Maybe I'm just a little bit picky here, but why does Tony Pedregon have to have a Mexican (I believe) flag on the top escape door of his funny car?

I am assumimg he is a US citizen and if he is, DOUBLE shame on him! ESPECIALLY during this time of Mid-East crisis. Just what I would want to see on a fellow Americans car, making his living in this country, if I was a US soldier.

Maybe I should put the German and Dutch flags on my two T-tops as that is my ancestrial background! NO! I am an AMERICAN and darned proud to be. I'm not one of the new dual Americans like African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American, European-American. I'm just one, AMERICAN!

Tony DOES however have the right, as an American, to put whatever flag he wants on his car. I however, also have the right to protest it!

If you were born here in the US, you are a US citizen! If you have applied for US Citizenship and recieved it, you are a US Citizen.
Why can't we all be referred to as Americans and put SOME of the heratage crap to rest? I for one am a little tired of it! I'm AMERICAN or I'M NOTHING!

May GOD continue to Bless this Country!

 

I'm pretty sure that Tony is a US Citizen. I think it is great that he displays his heritage proudly. I agree with you in that we are Americans, not english-americans. irish-americans, italian- americans, mexican-americans, russian-americans, white- americans, black-americans, red-americans, catholic-americans, protestant-americans, male-americans, female-americans, child-americans...

See my point? Also, our country is the United States and it is part of America, just as Mixico and Canada are part of America. Technically it is North America, but I think what Mr. Pedregon does is fine.

 

You should bring this up at next years St Patrics parade.
I thinks its okay for him to have the Mexican flag on his car even though he's a US citizen. You shouldn't forget where you come from.

I'm a US citizen and damn proud of it. I was born here but my father is Kenyan so I grew up and went to school over there. But before you start hating me I have the US flag on the back window of both my cars

 

I see no problem with acknowledging your heritage.Especially when you are winning.

That is why this is America.

I only have one question.

If Tony drove a Cheverolet would a big deal be made about this? Just wondering, not trying to start a flame war.

 

No problems here!

 

First of all, I don't hate anyone, it's more a matter of respect for the country that feeds you cloths you and you generally make your living in. Chevrolet/Ford their all the same, I drive a Pontiac!!

I agree it's his RIGHT to do it as well as it is my right NOT to have to like it. Why can't we keep the heritage thing out of drag racing? OR... why don't we ALL run the flag of the country our ancestors came from? OR... Why don't we all who race/live in this great land, run the flag of this country to show our love and respect for it? Is he more proud to be Mexican then American?

We have a lot of races here in Michigan where our Canadian friends are invited. Would I be upset if a Canadian ran their flag on their car? NO... They are Canadian and proud of it! And... they don't seem to mind me running the US flag on my car! I am an AMERICAN!

Same for me... I currently have 3 American flag's positioned on my car, WHY? Not because I'm proud to be a white guy with German-English-Dutch ancestory. BECAUSE I'm proud to have been lucky enough to have my soul, placed by GOD, in this body and in this country!

This heritage junk is getting old... it's something from the PAST...
EVERYONE came here to start a new future, NOW they want to show where they came from. I don't get it! You come from the United States now. Not Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Austrailia, Europe,
etc...!

My suggestion is Tony take his car and run the MHRA Bodies down south where they would be damned proud of him being loyal to THEIR country! I am NOT proud of him being LOYAL to my country!

IF Tony is not a US citizen then all my apologies go to him! He should be proud to bring his Mexican nationality up here and race. It's your current NATIONALITY you put on your vehicle if you are proud of your current NATIONALITY, or put nothing at all.

Once again, may GOD continue to bless this country as he has done none other on Earth now! Thank you God for making me a US citizen!

 

Was this post made after Tony outrun the Pontiac in the finals last weekend?

I still don't see the big problem. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 

All i can say is you have just as much of a right to hate as he does to love it. If we take away a mans pride and heritage why not just take every thing?

Later

 

I'm on your side, Hink! I didn't notice the flag thing the other day. I was only watching the race on and off while I was fixing dinner and talking to my wife.

Tony, along with the rest of his siblings, were born and raised in California. Their father was a drag racer most of his life on the west coast, which is how the 3 brothers got involved. I've heard them talk about it many times. All 3 are natural born US citizens. So, in my opinion, their (the 3 brothers) specific family lineage started in this country. Again IMO, displaying the Mexican flag as it was is out of line UNLESS Team Force has Mexican sponsorship, which is unlikely.

Something that I did see and hear, which REALLY bothered me, is when Tony won a round (can't remember if it was the final or not) and while talking to the camera said something in Spanish The primary language in this country is English, not Spanish. And I'm DAMN sick of the Hispanic people trying to make our primary language something they choose instead of what it's been since the beginning of this country!!!

And BTW, this has nothing to do with what kind of body is on Tony's car. It's no more a Ford than my car is. I was a big Tony Pendregon fan and have been since he started with Force.

I believe it's time to send 'ol Johnny a letter and remind him who's paying Tony's salary and that at least some fans don't agree with the display on Tony's car (which is owned by John).

 

Oneflyin'... If you take the time to read up a few post, you would see that I posted "I HATE NO-ONE" So your post about me hating him is totally IGNORANT.

Thanks Raptor1 for some support. I just think it funny one man needs to distinguish himself by flying a flag he never even lived under!

IF he has an Americam flag elsewhere, lower on his car, he is also breaking a federal law that specify's that 'no flag shall fly higher then than the US flag in this country!

By the way and for the record... I LOVE TO SEE THE FORCE BOYS BEATEN EVERY TIME!! Just like I love to see the Yankee's or any other HIGH DOLLAR outfit, beatin by smaller ones.

HInk

 

Well the Force Boys hardly ever lose. Force has been having a rough start. I think he is more worried about his team mates running good them him.

Also I liked seeing that Nitro Fish Ford put out Warren Johnson in Pro-Stock.

That was the first time a Ford has been to a final round since 1990.

As far as Tony speaking Spanish. I do not know. I do know that parts of California are heavily influenced and inhabited by mexican people.

 

Yeah, I think John is going to do his best to let Tony take the championship this year. John is admittedly superstitious and if he takes it again this year it will be unlucky #13

That was pretty cool. Scott got him on a hole shot though. WJ has always been a tad slow on the lights. The LED's have actually helped him I like both WJ and Scott. I think Mopar made a big mistake letting Scott go several years ago. He's a great driver, great sportsman and always has a smile for the fans. But you have to admit, both Johnson's ran 205+. That was impressive!

Yup, don't know why no one wants to run Fords in a class that's so competitive j/k

If I hadn't heard him say it myself I would have found it hard to believe. I don't know what he said because I don't speak Spanish. But sure enough, right before he walked away from the camera he said something in Spanish - and it was a lot more than just "thank you" in Spanish.

California? HA! Look what's happening to OUR state too!

 

Heck... ain't they even making you southern boyz take down any State flag with the stars and bars on it? That isn't a form of heritage? A nasty/vicious/ racial side of heritage, to be sure. But heritage non the less.

I also heard the spanish from him in the interview. I think he was telling his wife he wanted taco's when he got home, but... it's been a long time since I took Spanish!

It is nice to see Ford and Dodge competing in Prostock again. I am too brand loyal to want to see them take out a GM product, though!

Peace Y'all

HInk

 

Re-READ what "I" wrote I did not say you hate him. I said Hate in the meaning of what he believes in.

Second I would like to point out that maybe you should visit the west coast and notice how Mexican Americans out number every Minority group around as a matter of fact as of the last censous they ARE the largest "Minority" in America out numbering even African decent Americans.

Like I said it is heritage. Like some are from Germany France China Japan..heck you name it. YOU as Well as every other US Citizen has the RIGHT to be proud of and believe in there personal Heritage.

I gave 14 years of MY life so it could be that way and though I do not always agree I am DAMN proud it IS that way

Heck people in your State STILL fly confederate flags!

You have the RIGHT to dis-like ,Hate or dispize this action just as Much as anyone else has the RIGHT to do it

 

First, the Confederate Flag is not the "State Flag" and never has been.

Second, it was not "taken down". It was repositioned from the top of the State House to in front of the State House, which actually turned out to be a more prominent display

Third, yes, it's a form of heritage. BUT, it's a part of American heritage, not that of another country - big difference.

Fourth, your statement concerning "racial heritage" is a typical response from those who know nothing about what the Civil War was really about. Keep reading, maybe you'll learn something about your American heritage.

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I'm not sure who your comments are directed to. You didn't quote anyone and they seem to be miss-directed based on what you've said and the context in which they were stated.(?)

Perhaps you should visit South Carolina sometime? White people are now the minorities in this state (about 47%). And if you really want a rude awakening you should visit "Little Cuba", otherwise known as Miami, Florida. Good luck finding someone who speaks English!

But Tony Pendragon is NOT from another country. He was born and raised in THIS country. Isn't that the whole point? Why was he displaying a Mexican flag when he's not even from that country? If he wants to do something for his "people", he should be encouraging them to learn how to speak English and live the American way and try and fit in, rather than many of them (Hispanics, which incidentally is not limited to just Mexicans) demanding our schools teach Spanish as the primary language.

Yeah, you and countless others including myself!

Ahh, this is the part I love! Most of the country has been brain washed by the main stream media to the point that they don't even remember what the Civil War was all about - if they even knew in the first place

It was about economics and Federal politics. It had little to do with slavery and racism. Don't believe me? Try doing some research for yourself. But I'll talk a bit about the slavery issue first seeing that's what everyone thinks that war was all about.

Contrary to popular belief, most slave trading was done through Northern ports, not Southern ports. Most slave ships were not owned and run by American interests, but rather foreign interests such as England, South America and, yes, even Africa. Ironically, the largest percentage of slaves did not come from Africa. But those who did come from Africa, many were sold to the slave traders by their own people. Why? Because they were the dregs of their society; criminals for the most part. So much for the basis for "African-American" heritage touted by those in this country.

In a nut shell the economic issue was very simple, but had far reaching effects. In the early to mid 1800's there were three states who's industries and citizens were paying 87% of all Federal taxes; the two Carolina's and Georgia! That's where the politics comes in and that's why the three states wanted to succeed from the "Union". And that's also one reason why southerners call it "The War of Northern Aggression".

Btw, most of the so-called "slaves" of the south (the North had plenty of them too, but you never hear about them) willingly fought for the Confederacy so they wouldn't loose their way of life, which, for the most part, was nowhere near as bad as many believe. Very few "defected" to the north, which is another misconception. How many fought for the South? Roughly 1,500. Those who did were immediately granted their "freedom", win or loose. But here's the kicker: How many of Hispanic decent fought for the South? Roughly 15,000. They too were "slaves" at the time!

Oh yeah, in case you're thinking I'm just some southern red neck who is still fighting the Civil War, I was born and raised in New York State. I moved here for the climate

You're absolutely right. But I didn't hate or despise what Tony did. I just think it was completely out of line for someone in his position. If he wants to wave the Mexican Flag and speak Spanish he should do it at a Mexican gathering, not at an American sporting event. JMO.