Actually, he called Randall Stross "a huge douche bag" first, then called him an idiot. Why?
Turns out Mr. Stross, a business professor at San Jose State University, wrote a column in the New York Times that was critical of the idea that Tesla should receive government loans. He likens it to a bail out for millionaire investors while taxpayers get nothing in return.
Whether you agree with him or not, it's a legitimate topic of discussion. Musk's response seems oddly harsh and a bit shortsighted. After all, he's the one taking deposits for the Model S, a car that is nothing but a concept at this point. Should its development get delayed of even canceled for lack of money, Mr. Musk is going to be the one looking like an idiot - or worse.
firstwagon says:
02:48 PM, 04/13/09
I agree with Stross. While Electric cars are important, Tesla's never ending problems make it a very high risk.
Taxpayers money should be better spent then that.
bankerdanny says:
02:49 PM, 04/13/09
I have to go with Stross on this one. I have no issue with the government funding research to make electric cars more feasible. Many modern innovations were developed with government money or to meet a government need.
But I would rather it be done through grants to research Universities that would then have to license the technology to any company for a reasonable fee than via loans to a private company that will then monopolize the tech for its own benefit.
ctpax says:
04:09 PM, 04/13/09
Um... the electrically powered car is NOT the future of the automotive industry. Unfortunately not everyone knows that. So it's Mr. Musk that appears to be a total douche bag here. He can't even put his words together in a smooth sentence. Notice how he's nervous and looking for a good answer to her questions.
On a side note, if I was interviewed by a girl with a rack like that and such a playful attitude I myself would be in trouble putting words together. I have to give Mr. Musk one credit though: he doesn't stare directly at her chest as he speaks to her like I would. =P
tryan says:
03:53 AM, 04/14/09
bankerdanny - Don't fool yourself into think Academia isn't in it for the money, either. The problem with Academia based research is they typically do not care about transitioning technology once it's mature enough. They just focus on getting patents and where the next research dollar is coming from that will give them notoriety.
There's something to be said for funding private industry that depends on this research for their LIVELIHOOD, not just to improve their reputation and application numbers.
tryan says:
03:55 AM, 04/14/09
bankerdanny - Don't fool yourself into thinking that Academia isn't in it for the money, either. The problem with Academia based research is they typically do not care about transitioning technology once it's mature enough. They just focus on getting patents and where the next research dollar is coming from that will give them notoriety.
There's something to be said for funding private industry that depends on this research for their LIVELIHOOD, not just to improve their reputation and application numbers.
I'm not saying Tesla is the correct company to fund, but regardless of where the gub'ment puts our tax dollars - whether it be Academia, private industry or other - accountability and oversight needs to be ensured.
flicmod says:
05:22 AM, 04/14/09
"Musk's response seems oddly harsh and a bit shortsighted."
Short-sighted is right. Not only his comments, but his economic philosophy too. Anyone who has studied economics knows that this type of behavior regarding government policy is absurd and misguided. Musk obviously has never had an economics course, let alone read a book on the topic. For him to resort to name calling over a subject that he apparently knows nothing about proves his pettiness.