This is interesting -
"Right now I am very disillusioned with the Republicans' policies," said Michael Retzer, a Republican and a consultant to a supplier for Harley-Davidson. Mr. Retzer told Mr. Snow at a Harley plant near Milwaukee that he did not see how the tax cuts would stimulate the economy when so many consumers would spend the extra money on goods made overseas.
Perhaps Michael "Republican" Retzer missed this announcement?
Milwaukee, WI - (MCNW) Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced record revenue and earnings for its second quarter ended June 29, 2003. Revenue for the quarter was $1.22 billion compared with $1.00 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 21.8 percent increase. Second quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were 66 cents, a 40.4 percent increase compared with last year’s 47 cents.
"We are pleased with our strong results for 2003 as we head into the second half of the year," said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "Our US dealer network sold more motorcycles in this quarter than in any other quarter in our 100-year history. Retail sales grew more than 14 percent compared with last year and outpaced our wholesale shipments by over 11,000 units," added Bleustein.
http://www.americanmotor.com/news.cfm?newsid=2231 No left wing media bias here --- move along.
This is interesting The analyst of the firm I work for who covers Harley (Ticker: HDI) says the reports they hear from the dealers is that they are selling off the shelves.
One thing that I am noticing a lot more of lately is people talking about how bad the economy, but when pressed, saying, "Well... actually, I am doing great... but I'm just concerned about others." Sigh...