Unimpressed by boys and their toys

The following is submitted in response to "The Hummer: Not So Much A Vehicle But A Lifestyle," published in The Acorn on Jan. 25:

"…who cares that it only gets 8 miles to a gallon of diesel fuel," boasts The Acorn automotive editor Michael Binstock in a breathless recount of his joy ride in a Hummer. "It’s a babe magnet."

Binstock’s article, featured directly across the page from a paid advertisement by the dealers of this vehicle, informs us that the Hummer monster, designed for warfare in 1979, can now be bought by thrill seekers for just under $100,000. "It was celebrities, like Scwartzenegger and Bruce Willis, who bought the first vehicles as a statement or status symbol and the rage took off."

Rage indeed.

Why would anyone with any concern for the environment, the squandering of resources or escalating fuel prices allow himself or herself to be taken in by this childish "mine is bigger than yours" attitude? Americans already consume a huge percentage of the world’s resources that is vastly disproportionate to their numbers on this planet. Enough is enough.

Binstock brags about driving 45 minutes to a site where 4-wheel enthusiasts may put their vehicles through their paces.

How many others will stomp out nature only in sites set aside for ravishing? And how many of such sites will these thrill seekers demand as their numbers increase?

Can you imagine the amount of noise, air pollution and damage to a fragile landscape one multi-ton vehicle can do?

Binstock, if you want to be a real man, get off your butt and take a hike. Get down close enough to actually experience and befriend the land you are now blindly rolling over.

The Acorn generally does a great job announcing community events and celebrating the achievements of our youth and volunteers. Why spoil it with senseless articles like this blatant promotion of a military vehicle that is now assaulting our environment?

Ironically, in the very same issue, The Acorn published an article suggesting 10 things that can be done to promote peace.

I’m not sure if Binstock, Swartzenager or Bruce Willis would agree, but you may want to consider a couple of these suggestions before getting sucked into the Hummer hyperbolae.

"Make kids media literate. Help them understand the relationship between media and advertisers."

"Discuss ethics, values and violence with your children and other members of your household."

"Monitor the media. Tell the TV networks (The Acorn?) if you don’t like what you see."

Diane Calder

Calabasas