Published

3 years ago

November 18, 2023

Alice Rush

Here’s a conversation with some readers:

Reader A: Musk’s behavior and comments are among the reasons I will not ever buy a Tesla.

Reader B: I have heard a lot of people say this, and I know people who canceled orders as a result of Musk’s behavior. But some who commented on the original article declared these mere anecdotes. My point was, he is impacting the company. They prefer to believe he isn’t, but that’s living in a fantasy world where every Musk decision is really a sort of genius we just can’t understand.

Reader C: The day he said “I forgot you’re still alive” to Bernie Sanders I knew I would never give him a cent.

Me: First, let’s look at the headline, and try to understand what it means about Tesla’s financial viability. Their market cap isn’t plunging; their market share is, which may be expected as the entire host of traditional auto OEMs convert their fleets to electric.

To the point you folks are making, there are many people who simply won’t support such a hateful person, and I’m one of them. It would not surprise me to watch “X,” Tesla, etc. take huge hits over the coming years.

Tesla’s Market Share Plunges

Renewable Energy

Money and its Effect on the Human Personality

Published

12 hours ago

August 23, 2026

Alice Rush

Today, I met a professional driver for the film-making industry whose principal focus is stunt-work.

Somehow, we got to talking about the many movie stars for whom he’s worked over the years, and how pleasant most of them are to be around.

He started by mentioning Kevin Costner.

“I really like him,” I said. Please tell me he’s not an asshole.”

“Oh no; he’s a prince,” my new friend replied. “I also do the driving for Jay Leno’s show about his massive garage full of vintage cars. He’s even kinder. When we’re having lunch between shootings, he’ll often come up our table and ask if we need another Coke or two. Maybe desserts?”

We eventually got around to the stars who are, in fact, assholes.

“I drive in Lethal Weapon 4,” he began.

“Let me make a stab. Mel Gibson?”

Yes. One of the most hateful, most miserable people you could meet in 100 lifetimes.”

“That’s the rumor everyone’s heard,” I responded. “It’s weird how people who have more money that God feel the need to be such terrible people.”

“Well, my theory is that money doesn’t change people; it only amplifies them.”

I remind him of Henry Ford’s observation above.

Great conversation.