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Eco-Vandals Trash Hummer

Attack on $38K gas-guzzler called a 'hate crime'

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Jul 18, 2007 2:46 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A 32-year-old man in Northwest DC woke to find his dream car—a $38,000 Hummer—with slashed tires, smashed windows, and a message carved into its body: "FOR THE ENVIRON." In a green-friendly neighborhood dominated by hybrids, two masked eco-extremists decided to punish Gareth Groves by mutilating his favorite possession.

After the incident, says a friend, "one in five people who come by have that 'you-got-what-you-deserve' look." But some opposed to the gas guzzler sympathized with its owner. The vandals should have expressed their politics "in a legal way," said a neighbor who drives a Prius—which gets 48mpg to a Hummer's 15mpg. "I consider this a hate crime."

This undated photo provided by Hummer shows the 2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha. (AP Photo/Hummer, GM/Wieck)
This undated photo provided by Hummer shows the 2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha. (AP Photo/Hummer, GM/Wieck)   (Associated Press)
A long row of 2007 H3s sit outside a Hummer dealership. The massive vehicles remain a popular choice despite environmentally conscious detractors (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
A long row of 2007 H3s sit outside a Hummer dealership. The massive vehicles remain a popular choice despite environmentally conscious detractors (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)   (Associated Press)
Hummer in the wild. Critics argue that the Hummer, conceived for military and industrial usage, is a wasteful nuisance in cities.
Hummer in the wild. Critics argue that the Hummer, conceived for military and industrial usage, is a wasteful nuisance in cities.   ((c) TravOC)
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Corporate promotional video for the Hummer bills it as "a wolf among sheep". In recent years the Hummer has become a symbol for the conflict between environmentalism and consumerism.   (jc9991 (YouTube))

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environment • environmentalism • gas • Washington DC • prius • extremists • vandalism • hummer • miles per gallon • mpg • vandals • eco vandals • hybrid car • cars

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