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Tag: Christian Science Monitor

  • Mercedes-Benz Recall Affects 284,000 Cars

    Mercedes-Benz will recall approximately 284,000 C-class cars in the U.S. and Canada due to a problem with the rear tail lamps.

    The recall involves nearly 253,000 cars sold in the U.S., specifically the 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles that were manufactured between January 26, 2007 and July 13, 2011.

    The problem with the rear tail lamps, according to a report, is that “in the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or the failure of the tail lights.”

    The detailed description of the problem, according to a scanned email sent from Mercedes-Benz USA to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was posted as part of the overall report, states that corrosion on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps is the source of the problem.

    Consequences of the dimming or failure of the tail lights include reducing “the ability to warn other motorists of the driver’s intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.”

    So far, no accidents or injuries associated with the problem have been recorded. Mercedes will notify affected car owners and dealers will replace bulbs and any corroded connectors free of charge. Because parts are not currently available, Mercedes will send an interim notification to owners in June 2014, and when parts are available—likely in August or September 2014—a second letter will be mailed.

    According to the Christian Science Monitor, usually a recall of a quarter-million cars would be a big deal but because in 2014 in the U.S. already 13 million cars have been recalled, the Mercedes-Benz recall hardly raises an eyebrow. Total cars recalled for 2014 is on pace to break the 2004 record of 30.8 million vehicles.

    To date in 2014, General Motors has recalled about 6 million vehicles, while several other companies including Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have recalled nearly 1 million vehicles each.

    Those with questions about the Mercedes-Benz recall can call Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Brandeis University Cancels Degree For Islam Critic

    Following the furor from students and Muslim activists, Brandeis University has canceled plans to present women’s activist and Muslim critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali with an honorary degree at this May’s commencement ceremony for graduating students, a decision due to the fact that some of Ali’s past statements were inconsistent with the University’s “core values.”

    Ali, a native of Somalia and former member of Dutch parliament, called Islam a “destructive, nihilistic cult of death,” according to the Christian Science Monitor. These comments along with others created a backlash against Ali receiving an honorary degree at Brandeis University, where students even created a petition to have the University’s original plans canceled.

    The University released a statement Tuesday saying, “[Ms. Ali] is a compelling public figure and advocate for women’s rights, and we respect and appreciate her work to protect and defend the rights of women and girls throughout the world. That said, we cannot overlook certain of her past statements that are inconsistent with Brandeis University’s core values.”

    In 2007, Ali gave an interview to the London Evening Standard where she stated that “violence is inherent in Islam” and called Islam “a destructive, nihilistic cult of death” that “legitimates murder.” She also referred to Islam as “the new fascism.”

    It was these comments and others made to Reason Magazine later that same year that prompted students to organize to change the University’s decision to give her an honorary degree. The petition, started on Change.org, had reached 6,802 signatures as of this writing.

    Ali, who in 2007 founded The AHA Foundation which helps protect and defend the rights of women in the West from oppression justified by religion and culture, responded to the withdrawal by stating that Brandeis University, by reversing their decision, had transformed an accolade into a “moment of shaming,” according to The Associated Press.

    “What was initially intended as an honor has now devolved into a moment of shaming,” she said Wednesday. “Yet the slur on my reputation is not the worst aspect of this episode. More deplorable is that an institution set up on the basis of religious freedom should today so deeply betray its own founding principles. The ‘spirit of free expression’ referred to in the Brandeis statement has been stifled here, as my critics have achieved their objective of preventing me from addressing the graduating Class of 2014.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons