My husband, our two elementary school-age children were out for a test drive with a salesman. We were having a cordial conversation with the salesperson when the topic of the long holiday weekend came up. It just so happened to be Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend. Out of the blue sitting next to our children the salesperson said, "Oh yeah James Earl Ray Day." Imagine my horror! Luckily my children had been taught the importance of MLK Jr. But not his assassin and the dirtbag's words went over their heads as they were engrossed in their toys. I had no intention of giving a commision to a racist or to a dealership which obviously condoned such behavior. If the salesperson was so cavalier in saying this to a prospective customer what was being said behind closed doors? I called several other of the Stevenson Automotive Groups since they are all owned by the same company to get the number of the central company hub and not one would give me the number. They all insisted I call the offending dealership even after I explained the reasoning behind my refusal to deal with such racists. If they are that blantantly racist in front of customers it will not be handled appropriately. Even if the offending employee is fired it doesn't get to the root of the sickness at that particular dealership. A couple of the people I spoke at the other dealerships in town even laughed when I told them what the salesperson said. I have emailed several of the dealerships and have yet to receive a response. This all transpired almost two weeks ago. I am shocked and appalled that a business that depends on such a diverse community can be allowed to continue to express such racist views.
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