Daimler-Chrysler Official Apologizes for Conservative Slur

CNSNews.com ^ | February 14, 2003 | Marc Morano

[Moosejaw]

(CNSNews.com) - A DaimlerChrysler official who called conservative critics of Jesse Jackson "myopic" in January has apologized for his comments.

In a handwritten letter dated Jan 13, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President Frank Fountain wrote that he wished "to express my deepest regret" for the slur against conservatives.

"My choice of words was unfortunate, but there was no intention to negatively characterize conservatives. Any such characterization was unfair and unintended," Fountain wrote.

The letter was sent to Amy Ridenour, president of the National Center for Public Policy Research, one of two conservative groups that protested the Fountain's comments.

Ridenour accepted DaimlerChrysler's apology without reservations, telling CNSNews.com she was "very impressed with the depth of [DaimlerChrysler's] sincerity. I am very impressed with the way they are handling it."

Ridenour said Fountain "seemed to show a tremendous respect not only for conservatives but for all Americans" in the letter.

In his letter, Fountain wrote "I apologize to anyone who may have been offended by my remarks," adding that he is "committed to sustaining an open dialogue with the conservative community."

Fountain had originally said most conservative critics of Jesse Jackson, had a "myopic view of the world." Fountain made the comments during an interview with CNSNews.com while appearing at Jackson's Wall Street Project fundraiser in New York City in January.

According to Ridenour, officials from DaimlerChrysler indicated that the auto giant received "quite a few" letters from consumers complaining about the "myopic" slur. Bill O'Reilly of Fox News Channel also featured the comment on his program following the CNSNews.com interview with Fountain.

Ridenour is hopeful the controversy is over.

"Conservatives and Chrysler corporations will get along better and we now know they respect us," said Ridenour. "Maybe we can be friends."

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[Moosejaw]

Chalk one up for the good guys!

[Thane_Banquo]

He should also apologize for making cars that can't go five miles without a serious breakdown.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I don't care if he gets down on all fours and barks like a dog. I won't buy a product from a company which promotes people to this level who don't think before they open their yap.

[swheats]

Now we want him to give a donation to our charities, the Republican National Committee for starters and we'll get back to him on the others.

He can't get by with just a simple apology.

[Post Toasties]

He must be afraid that JJ is going to accuse Chrysler of racist work policies.

[jimtorr]

"Conservatives and Chrysler corporations will get along better and we now know they respect us," said Ridenour. "Maybe we can be friends."

Any bets? Was the remark pandering, or did he mean it? Apologies are cheap, and may be nothing more than damage control. Only his future words and actions will tell.

[Nagual]

What else would expect for a "German" car maker?

[MississippiMan]

I wonder if someonme in the company might have put a pencil to things and figured out that conservatives probably account for 75% of their sales in dollars? (That's a raw guess.)

MM

[doug from upland]

The conservative community? What the hell is that? I don't want to be called the conservative community.

[Grampa Dave]

This German controlled company has had anti hunting ads for their Jeeps until we blasted them

In spite of making SUVs/pickups, they have smug/wisea$$ ads making fun of SUVs while promoting their minivans.

Last but not least they sell Mercedes, the official car of Saddam the Insane. He bought 5,000 of them last year for his top mass murderers.

[Romulus]

I am very impressed with the way they are handling it."

Sounds like DaimlerChrysler enclosed a little something to cover Ridenour's postage and handling expenses.

[cherry]

Plymouth voyager....3 transmissions, one new engine and many other wonderful repairs, and when we finally sold that #1%#@^*** thing, it broke down and needed a 4th transmission about one week later....

never again....

[Gracey]

Let's put the heat on him. After all, it's the conservatives, capitalists, with the money, who buy their cars.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

"My choice of words was unfortunate, but there was no intention to negatively characterize conservatives. Any such characterization was unfair and unintended," Fountain wrote.

It was good to see him apologize, anyway. Although a negative characterization is exactly what he intended while he was sucking up to Jesse Jackson.

[cherry]

"The conservative community? What the hell is that? I don't want to be called the conservative community."

I know, I know.....lol

the word "community" has taken on dubious meaning....

like the conservative "community" is on the same level as the "homosexual" community, or the dreaded "gay, lesbian, and bisexual" community....

I think when they name us they should just stick to the "vast right-wing"......lol

[Reactionary]

Does this moron believe that liberals are buying Mercedes automobiles and Dodge SUVs?

You know, I was thinking of trading in my German car for a Dodge SUV, but since this idiot's opened his pie hole I'm going to do something else entirely.

I'm sick of these people.

[Cicero5]

Is this for real? Since when does anyone give a $hi+ about criticizing conservatives? I smell a rat...

[YoungKentuckyConservative]

I already sent Chrysler my notice that I would never buy one of their automobiles. Anyone that gives money to Je$$e Jack$on doesn't deserve my dollars.

[sinclair]

Plymouth voyager... 9-1/2 years 213,000 miles $1,200.00 regularly scheduled maintenance. $0.00 in mechanical repair. Sold for $1,400.00. Worked for me.

[swheats]

You said it.

A few more months looking at their bottomline will help him understand how much his words costs.

This has nothing to do with anything, but I saw Pensacola:Wings of Gold this morning and was wondering how things are going with James Brolin and Barbara Streisand. She has been very outspoken concerning the Bush administration.

Her husband's show is very heavily military oriented and gives acknowledgement and thanks to the Defense community. Barb has to be another one in dire straights right now.