Even though I believe there's a conspiracy, why do these jokers need $5? That stipulation doesn't give them credibility.
I'm not as sure about a conspiracy as much as stupidity and laziness. Automakers are pure "box suppliers", high volume, relatively low margins, but dead set against retooling (eats into profits).
$5? Fellow FReeper, welcome to the world of Libs. Grants, taxes & donations are their lifeblood. All they think they have to do is scare/talk somebody out of their money.
Very slowly, we'll dry up their $$ reserves.
"Even though I believe there's a conspiracy, why do these jokers need $5? That stipulation doesn't give them credibility."
Let's assume there is a conspiracy.
Lets assume America companies all particpate in the conspiracy.
Since Tesla's work is well documented why would a foreign company or even governments like China or Russia take advantage. This is either silly, a fraud or a parody. I'm not sure which.