PARAMUS – There is only a small strip of grassy land between the highway and the parking lot of a Tesla dealer on Route 17.
It’s a pretty dangerous place to stand. But not to Pamela Hudson.
“We don’t care about that,” she said. “You know what’s dangerous? The government.”
She meant the current government of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which explained the protest Wednesday afternoon outside the dealership.
About 100 people jammed together on this tiny bit of territory waving signs, chanting and saluting drivers who beeped their horns in apparent support.
One sign featured Musk’s photo with the caption: “Not a genius. Just an unelected slob.”
Other signs proclaimed:
“Free Speech, Use it”
“Boycott Tesla”
“This Immigrant Took Your Job.” Musk’s photo was on that one too.
One woman was a bit creative. She held a sign to motorists that read:
“Flip me off if you’re a fascist.”
Some protesters said they felt they had to do “something” to protest the Trump Administration.
Democrats have been criticized in some quarters for not doing enough to combat Musk. But, in truth, there is so much for Dems to protest, focusing on one thing isn’t easy.
Chris McGowan tried.
“A lot of people voted for Trump because they thought he was going to do something for working people,” said McGowan, who journeyed south from New York state for the demonstration.
But now, the stock market has dipped and all consumers face the prospect of tariff-driven higher prices.
Back up the line, Hudson said she has worked in western Kenya on such humanitarian efforts as a medical clinic and a home for orphans. She says federal cuts have ended funding for vaccines for tuberculosis and other diseases, literally putting lives in that country at risk.
“This is personal for me,” she said.
The demonstration, which ensued during rush hour, made traffic slower than usual. Nonetheless, there was considerable support for the anti-Musk demonstrators.
But, naturally, it was not unanimous.
One heard dialogue common among political adversaries these days.
“F… You,” one woman yelled as she drove by the group of protesters.
“Stupid bitch,” someone yelled back.
Political debate these days ain’t Lincoln-Douglas.
In recent weeks, protesters in New Jersey have been advocating for a consumer boycott of Tesla, the electric car manufacturer. The protesters claim that Tesla’s business practices are harmful to consumers and the environment, and they are calling on people to stop buying Tesla vehicles in order to send a message to the company.
One of the main issues that protesters have with Tesla is the company’s direct sales model. Unlike traditional car manufacturers, Tesla sells its vehicles directly to consumers through its own stores and website, bypassing the traditional dealership model. This has led to conflicts with auto dealerships in several states, including New Jersey, where laws prohibit manufacturers from selling vehicles directly to consumers.
Protesters argue that Tesla’s direct sales model limits consumer choice and competition in the marketplace. They claim that by cutting out dealerships, Tesla is able to control pricing and distribution, which could lead to higher prices for consumers. Additionally, they argue that traditional dealerships provide important services such as maintenance and repairs, which could be lost if Tesla’s model becomes more widespread.
In addition to concerns about the direct sales model, protesters are also critical of Tesla’s environmental impact. While electric vehicles are generally seen as more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered cars, some activists argue that Tesla’s manufacturing processes and supply chain still have a significant carbon footprint. They also point to concerns about the disposal of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, which can be toxic to the environment if not properly handled.
Despite these criticisms, Tesla remains a popular choice for many consumers who are looking for environmentally friendly transportation options. The company’s electric vehicles are known for their performance, range, and cutting-edge technology, which has helped to make them a status symbol for many buyers.
It remains to be seen whether the consumer boycott advocated by protesters will have a significant impact on Tesla’s sales. However, the protest highlights the ongoing debate about the future of transportation and the role that companies like Tesla will play in shaping it. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions, they may increasingly demand transparency and accountability from companies like Tesla in order to ensure that their products are truly sustainable and ethical.
