Hummers

As I watched an ad for the great American Hummer, I remember how it became so popular. It became the vehicle of choice for those who wanted to be able to get into the wilderness with their families in case of terrorist attacks, presuming terrorists would not follow them.

So what was a curiosity suddenly, as of 9/11, became a necessity for those who could afford them. GM went into full production of Hummers for the home market while their military supply was on its way to Iraq. After the roadside bombs began to destroy military Humvees and the soldiers in them, GM went into production of Hummer 2. They actually brought out Hummer 3 about the time Secretary Rumsfeld was made aware in a public press conference with the our troops in Iraq of "Hill Billy" armor the soldiers had rigged to give them added protection. Toe plates to protect Humvee riders from explosives coming up from beneath them were introduced in 2006. The full scale upgrade of armor finally began in late 2006.

Our kids were being put out on the roads in vehicles that had no serious armor at a time when the largest number of deaths and injuries were from roadside bombs. Meanwhile, those who could afford Hummers, had three sizes to buy at home.

I may be a little off about the specifics of Hummer production and armoring the Humvees in Iraq and for Iraq. And I can't blame the better-off for taking advantage of the premium vehicles available that would protect their families.

But somehow, when I see a Hummer, I want to vomit.