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WHAT CAN WE DO?

If you're like me, you're frustrated by the pending failure of the domestic auto industry and amazed that the American people, in general, are willing to let our industry die. But what can we do about it? The good news is that you can do something about it. I believe that the biggest problem facing our industry is the unfounded perception that American cars are inadequate, inferior, and unsustainable. Because of that perception Americans have chosen to buy foreign cars until our domestic industry is on the verge of bankruptcy. Perception is everything. In order to change the fortunes of America, we have to change that perception. You can help do that. You can help save this country. The following are things we can all do to change the collective minds of Americans:

	The first thing we can do, obviously, is to set the example. Drive only American cars and encourage your family to do the same. If you already drive American cars, you have already done more than many citizens to support our country. Thank you!
	Write a letter to the newspaper! Let your views be known! You might feel that your opinion doesn't matter but every voice counts! There are millions of people just like you who think that American cars are well-built and that people who drive foreign cars are ruining this country. Encourage them to speak up by standing up for what you believe in!
	Encourage others to drive American. Encouragement can take a number of forms but the best approach is a friendly, non-confrontational tone. No one likes to be told that, because they drive a Toyota, they're denying a fellow American a job or sending a Japanese kid through college. Use tact and diplomacy. And encouragement doesn't have to be verbal. Actions speak louder than words. Just driving American and demonstrating your satisafction is already all the encouragement many people will need to make their next car American-made.
	Stay out of foreign car dealerships! Don't even look at foreign cars lest you give the impression that these tin cans are something to be admired! We are aiming at changing the perception of these cars! Japanese cars are for girls, city boys, and people who don't know better!
	If you're an older gentleman, lady, or veteran, you have more opportunity to influence others than most people. Whether you realize it or not, the people in your life respect you for your experience and judgement. Use your status to change opinion on the quality of American cars by giving examples, when appropriate, of the lasting quality of American cars. Take responsibility for the legacy that has been left us and help these young people learn from experience. Teach them how to distinguish between propaganda and fact.
	Put off buying a new car and drive your American car a little longer. American cars have a reputation of being prone to breakdown and for needing frequent maintenance and repair. What better way to demonstrate that American cars are as well-built as imports than to drive them forever? If you have a friend with an American car who doesn't know how to maintain his own car, give him a hand. Show him how to use a code reader and change his oil and spark plugs so he can continue to drive American too.
	When people make statements about the quality of American cars, don't go along with it. Ask them where they got the idea that American cars were inferior. Make them explain why they believe something as unsupportable as global warming. Don't let them get away with bad-mouthing America! Give examples of your own driving experience that supports the opposite of what foreign propaganda claims.
	When people say there's no such thing as an American car any more, tell them they are wrong and that saying so is only an excuse for turning one's back on one's country and buying from a foreign country.
	When presented with the opportunity to choose which car to ride in (after school or church), always choose the American car. Try not to ride or be seen in a foreign car if at all possible.
	Speak up for what you know to be true. Foreign car companies are paying bloggers and other media outlets to influence public opinion by describing American products with sarcasm, derision, and ridicule. Stand up to these empty, hollow threats to America! Eventually public opinion will change and no one will want to own a Japanese car. The turncoats who bought foreign cars won't be able to sell them for half of what they paid!