Good counsel advises me not to argue with a vastly experienced but occasionally distempered moderator/negotiator with a trigger-finger on the entry switch to this forum. Considering that sage admonition, i have frequently found the "playbook" of common sense worth consulting from time to time during more idle moments in the middle of the night.
Even occasionally, i perform better when i am closely watched.
A negotiator that would approve an out of place, somewhat obtuse but clear and scandalous reference to the "evil" of his antagonist in a public press release would rarely be considered judicious. Gratuitous insults are rarely signs of shrewedness and business acumen, but rather the product of impatience, lack of business judgement and temperamental incompetence. Like swearwords, insults are frequently documentation of fear, a loose-cannon attitude regarding public restraint and a cavalier disregard for a winning strategy.
i have previously commented on the considerable service to Shel's public image and that of his wonderful cars, caused though the good efforts of SAAC, that need not be repeated. It is worth repeating here, however, that he has graced their events in their favor as a highlight many many times for years. They have earned considerable part-fortunes on their automotive business dealings thereby, some more than others.
The parties have argued previously. At length. They have made-up when Shel' has calmed down and they have climbed down at least in part. They will argue again. i think it is one of Shel's hobbies.
But, this time is very different. FORD's many billions of "Mustang" sales weigh somewhat in the balance. Right or wrong, FORD will be right, just like in 1964, 1966, 1967 etc.
While Shel' and FORD have picked fights in the past that were Quixotian in their famously vainglorious posturing (such as the Angliss/FORD/Shelby affair of the "lost 427 chassis from AC"), this contest just doesn't strike me as one of them. Just my opinion, though.
There are far more than a hundred thousand new under-30 Mustang buyers out there that will prove FORD right. Shel' will help them achieve those goals.
Remember to whom FORD brought the newly completed FORD GT for his imprimatur. Remember whose jillions of photographs were published world-wide leaning on the car. How many SAAC members, investors, directors or owners can command 250 USD for his signature on a glove-box lid?
Which way do you think the media will fall on this issue? Do they wish to risk Shel's or FORD's approbation? Who has the clout and why?
Many (me) might think such a public insult was unfair to the old man, however a public figure and deeply argumentative Shel' might be on these and other issues. While Dame Fortune has not always showered her blessings on the man, she certainly does at the moment and he has rarely lacked Fame's heady kiss.
Will the other driver in this audience that has a similar winning record please step forward? Will the other businessman that produces inked copy to the multitudes measured in millions of square feet please weigh in? Will the other spokesman for the sale of perhaps several billions USD of performance automobiles (and perhaps several + more billions USD in the future) please speak up?
Implying Shelby's business affairs are "evil" lessens the SAAC from their "little guy against the billions" position and elevates them to the "little stinkers" level, for no risible benefit. The comment is gratuitous, ineffective, foolish, knavish and potentially costly. Remove it from the public press release and the tone of the release becomes far more a balanced and matter-of-fact presentation of their otherwise at least reasonably debatable position.
SAAC need not similarly play the Quixotian game-card. Do not expect too many owners to take a public distancing from the Shelby who "made" their cars. Us vs Them only works if SAAC have pristine-clean skirts.
The FORD
PR and legal machine has only just barely begun.
But, against 30 years of experience, what does a young guy like me know?
Just my opinion.
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i worked and played for many years in offices on Rittenhouse Square in PHL, so i retain a warm spot for both the city and most of its citizens. (Eddie G. Rendell isn't one of them, though.) But, i like PHL mostly for its restaurants opened since the 1976 Bi-Centennial, when i lived on Locust Street, downtown.
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No electrons were harmed or even wasted during this brief presentation. They all remain happily spinning in their newly self-chosen Ort clouds.
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