-) I know several people right now who've either bought the things or are in the process of buying the things. I've heard all good things.
Gotta go, road-trip Friday, Happy Cougaring!
Have a safe trip. I, too, will be taking a road trip tomorrow with my Cougar. Even started preparing for the trip last night. Gave the car a good washing and waxing. Going to clean it out tonight.
Oh...the trip? I'm traveling to my local CarMax. To get an appraisal on the vehicle. If it's $10K or higher (unlikely), the trip will have been totally worth it.
Later,
burnsmr4
Lisa.
I'm in a situation where I moved overseas and had to leave my Cougar behind. I've been trying to sell it for quite some time without any luck. I'm fairly desperate to unload it at this point, and am offering what I believe is a fantastic price, and I'm just not getting calls. Very frustrating. I did get an offer that was retracted after the attack due to layoff fears. With the current car buying climate, I'm afraid I might just be stuck with it. I love the car, I just need the money and my relatives are tired of taking care of it. Is nobody buying these cars anymore?
David
I could deliver my car in North Carolina -- at the border (that sounds suspicious, don't it?). Your friend could have the car for a little more than dealer trade-in offer. If she wanted it.
Of course, you know its sordid history, so you'll have to make that call. I'm probably fartin' in the wind even offering anyone in here my Cougar. Heh. :-)
Later,
burnsmr4
I went to CarMax in Norcross (?) last Saturday, mid-afternoon. Big mistake. It's like a friggin' mall! Hundreds of people all milling around, with just as many CarMax salespeople. A bit overwhelming, if you've never been. Nothing like a small dealership experience.
[Shudder.]
Anyway, the guy inspected the car (never looked inside), asked for mileage, why I'm selling it, etc., and took me inside to run numbers in their computer. Once he had me in the system for a mechanical/final appraisal, I found out how long I'd be waiting.
1-2 hours?!
I couldn't believe it. The appraisal is only supposed to take 15-20 minutes! I offered to come back during lunch sometime this week, but I've not had a chance to do so. I'm aiming to restart the process sometime next week.
I'll keep you posted.
Later,
burnsmr4
1999, 31K miles, Dark Green, Tan Leather Interior, V6, Automatic, 16" Polished Alloy Rims, Sport Group, Convenience Group, Power Seats, Traction Control, Spoiler, etc. Basically everything but sunroof and side airbags. I'm asking $13K, but its certainly negotiable. Sounds like a good deal doesn't it?
Would a new loaded Cougar be about $20K? Or are there massive incentives going on?
I posted on the Cougar Care chat but I then noticied this chat has had more activity recently so maybe I will get a response faster here, so to those of you that have seen this post twice, I am sorry and I am not spamming!
This is now my second time posting.
Here goes: I am considering purchasing a 99 V6 Cougar, 5spd., (ie, it has everything except ABS)from a one owner that has all the main. rec'ds and it has 33K on it,he is selling it due to he needs a 4 door car with more headroom in the backseat, he has no problems with the stereo/speakers, the only problems he has had are because of him (ie he hit a button on the stereo that locked him out, a twig fell into the tracks of the sunroof and he closed it).
Anyway, he is asking 12,200 and we think we can neog. him down to 11.5, I am just wondering if everyone thinks this is a fair price for this car?
I have owned alot of cars including three older fords (91 probe, 92 Mustang GT and a 86 Mustang GT), one newer (98 Probe) along with several foreign cars...two Honda Civic's (99Ex and a '00 SI), two Acura Integra GSR's (a 99 and a '00) and I currently have a 97 Mitsu Eclipse GS-T Conv which by the way is the only one I've had minor problems with (ie window off track, speakers blown on the left side,etc.)So Ford Products have not been unreliable to me...the 86 mustang ( my first car in 92, had over 120K on it when I traded it for the 91 Probe).
Since I don't drive that much I don't plan on putting a ton of miles on the Cougar if I get it...I drive anywhere from 60-80 miles a week if that...I just drive fast ( I live in the Atlanta area, so it is a necessity to drive fast!).
So I just want to get some thoughts on if the price is good and if this will turn out to be a good buy?
Thanks!
Skip G.
I posted in the other cougar chat about buying the Cougar and got some very good info as well as a list of potential problems and since alot of people on here have had trouble at with the dealerships not to mention repeated trouble with their cars, it has changed my mind on the Cougar.
I have decided on a 95 Toyota Celica GT, it is quite a bit cheaper (7500) and it has considerably more mile 73K but, I know Toyo's have excellent reliability and quality ratings and I have had previous experience with them. I had a 92 Paseo that was still running just fine at 150K when I traded it in for my first Honda 3 years ago...
Then my dad had a 86 toyo truck and it had well over 200K on it when my brother totaled it last year...
Thank you for your response Skip, you just got to me too late...LOL.
I'm sorry I have been out of the loop for the last few months. Things have been very crazy. Here is a brief summary:
1. In training for my job (which I will no longer be at as of this coming Friday)
2. Trade Center bombing: I worked a mass amount of over time at our mobile command center which was stationed in Hoboken and Jersey City.
3. My Grandfather passed away (serious bummer).
4. Spent a massive amount of time with my family because of the above.
5. Searching for a new job.
6. Took a short vacation to Canada with Kate for a few days to visit some friends in Toronto and to just get away from life for a while.
I'm glad to see everyone is still here and doing well.
Fish8:
CONGRATS on the birth of your new child. That is something to be VERY happy about.
drewdrew94:
That sounds like a good deal. The Cougar is a very good car. I have had mine since November of 1998. It currently has over 54,000 miles on it and it is running very strong. I have had only minor problems with it (minus one self-inflected problem). I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well rounded touring coupe. In its class, it is the best bang for the buck.
I'm sorry to hear you went with the Toyota. It is considerably smaller and has less power. O-Well! I wish you and your new car good luck!!
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather, but, as we get older, those we love do pass on. Just let him live on in your memories.
Hope the job training you just got will help in your new search. Good Luck!!!
Skip G.
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. I hope time and happy memories will help diminish your grief.
Take care.
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
Pluskin - Looks like I can't deliver a buyer for your kitty. For some odd reason, the gal has decided to go with a 4 cyl. Toyota Camry. She said it had a lot of power. In response, I said........unprintable things =8^0
My coolant light has started to stay on intermittently, usually first thing in the morning. Guess it's that pesky sensitive sensor I've heard tell of.
Otherwise, she's due for her 15K checkup and is running great. Oh, and of course she looks fabulous
As for me, I have been working ungodly amounts of hours, and I am worried about whether or not I will be home for Christmas. But hey, somebody has to suck it up in order for Uncle Sam to spank Usama Bin Laden!
Even coffee won't help.
Cats been in the shop since Tue. for the lumbar support & shimmy problem. Got a Sable to drive though. Better than the Slumfire that I had when it was being rebuilt after my accident. I'll let you all know what the analysis was when I get baby back.
Skip G
I guess its me and you!
Later,
burnsmr4
The worst level me and my worm get to is lack of amusement (cf Queen Victoria).
My hatch is starting to act up again. After 5 visits to the dealer to allow my hatch to open, it was finally fixed(for the short term at least).
About 2 weeks ago, my hatch refused to open with the remote or the inside release button. It pops up, but catches. It really is frustrating! Also, the fan motor is starting to make a flutter noise again. This was already fixed when my car only had 5,000 miles on it.
Does quality control exist at Ford? One interesting item I read in the newspaper is Ford will now require more stringent quality control standards for it's parts suppliers. It's about damn time!!!!!!!!!!!
Badulah.. Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. We will say a prayer for him. Hope everything calms down for you.
My new commute (12mi) with less stop&go action nets about 23.5.
On the highway, at speed (70+), we get up to 29mpg. on some long trips, it even gets close to 30, but I hav'nt cracked that barrier yet.
Can't complain about the economy vs. performance at all.
C.G.
You only have 5600 miles so far? I hope you remain trouble free! if oyu experienced the problems me and burnsmr4 have, I am sure you would "gripe" to. I'll ask again when you reach 20K. You may be singing a different song then. I hope not though.
I have a 2001 C2 V6 auto with 4,090 miles, btw.