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, Tue, 4 Sep 2001 00:54:18
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Well, this thread has gone from capitalism vs. welfare state to all kinds of interesting philosophy.....so I'm going to make a few observations, and about various posts in this thread.
1) I agree with "russdog" to the extent that I don't believe the overhead involved in the "911" call TO THE EXTENT THAT it only involves the airbag deployment signal is going to raise anyone's overhead enough to amount to anything. The common humanity and good PR (and definitely in that order) would more than outweigh any cost. The equipment's in the car, and it's always on. If the airbag deploys their computers do the readout of the GPS coordinates and automatically respond. I think "morality" is too strong a word in this case, but "good common sense" dictates that an OnStar vehicle ALWAYS transmit an emergency signal, and that that signal goes through.
2) There are some responses to the original post that are essentially complaining because something is being included as standard equipment that should be offered as an option. Think it over. Most of the features on my new (well....almost new, I haven't actually taken delivery yet, probably later this week) SAAB didn't even exist as options on my original SAAB (1996 typ 96 3-cylinder, 8-oz. can of oil to 8 gallons of gas, and putt-putt), and who draws the line where these things are to stop? No, I don't particularly need 88-way memory driver seat and windshield wipers that have 14 settings, not to mention power windows that act up, a theft control system that conks out, and power locks that likewise go south....but what's my other option? A stripped Chevy Malibu? I don't think so.
3) It is more problematic to address the issue of the AAA service (which is a very good one), which you may have and feel quite secure about, and the OnStar in the SAAB. I can only suggest that one install the AAA phone, & etc., and not use the OnStar. If one feels as if he's been robbed by GM by having to purchase OnStar (like I do with the alarm system, since we live in the country and don't really need one), then buying a vehicle that doesn't have it is pretty much your only recourse. My prediction for the fairly near future is that the "black box" that is OnStar will soon be in every new vehicle, and in addition to its advertised functions will also incorporate a means to disable the car that can be used by the authorities to stop fleeing vehicles, and also to provide something of an "accident report" a la the "black box" in airliners. So, complaining about OnStar is something like complaining about the future.....
posted by 141.142.2...
, Tue, 4 Sep 2001 20:17:32, Wed, 5 Sep 2001 00:53:04, Tue, 4 Sep 2001 20:19:14, Tue, 4 Sep 2001 00:54:18
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