AFA is claiming a victory from the boycott, though we find everything they do to be a defeat for sensible Americans everywhere. International Herald Tribune]

We've known some fine people from North Texas. We made the decision to move to Central Texas of our own volition, and we still have many fond memories of the place and often miss it. To the coastal types who think all Texans are stereotypical bigots, well, we'd like to deflate that notion right now. That said, there is a reason for that impression, and a coalition of North Texas Ford Dealers sent a letter to HQ in Dearborn presenting their objections to Ford's rejection of concessions to the American Family Association after the Gay Mafia threatened to break some kneecaps.

While the actual letter is less inflammatory than the people at Ex-Gaywatch made it out to be, there's one segment of it that really chaps our hide:

"The folks supporting this boycott are not on the fringe, they are not religious fanatics that or persons typically protest, but are average citizens concerned for the well-being of their families and about an All-American company, like Ford advocating a lifestyle that they find objectionable."

No wonder, with truck and SUV sales tanking, Ford's looking to sell off Land Rover and Jaguar — you know how those Europeans are... [Thanks to CTE for the tip.]

Texas Ford Dealers Don't Want Gay Customers [Ex-Gay Watch]

Related:
American Family Association Renews Ford Boycot Threat [Internal]

You knew this was coming. We may be city slickers from way back, but we know one thing about good 'ol boys: You cross one over, y'all better prepare for a goddamn ba-rawl. Ford may soon learn that lesson in spectacular (or at least really, really annoying) fashion. The company had averted a boycott with the Reverend Donald Wildmon's Tupelo honeys at the American Family Association, which had been planning a widespread protest over Ford's "pro-gay" support, by cutting back advertising in gay media. Then, Ford quelled outrage from the gay community by effectively reversing its decision, which has now led the AFA to consider renewing its boycott threat. Yep, someone's definitely gonna lose an eye in this here barroom, I'll tell you what.

GM gets earlier start on '07 SUVs [The Detroit News]

Related:
Ford Responds to Gay Community, Gay Community Applauds [internal]

While conservative car guy Mark Tapscott says essentially the same thing as Peter DeLorenzo and Robert Farago in terms of Ford's dealings with special interest groups, we have to say that we don't agree with Tapscott's assertion that that Ford "completely caved." They're doing what they should be doing, which is making amends for listening to fascist nutjobs who would love nothing more than to stamp out any trace of queerness in the culture.

While we've commented that they're making an obvious face-saving move, and the whole thing looks kind of questionable however one looks at it, we'd rather have Ford supporting gay and lesbian causes than not, because when an old-line company so prominent in the nation's history and culture takes a stand for the queer community, it's a landmark. Playing politics might not be smart business sometimes, but at that level, politics is business and business is politics. If Ford's gonna "cave" one way or another, we'd much rather have them do so in favor of the gay community.

Ford Caves, Will Advertise in Gay Publications, Risk Heterosexual, Traditional Families Boycott [Tapscott Behind the Wheel]

Related:
Ford Responds to Gay Community, Gay Community Applauds [Internal]

Ford finally did something proactive in the ongoing mess involving its capitulation to the American Family Association they sent a VP of human resources to meet with leaders in the GLBT community. And afterward, he wrote a letter, which you can read by clicking here. Then GLAAD issued a press release applauding said letter. Is the whole mess over with, just like that? Interestingly, Ford says that they'll run pan-Ford advertising in the publications that are losing Land Rover and Jaguar advertising. Interesting face-saving maneuver, guys. We'll be interested to see what the intolerant dolts over at the AFA have to say about this.

Related:
Autoextremist on Ford's Dunderheaded AFA Move [Internal]

Farago doesn't pull punches when it comes to Ford's caving to the American Family Association's demands to stop contributing to the evil institution known as homosexual love. Calling the war between the religious right and the gay community, a "Hatfield - McCoy-style conflict that [Ford] can t win, on any level, ever," he goes on to equate the AFA with terrorists. On a side note, we heard from one reader, who as a direct result of our reportage on the issue has canceled the deposit he and his partner put down on a new Land Rover. Just as the PAG was preparing to move into the black, Ford pisses off one of its core markets. Well played, Dearborn. Well played.

Ford: Out of the Frying Pan [The Truth About Cars]

Related:
Built Ford Gay: Details on Ford's Concessions to the American Family Association [Internal]

Ford Motor apparently caved to the religio-fascist thugs drunk-with-power American Family Association, which announced earlier this year it was censuring the automaker for supporting a gay and lesbian rights group. The AFA, which was set to boycott Ford starting today, called off its full-frontal attack for reasons unknown, though Wards Auto surmises Ford likely revised its policy of advertising in certain publications and supporting certain community activities. Still, Web site Gay Wheels continues to list Ford as a gay-friendly brand.

Ford Averts Potential Boycott [Ward's Auto]

Related:
Built Ford Gay: Conservative Group Boycotts the Automaker for Pro-Gay Values [internal]