
In defense of Tesla owners, by someone who would never own one | Opinion
- by Sun Sentinel
- Jun 16, 2025
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June 16, 2025 at 6:25 AM EDT
At a recent protest rally, across the street from where we demonstrators were gathered, many in the crowd started booing as a Tesla Cybertruck was driving past.
The young man driving the Cybertruck slammed on his brakes, jumped out, and as he was crossing the median strip, he yelled, “You don’t know anything about me! You don’t know how I voted. I served my country. Stop judging me!”
Several of us started shouting, “He’s right! We don’t know him!” One brave guy threaded his way across the traffic and went over and shook his hand, a handshake that caused applause from the crowd. A moment of potential ugliness was replaced with bonhomie.
Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D., writes an advice column, “Ask Dr. Gramma Karen." (courtesy, Karen L. Rancourt)
I found this to be a relevant and powerful moment, reminding me that I was at this rally because I believed that everyone should be able to make lawful and constitutionally protected decisions without worrying about judgment, public humiliation and possible harm.
This incident with the Cybertruck got me thinking about the politics and risks of owning a Tesla these days, so I asked Tesla owners I know whether they have been hassled and what their intentions are regarding the ownership of their Tesla vehicles.
“It is hard being a Tesla owner,” said an owner from California, “especially a Cybertruck owner, as am I — as even in very ‘blue’ Northern California, I have seen many middle fingers. I am so sad that Elon Musk, the driving force behind Tesla, has done so much damage when he initially, through Tesla, was doing so much good. Any amount of anger directed at Musk seems justified, but to channel that anger against Tesla, and especially Tesla owners, does not seem justified. Many, if not most Tesla owners, bought their cars in large part because they believed in the climate crisis.”
A New Jersey Tesla owner weighed in: “I have not been treated badly for owning a Tesla around here. I am extremely disappointed with those persons who destroy or damage Teslas, and I hope they are held accountable.
“Since I purchased it, it would be hard to make a change given the drop in the car’s value, so I am likely going to hold on to my Tesla longer than I otherwise would. I do like the car, but if I were to purchase an electric vehicle now, I would pause and consider buying some other EV in lieu of supporting Elon Musk’s wealth and vision of the future.”
And finally, this from a Tesla owner in New York: “Our motivation for getting a Tesla was driven (no pun intended) by our desire to be environmentally conscious. This desire still holds true today. Neither my wife nor I have been treated badly, but it is notable that our local community is full of Tesla owners.
“My wife and I are both in agreement that … it is unlikely that we would choose a Tesla in the current political climate. My wife has contemplated covering the Tesla logo, but I do not share her feelings. To my mind, this action would constitute a political statement which could attract unwanted attention.
“Here is the stress for us: We both absolutely love our Tesla, as it’s quite easily the best and most fun car that either of us have ever owned. We are one year into our three-year lease and therein lies our conflict for two remaining years on our lease.”
As evidenced by their comments, all four of these Tesla owners are pleased with the product but are affected by the politics and emotions now associated with the brand.
I must emphasize that it is acceptable and legal to speak out against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and to peacefully demonstrate against him and his company. It is not OK to break the law and cause damage to Tesla products or to threaten Tesla owners in any way.
One cannot claim to be for the rule of law and then ignore those laws at will. Tesla owners and their vehicles must be protected from harassment and harm, despite all the negativity currently associated with Elon Musk.
Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D., writes an advice column, “Ask Dr. Gramma Karen,” hosted by Grand Magazine. Her latest book is “It’s All About Relationships: New Ways to Make Them Healthy and Fulfilling, at Home and at Work.” She resides in Fort Lauderdale and owns an electric vehicle. It is not a Tesla.
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