No More AAA: Let's See if this is Better
It was a hard thing to do, and I still feel a little weird about it, but today, I dumped the American Automobile Association.
As far back as I can remember, everyone in my family has been a member of "The Three A's" as my grandfather calls it. I think I enrolled when I graduated from college. Free maps, travelers' cheques, discounts on hotels, lock-out assistance, towing, and jumpstarts, and less clean air.
Yup, apparently, AAA lobbys. It lobbies on behalf of motorists, and I think it believes I am a member of their organization because I am a motorist, when really, all I do is drive a car sometimes, I like free maps, and I often leave my lights on.
It lobbied against the Clean Air Act in 1990. It lobbied against stronger air quality standards, vapor traps, stronger tailpipe emission standards, and airbags. If it were lobbying against gasbags, then perhaps I would understand, but lobbying against things I am for? Yeah, no thanks. I just needed a tow because I am a dumbass, I don't need less safety features. It was great to know that an organization to which I have paid over a thousand dollars over the years has used that money to work against things I am for, and for things I am against.
That does not make sense in my consumer ethic. I don't buy Burt's Bees anymore because I don't buy bleach, and Clorox owns Burt's Bees, so why would I pay lobbyists for wider roads that encourage more driving, when I actually favor less?
No more.
I enrolled in the Better World Auto Club. It cost a few dollars less than AAA, and we'll see how it goes. It feels strange, like I am betraying an old friend, and I admit to being skeptical. Old habits die hard. But I don't think the Three A's will miss me much.
Comments
I work for AAA and would like to clear the air about some things in your post regarding AAA's advocacy and environmental record. First, to get the truth and up-to-date information, go to http://tinyurl.com/c39jvw.
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OK, this is the 4th try to get this entire response posted. Hopefully, it will make it this time! In addition to the info above, the idea that AAA lobbied against the Clean Air Act is not accurate. AAA did not oppose the overall goal of the legislation, but did have issues with several specific provisions in the Act. AAA asked for clarification of the proposed state inspection and maintenance program provision and asked that the implementation guidelines be fully evaluated prior to enactment. That is a far cry from “lobbying against” the Act. AAA has supported mass transit/public transportation, clean air and recycling programs for years. AAA also promotes eco-tourism and the reduction of auto emissions. I know there is one motor club that uses environmental issues as a marketing ploy to get people to join, but AAA stands on its record of supporting safety issues for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. AAA is quite proud of the lives saved by its safety advocacy. AAA is also sensitive to the fact that some members may not agree with all of its public positions on behalf of motorists. But to suggest that AAA is pursuing an anti-environmental lobbying agenda is quite simply false, and unsupported by the facts. For more info on AAA’s safety advocacy and environmental stances please visit www.AAA.com/publicaffairs.