Reader comments from www.advocate.com

In the January 31 issue, we asked:

Has Ford permanently hurt its image with LGBT consumers--despite telling the antigay AFA to take a hike?

* I think it has. Ford just seems so wimpy. The fact that the AFA threat was even responded to showed that Ford will distance itself from a loyal group of consumers at a moment's notice just to avoid the threats of a group of hate-filled Christians."

* "It was a momentary gaffe for a company that has a long, proven history of support for the LGBT community."

* "Until I know what 'force' caused the Ford execs to listen to the AFA, I remain skeptical that it will not happen again."

* "I feel it was a stronger move for them to reverse their decision and tell the AFA to sod off."

* "Maybe in the short run, but until they start building cars we want to drive, they're not going to capture our market anyway."

* "All Ford has to do is produce a glossy commercial in which two guys are shown, who might or might not be interpreted as a couple, and the national organizations and the gay media will be shouting hosannas."

yes      34%
no       56%
unsure   10%

Note: Table made from pie chart.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Liberation Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group