Author: Gail Alfar

Gail has a bachelor of art in film/radio/tv and a bachelor of science in nursing She has worked for years caring for all ages of people with many diagnoses in over 5 hospitals and schools around the texas hill country Originally from north dakota, she is now based in austin and writes about sustainable energy for the website she created ‘What’s up Tesla’ and 'What's up Twitter' and maintains her nursing practice
Elon says, “Communications is essential, it is actually very important to have space-based communications that are or that cannot be intercepted, which is Starlink. It is what Starlink offers"

Elon Musk’s 2024 West Point Talk Part 2: Drones, AI, and the Future

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This is the second part of my series on Elon Musk’s August 16, 2024, West Point talk, released February 6, 2025.

Geared towards students, the discussion with Brigadier General Shane Reeves explored national defense and technology.

In Part 1, Elon emphasized drone warfare, noting U.S. technological strength but low production rates, stating,

“Well I think we probably need to invest in drones, the United States is strong in terms of technology of the items, but, the production rate is low, so, it is a small number of units, relatively speaking, but I think that basically there is a production rate issue with the rate, like if you say how fast can you make drones, imagine there is a Drone conflict. The outcome of that Drone conflict will be based on: How many drones does each side have in that particular skirmish times the kill ratio… so let’s say that the United States would have a set of drones that have a high kill ratio, but then, the other side has far more drones. If you have got a 2 to 1 kill ratio, and the other side has four times as many drones, you are still going to lose.”

Ukrainian Drone Production and Aging

Reeves explained that a recent report quoted Zelensky saying Ukraine will produce 1 million drones by 2025. He then pivoted to ask Elon if he had solved aging.

Elon stated that he had not solved aging, and then added, “I wonder if we should solve aging?” He added, “How long do you want Putin and Kim Jong-un to live?”

Starlink’s Role in Warfare

Reeves shifted to the importance of communications in warfare, prompting Elon to discuss Starlink: “Communications is essential, it is actually very important to have space-based communications that are or that cannot be intercepted, which is Starlink. It is what Starlink offers. Starlink is the backbone of the Ukrainian military communication system because it can’t be blocked by the Russians. It is the only thing that cannot be blocked. So, on the front lines, all of the fiber connections are cut, all the cell towers are blown up, all of the geostationary satellite links are jammed. The only thing that isn’t jammed is Starlink, so it is the only thing. And then, GPS is also jammed. GPS signal is very faint and Starlink can offer location capability as well so it is a strategic advantage that is very significant. And, when you try to communicate with drones, the drones need to like basically, they need to know where they are, and they need to receive instructions. So if you don’t have communications and positioning, then the drones don’t work. So that’s quite important. That is essential.”

Future of AI and Drones

Reeves asked if there will still need to be communication between people and drones. Elon said, “There’s a difference between right now, versus where things will be in 10 years.” Sighing, Elon says he’s looking at the future with some trepidation. He says he has to have some deliberate suspension of disbelief to sleep sometimes. He thinks we’re headed into a pretty wild future. Elon is a naturally optimistic person, but “AI is going to be so good, including localized AI, but at the current rates, you’ll have something that is sort of Grok-level AI and it can probably be run on a drone and so, you could literally say, this is the equipment that the drone needs to destroy, and then it will go into that thing, and it will recognize what equipment needs to be destroyed, and will take it out.”

Elon says, “Communications is essential, it is actually very important to have space-based communications that are or that cannot be intercepted, which is Starlink. It is what Starlink offers"
Elon says, “Communications is essential, it is actually very important to have space-based communications that are or that cannot be intercepted, which is Starlink. It is what Starlink offers”

AI Surpassing Human Control

Reeves asks Elon if he thinks that AI will quickly surpass the human’s ability to control. Elon answers,

“Yes, I mean, <very long pause> I’d like to say no, but the answer is yes.”

Reeves asks how long before the AI surpasses the ability for the human to influence how it’s working?

Elon explained that he does think humans will be able to influence how it’s working for a long time, “This is an esoteric subject, that really goes into pretty wild speculation, to some degree. I think that the AI will want humans as a source of Will. So, if you think of how the human mind works, there is the limbic system, and the cortex, you have sort of the base instincts, and sort of the thinking, and the planning part of your brain, but you also have a tertiary layer, which is all of the electronics that you use, your phones, your computers, applications, so you already have three layers of intelligence, but all of those, including the cortex and the machine intelligence, which is your sort of cybernetic third layer, is working to try to make the limbic system happy. Because the limbic system is a source of Will so, it might be that the AI just wants to make the humans happy.”

Elon explains, "AI may view humans as a source of will, like the limbic system driving instincts. With the cortex and electronics as intelligence layers, AI might aim to make humans happy."

Neuralink and AI Mitigation

Continuing on AI, Elon introduced Neuralink: “And part of what Neuralink is trying to do, is to improve the communication bandwidth between the cortex and the digital tertiary layer because the output bandwidth of a human is less than one bit per second per day and there are 86,400 seconds in one day and you don’t output 86,400 tokens you know it’s like, the number of words that I can say in those forums, if you’re just looking at it from an information theory standpoint, how much information am I able to convey? Not that much. Because I can only say a few number of words, and in order to convey an idea, I have to take a concept in my head, and then I have to compress it down, into a small number of words, try to aspirational model, how you would decompress those words into concepts that are in your own mind, that’s communication. So your brain is doing a lot of compression and decompression, and then has a very small output bandwidth. Neuralink can increase that bandwidth by several orders of magnitude, and also, you don’t have to spend as much time compressing thoughts into a small number of words, you can do conceptual telepathy. That is the idea behind Neuralink. It is intended to be a mitigation against AI existential risk.”

AI Alignment and Humanity

Reeves asked about the concept of AI alignment, prompting Elon to explain: “It’s asking the question, is the AI going to do things that make civilization better? Make people happy? Or will it be contrary to humanity? Will it foster humanity? Or not? Will it be against humanity? So obviously, we want an AI that will foster humanity and I think in developing an AI to foster humanity—because I’ve thought about AI safety for a long time—I think I’ve had probably about 1000 hours of discussion about this and my ultimate conclusion is that the best course for AI safety is to have an AI that is maximally truth-seeking and also curious. And if you have both of those things, I think it will naturally foster humanity because it will want to see how humanity develops. Want to see it because humanity is more interesting than not humanity. You know, I like Mars. I’m a big fan of Mars. And I think we should become a multi-planetary civilization. That’s very important. The purpose of SpaceX is to make life multi-planetary. That’s the reason I created the company, and that’s the reason we have the Starship development in South Texas. The rocket is far too big for just satellites. It’s intended to establish life on Mars not just to send astronauts there briefly, but to build a city on Mars. A city that is ultimately self-sustaining so, but getting back to AI, if you have a truth-seeking AI, that is maximally curious, my neural net, my biological neural net says that that is going to be the safest outcome. People say, why do you like Mars, Mars is not as interesting as Earth, because there’s no human civilization there. Or, thought of another way, if you want to render Mars, rendering Mars is pretty easy as it’s basically red rocks, kind of like some parts of Arizona you know there’s not a lot of people. It’s just very easy to render. But, rendering human civilization is much harder, much more complex, much more interesting so I think a curious and truth-seeking AI would want to foster humanity and want to see where it goes.”

Trusting AI and the End of Fighter Pilots

Reeves asked an interesting question, drawing on a comparison to a movie that he and Elon were both familiar with, Top Gun with Tom Cruise. His question to Elon was, “How do we build trust between the human and the machine, as there are many humans who don’t want to use the technology because they don’t trust it?”

Elon: “Well, I think we shouldn’t just automatically trust these things. I think you want to test it out, and do a lot of testing and see how it actually works and a conflict at a small scale, and then scale it up if it’s effective, but, I have to say, like I’m not sure for example, like I have to say,… Well, fortunately, this is not an Air Force gathering, but I’m not sure there’s a lot of room and opportunity for fighter pilots because I think if you’ve got a drone swarm coming at you, then the pilot is a liability in the fighter plane, to be honest. If you compare a drone versus a fighter plane, how easy is it to make a drone? It’s at least 10, maybe 100 times easier to make the drone, and you can afford to sacrifice the drones whereas, with the pilots, you don’t want to sacrifice the pilots, so my guess is actually that the age of human-piloted fighter aircraft is coming to an end.”

A primarily young audience of students gather to intently listen to Elon Musk at West Point. Elon spoke at on August 16, 2024, during a fireside chat with Brigadier General Shane Reeves, as part of the U.S. Military Academy’s convocation.
A primarily young audience of students gather to intently listen to Elon Musk at West Point. Elon spoke at on August 16, 2024, during a fireside chat with Brigadier General Shane Reeves, as part of the U.S. Military Academy’s convocation.

I am excited to share Part 3 of this talk with you soon!

My thoughts

Elon does not get credit for how much help he’s giving Ukraine. Without Starlink, Ukraine would have no communications for defense. Sadly, we’ve not heard Zelensky thank him for this in the last few years. Instead, Elon is villainized constantly.

Speaking to the young and excited audience at West Point, Elon showed his deep love for humanity when he urged caution: don’t blindly trust AI, test it carefully first. Drones, far easier to build than fighter planes, can be sacrificed—unlike precious pilots. He believes human-piloted fighters are fading, to protect lives.

Interested in other talks by Elon? I publish many of them.

Elon Musk’s 2024 West Point Talk Part 1`

Elon Musk Talk Part 1 at Lancaster Town Hall

Elon Musk Part 2 at Lancaster Town Hall

Highlights from Elon Musk’s Telephone Town Hall

Gail Alfar, Image Credit Apple Lamps on X
Gail Alfar, dedicated Tesla advocate and writer since 2020, continues to champion the resilience and innovation of Tesla owners.
Recently, a mysterious study from Guardian Service Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, claimed to uncover shocking truths about Tesla ownership—including an outrageous claim of a 44% vandalism rate.

Guardian Service Study: Why This Tesla Owner Survey Is Bogus and Kelley Blue Book Should Be Ashamed

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Recently, a mysterious study from Guardian Service Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, claimed to uncover shocking truths about Tesla ownership—including an outrageous claim of a 44% vandalism rate.Guardian Service Company published a study on April 21, 2025, claiming to have asked 508 Tesla owners about vandalism, surveillance, and ownership sentiments.

44% Vandalism? Pure Fiction

The claim—that two out of five, or a full 44%, of Tesla owners have experienced intentional damage like keying or tire slashing—is outrageous. Vandalism against Teslas is real, with incidents like arson and graffiti tied to political controversies, but these are sporadic, not epidemic. A 44% rate is absurd without verified insurance data, and Guardian’s failure to share the exact question asked (was it “any damage” or “confirmed vandalism”?) makes this a manipulative scare tactic, likely to push insurance sales.

Sentry Mode

Guardian’s study claims 54% of Tesla owners “enabled video surveillance specifically due to fears of vandalism,” while 25% said no, leaving 21% unaccounted for. This is utterly ridiculous when you consider Tesla vehicles come with Sentry Mode, a built-in surveillance system that records threats automatically. Owners don’t install cameras; they toggle a pre-installed feature. Framing this as owners adding surveillance due to “vandalism anxiety” is a gross misrepresentation, exploiting Tesla’s standard technology to inflate fear. If 25% said no, were they even Tesla owners, or did Guardian botch the question? This sloppy data screams non-scientific nonsense.

Guardian’s Motive: Insurance Sales, Not Truth

Guardian Service Company isn’t a research firm—it’s an insurance agency in Raleigh, NC, where Tesla Insurance isn’t available, forcing owners to use third-party providers like them. A study hyping vandalism fears could drive customers to their auto insurance quotes, but fabricating data to scare Tesla owners is shameful. The lack of transparency—no sample details, no peer review—confirms this isn’t a valid study but a marketing stunt at best, or outright misinformation at worst.

Kelley Blue Book’s Blunder

Guardian’s most egregious claims are that 34% (one in three) Tesla owners plan to sell or trade in their vehicle within a year, one in five (19%) regret their purchase, and 30% wouldn’t choose Tesla again. They frame this as owners second-guessing their purchase, but it’s a blatant distortion. Tesla routinely asks owners about trade-ins to encourage upgrades to newer models, like the refreshed Model 3 or Cybertruck. I experienced this myself during a recent test drive, where Tesla reps asked if I’d consider trading in my car—not because I regret it, but because it’s standard practice. A 19% regret rate and 30% non-repeat purchase claim are dubious without reasons (cost? politics?) and clash with Tesla’s 97% customer satisfaction (Consumer Reports, 2023).It’s not uncommon for a company like Guardian to produce a blog post to promote their business, but the fact that Kelley Blue Book published a full article on these bogus claims is a disgrace. KBB, a once-trusted name in car pricing, should’ve sniffed out the study’s flaws—no primary source, no methodology, and claims that don’t pass the smell test. Scientific studies require random sampling and clear questions, but Guardian provides no evidence of either, rendering their claims unreliable.By amplifying this unverified nonsense, KBB risks its reputation, fueling anti-Tesla narratives at a time when vandalism stories are already exaggerated. KBB must retract this article or issue a correction to restore its credibility as a once-trusted name.

This Guardian study is a textbook case of misinformation, with outrageous claims that crumble under scrutiny. Tesla owners in Texas, where I live, can use Tesla Insurance to counter vandalism fears, but in North Carolina, where Guardian operates, owners deserve better than fearmongering. We should disregard this study and call out KBB for lending it credence.

 What will it take for trusted sources to stop amplifying fake studies and start verifying facts?

Gail Alfar, Image Credit Apple Lamps on X
Gail Alfar, dedicated Tesla advocate and writer since 2020, continues to champion the resilience and innovation of Tesla owners.

Addendum (April 28, 2025): After publishing this critique of Guardian Service Company’s mysterious study—claiming 44% of Tesla owners faced vandalism, 19% regretted their purchase, and 30% wouldn’t buy a Tesla again—I’ve taken action to uncover the truth. I reached out to Guardian Service at info@guardianservice.com and (844) 448-2734, demanding the full study, its methodology, and data verification. Given the study’s absence from their website and its reliance on unverified X posts, I’m not optimistic about a response, but I’ll keep you updated if they reply. Stay tuned as we continue to call out these bogus claims and demand better from trusted sources!

Elon Musk’s 2024 West Point Talk

Elon Musk’s 2024 West Point Talk: My Transcript of Insights on the Future of Technology in Warfare (Part 1)

Gail Alfar1 Comment

This is the first of a multi part series, that allows you to closely study Elon’s words spoken at West Point on August 16, 2024. The full video was released on February 6, 2025. If you love history of civilizations, and like to study battles and war, you’ll find value in Elon’s insight. I know I did.

Featuring Elon Musk interviewed by Shane Reeves

Elon Musk at West Point: AI and Drones Will Define Future Warfare

How do you see warfare transforming in the future? Elon replied with, “the biggest factor I think by far is AI and drones. The current war in Ukraine is very much a drone war already – sort of a contest between Russia and trying to see who can deploy the most number of drones. Now if there’s a major power war, it’s very much going to be a drone war. It’s gonna be drones and AI and … I do worry about the existential risk of AI, which is that if you employ AI and drones, do you Eventually go down this path where you get to terminator? We should try to avoid that! We should minimize the terminator risk. But essentially when you’re making military drones, you are making terminators. And I think you will be somewhat forced into giving the Drone localized AI. Because if the AI is far away, it can’t control as well as localized AI.”

Elon explained that localized AI means it’s an autonomous scaling machine which will be completely autonomous if you give it the OK in a particular arena and then it just goes.

Will our military have the same types of concerns and limitations? To this question Elon replied, “it depends on how much existential risk there is in these wars, if it’s a regional war, I think it will be more tempered, if it goes beyond regional war, then all bets are off. And then you start deploying things that you really would not want to deploy. So hopefully, that does not happen.”

In response to a comment by Reeves, that machines are not just disrupting warfare today they are commonplace, Elon said “drones are going to be overwhelmingly what matters for any powers that have significant technology. Elon added, my personal belief is like, it’ll actually be I think probably too dangerous to have humans at the front. It’s drones at the front. Drones don’t miss.”


Reeves asked, or commented, because of the lethality then, it’s too dangerous to have humans at the front? Elon responded “Yes, I mean, if you have seen some of the computer-controlled sniper rifles, they just don’t miss. So you are finding a machine that is going to aim with micron level accuracy, and it never gets tired.”


Reeves asked Elon how he thinks the United States should be leveraging technology to further our national defense?


Elon paused, and replied, “Well I think we probably need to invest in drones, the United States is strong in terms of technology of the items, but, the production rate is low, so, it is a small number of units, relatively speaking, but I think that basically there is a production rate issue with the rate, like if you say how fast can you make drones, imagine there is a Drone conflict. The outcome of that Drone conflict will be based on: How many drones does each side have in that particular skirmish times the kill ratio… so let’s say that the United States would have a set of drones that have a high kill ratio, but then, the other side has far more drones. If you have got a 2 to 1 kill ratio, and the other side has four times as many drones, you are still going to lose.”


Reeves asked Elon if he thinks that our industrial base can scale to make the number of drones that Elon is talking about?


Elon replied, “I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge. It can scale. But it is not currently scaling.” Reeves asked why. Elon thought about the current state of Drone procurement in the U.S.A, and also mentioned,

“I read a lot of military history and the thing that I go to sleep with is usually an audiobook on military history of one kind or another so I find the subject very interesting and one of the things that tends to happen is that countries are geared up pretty much enough to fight the last war, but not the next war. And it’s hard to change. If you look at the uniforms at the start of World War I and the tactics they use at the start of World War I, they were not significantly different from the Napoleonic era. You know, when the French were marching into war with brightly colored uniforms. It looks great. But that’s not what you want to be, you know when someone is pointing a gun at you you don’t want a great looking uniform you want a uniform that blends in so, there is a tendency to be gearing up to fight the last war in the U.S. So that would be kind of the Cold War I guess. So, it usually takes some kind of shock factor to adjust. I would recommend adjusting now.”

Elon: “And you are seeing some startups like Anduril and a few others that have a different mindset, but it’s really going to be, can you make a lot of drones? And what’s the kill ratio? That’s what it comes down to.”

Anduril Industries, founded in 2017 in Costa Mesa, California, is a defense tech company revolutionizing military capabilities with AI-driven solutions. Named after a mythical sword, Anduril builds autonomous drones (like Ghost), surveillance systems (Sentry), and software (Lattice) to enhance national security. Unlike traditional defense giants, it operates like a nimble tech startup, prioritizing speed and innovation. With $2.3 billion in funding by 2024, Anduril serves the U.S. Department of Defense and allies, competing with legacy contractors by delivering cost-effective, scalable tech for modern warfare, including border security and counter-drone operations.

This is Part 1, of Elon’s talk, and it gets better. You can follow my account, turn on your notifications, for Part 2. Or check back periodically. 

Gail’s Podcast on 𝕏 Ep 120: Cybertruck Does Not Care About Tesla Takedown Protest

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I test drove the Cyberbeast tri-motor on 3/22—insane ride, but there were a ton of obnoxious, bad people, probably paid protesters, so loud it was unreal, prayers to Tesla folks!

Enjoy the podcast!

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail’s Podcast on 𝕏 Episode No. 119: Austin all-hands quotes from Elon Musk

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Austin, Texas. On Episode 119 of Gail’s TESLA Podcast on 𝕏: FSD tackles a tricky lot (supervised), and we look at some of Elon Musk’s quotes from tonight’s Austin all-hands meeting & I demo FSD basics!

Watch here:

Watch the full all hands meeting here:

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail’s Podcast on 𝕏 Episode No. 118: Larry Goldberg Interview

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Ride with Larry Goldberg in my Tesla Model Y Saphire—born in South Africa, Larry shares his story on an autonomous Austin drive.

We deliver flowers to a Tesla Service Center amid attacks & protests.

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Pre-parade Tesla Cybertrucks in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025

Cybertruck Carnage: Tesla Owners Face Relentless Hate at Mardi Gras

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A Shocking Welcome: Tesla Owners Enter the Mardi Gras Maelstrom

Tesla Cybertruck owners, newly introduced as marshal vehicles in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade on March 3, 2025, in New Orleans, faced relentless and deeply disturbing attacks from spectators, exposing systemic failures by parade officials and NOPD. These Tesla owners, invited to escort Krewe of Orpheus marshals, endured unprovoked violence despite city ordinances prohibiting such actions since 1999. To gather their firsthand experiences, I added the participants to a dedicated chat group, providing raw, emotional insights for this article. I’m grateful to Josh ‘Pappy’ for clarifying the truck order, confirming @Chattybird0306 was also in Vehicle 5, ensuring accuracy for our story. The trauma echoes the city’s heightened security concerns following the devastating January 1, 2025, terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, where a truck was used as a weapon, killing 15 and injuring dozens—a tragedy many may not recall but which underscores the urgency of this incident.

Relentless Assault on Tesla Cybertruck Owners

Tesla Cybertruck owners faced relentless and heart-wrenching assaults during the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade on March 3, 2025, far beyond mere bead-throwing, targeting invited participants in a new role. Since 2020, Tesla vehicles have served as marshal escorts for the Krewe of Orpheus, but 2025 marked the first use of Cybertrucks, a shift that may have fueled the hostility (CleanTechnica, February 20, 2020). Our hearts go out to CJP the Panda (@mrtimer2022) and his wife @CJPsWIFE, Tesla owners in Vehicle 2, who faced a chilling Nazi salute within the first minute at 6:38–6:39 PM, captured in screenshots from his video showing a man in yellow performing four repeated salutes directed at their Cybertruck.

EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOTS FROM CJP THE PANDA’S VIDEO, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025
EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOTS FROM CJP THE PANDA’S VIDEO, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025

CJP the Panda, his wife and the Marshall in their vehicle also endured passionate booing and raised fingers around 7:02–7:03 PM, as seen in a side pillar camera screenshot setting a tone of unhinged hate.

EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOT FROM CJP THE PANDA’S SIDE PILLAR CAMERA, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025
EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOT FROM CJP THE PANDA’S SIDE PILLAR CAMERA, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025

I Love Tesla, another Tesla Cybertruck owner in Vehicle 3, endured a harrowing 6:42–9:46 PM drive with his wife, calling it ‘the longest 3 hours of my life,’ with their flags broken, a beer can smashing their windshield at ~9:35 PM, and constant fear prompting their exit (chat group, March 5–6, 2025). Josh ‘Pappy’ and @Chattybird0306, Tesla owners in Vehicle 5, shared a gut-wrenching experience, with Josh reporting a video of a man in orange hitting his wife, Amanda, with beads at ~6:07 PM, shattering the B-pillar glass trim, berating passengers, and trying to break windows—yet failing to dent the truck, a testament to its durability that offered some solace amidst the terror.

Mr. Moonbound, a Tesla Cybertruck owner in Vehicle 4, faced ‘full body throws’ and window-bashing in front of House of Broel, suffering $7,000 in damage, including broken glass, leaving him shaken (X, @MrMoonBound, March 5–6, 2025). Winespring, another Tesla owner in Vehicle 4, described booing starting at 6:35 PM, escalating to ‘really bad’ by 7:40 PM, and captured a harrowing video of their Cybertruck under attack, with Marshal #4—a 10-year volunteer—begging over the radio, “WE ARE GETTING BEAT TO SH*T!!” and fearing a medical emergency if not removed.

Yet, she found fleeting kindness as kids gently added beads, offering a bittersweet contrast to the violence (chat group, March 5–6, 2025). The trauma these Tesla owners endured is unimaginable, and their resilience, alongside Marshal #4’s desperation, deserves our deepest empathy.

Timeline of Terror: From Tchoupitoulas to Gravier

The Tesla Cybertruck owners faced escalating violence along the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade route on March 3, 2025, starting from Tchoupitoulas St and traversing Napoleon, St. Charles, and Gravier. Here’s a clear timeline of their harrowing experiences, highlighting their vulnerability as marshal vehicles newly introduced that year:

  • 5:52 PM: Josh ‘Pappy’ and @Chattybird0306, Tesla owners in Vehicle 5, entered the parade route at Tchoupitoulas St, beginning their role as marshal escorts.
  • 6:07 PM: Josh ‘Pappy’ and @Chattybird0306 faced a terrifying assault, with Josh’s video showing a man in orange attacking his wife, Amanda, with beads, shattering the B-pillar glass trim, berating passengers, and trying to break windows, prompting an early exit at Jackson (EVIDENCE: LINK TO X VIDEO ABOVE FROM @JEHAZEL75, MARCH 8, 2025; chat group, March 5, 2025).
  • 6:35 PM: Winespring, a Tesla owner in Vehicle 4, reported attacks starting, with booing and initial hostility from spectators as they progressed along the route (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 6:38 PM: CJP the Panda (@mrtimer2022) and his wife @CJPsWIFE, Tesla owners in Vehicle 2, entered at Tchoupitoulas St and immediately faced a chilling Nazi salute, captured in screenshots showing four repeated salutes by a man in yellow (EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOTS FROM CJP THE PANDA’S VIDEO, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025)
  • 6:39 PM: Winespring raised windows in Vehicle 4 due to escalating threats, marking the onset of severe hostility (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 6:42 PM: I Love Tesla, a Tesla Cybertruck owner in Vehicle 3, began the route at Tchoupitoulas St with his wife, entering the parade as marshal escorts (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 7:02–7:03 PM: CJP the Panda and @CJPsWIFE endured passionate booing and raised fingers, captured in a side pillar camera screenshot, approximately 23 minutes after the Nazi salute, further down the route (likely near St. Charles Ave) (EVIDENCE: SCREENSHOT FROM CJP THE PANDA’S SIDE PILLAR CAMERA, CHAT GROUP, MARCH 6, 2025; chat group/X, March 6, 2025).
  • 7:09 PM: I Love Tesla entered St. Charles Ave, facing increasing threats as the parade progressed (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 7:19 PM: I Love Tesla raised windows in Vehicle 3 due to escalating hostility, signaling heightened danger (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 7:40 PM: Winespring reported attacks worsening in Vehicle 4, captured in her video of Marshal #4’s desperate radio pleas—“WE ARE GETTING BEAT TO SH*T!!” (chat group, March 5–6, 2025; EVIDENCE: LINK TO X VIDEO FROM @WINESPRINGCAFE, MARCH 8, 2025).
  • 8:51–9:01 PM: Winespring pleaded to exit Vehicle 4, with Marshal #4’s urgent calls for help ignored by NOPD and Krewe officials (chat group, March 6, 2025).
  • 8:52 PM: I Love Tesla requested police assistance in Vehicle 3, but received no support (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 9:35 PM: I Love Tesla’s Cybertruck windshield was smashed by a beer can, intensifying their fear and prompting their exit (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 9:39 PM: I Love Tesla exited Gravier St, stopping at Thalia St by 9:46 PM after a harrowing 6:42–9:46 PM drive (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 9:45 PM: Winespring ended their route on the interstate, concluding a terrifying experience in Vehicle 4 (chat group, March 5–6, 2025).
  • 9:56 PM: CJP the Panda and @CJPsWIFE exited via Calliope to I-10, ending their ordeal in Vehicle 2 after facing relentless hate from 6:38 PM (chat group/X, March 6, 2025).

This 5:52 PM–9:56 PM timeline maps the relentless violence these Tesla owners endured, underscoring their bravery and the systemic failures that left them vulnerable.

Public Hostility and Possible Motives

The hostility directed at these Tesla Cybertruck owners was fueled by anti-Musk sentiment and possibly broader political motives, including recent claims by Elon Musk on March 8, 2025, linking ActBlue-funded groups like Troublemakers, Disruption Project, Rise & Resist, Indivisible Project, and Democratic Socialists of America to Tesla protests, funded by figures like George Soros and Reid Hoffman Elon Musk’s claim on ActBlue. ActBlue, under investigation for illegal donations with seven senior officials resigning, may have indirectly influenced the parade’s hostility, though no direct evidence ties it to March 3, 2025, in New Orleans ActBlue turmoil. However, the groups Musk mentioned (e.g., Indivisible Project, DSA) have local chapters in New Orleans, and their activism could theoretically extend to parade protests, given their history of targeting Tesla Activists target Tesla. CJP the Panda (@mrtimer2022) and his wife @CJPsWIFE faced a Nazi salute at 6:38–6:39 PM, a chilling reminder of the hate these Tesla owners endured, and passionate booing with raised fingers around 7:02–7:03 PM further down the route (likely near St. Charles Ave; chat group/X, March 6, 2025). Winespring noted the crowd’s misconception—“they think Donald Trump is in our car”—and described ‘full body throws’ by 7:45 PM, captured in her earlier video of Marshal #4’s desperate pleas. Josh ‘Pappy’ and @Chattybird0306 reported the man in orange berating passengers with ‘unhinged hate and violence,’ with children encouraged to join, despite the parade’s ‘family friendly’ branding—a painful betrayal for these Tesla owners (chat group, March 5, 2025). A marshal in I Love Tesla’s Vehicle 3 admitted to ‘hiding a smile,’ suggesting ambivalence toward the Tesla owners’ plight (r/NewOrleans, u/jobles95, March 5, 2025). Reddit mocked them as outsiders aiming to ‘pwn the libs,’ reflecting political motives (r/NewOrleans, Othersideofbroad, March 5, 2025). X posts showed spectators pelting Cybertrucks, hinting at Antifa involvement, though unconfirmed (X, March 3–4, 2025). We feel profound empathy for these Tesla owners, who faced such unwarranted aggression simply for participating.

Police Inaction Amid Heightened Risk

Throwing objects at parade participants has been illegal since 1999, with a $250 fine per violation, yet NOPD failed to protect these Tesla Cybertruck owners during the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade on March 3, 2025 (X, @3falling_PI, March 6, 2025). CJP the Panda (@mrtimer2022) reported ‘police did nothing,’ leaving him and his wife @CJPsWIFE vulnerable (chat group, March 5, 2025). I Love Tesla requested police help at 8:52 PM, but officers were ‘surprised’ at their 9:39 PM exit, offering no support (chat group, March 5–6, 2025). Josh ‘Pappy’ and @Chattybird0306 described ‘passive’ police despite urgent calls from 6:36–7:21 PM, during which Amanda was assaulted, with no intervention shown in Josh’s video (chat group, March 5, 2025). Winespring pleaded to exit at 8:51–9:01 PM, with Marshal #4’s desperate radio pleas—“WE ARE GETTING BEAT TO SH*T!!” and “WE’VE PUT OUT A CALL TO STATE POLICE!!”—ignored, as NOPD and Krewe officials left their Tesla Cybertruck under attack (chat group, March 6, 2025). An X post confirmed a parade officer standing idly by as violence unfolded (X, @WUTANGKIDS, March 4, 2025). Winespring, ‘traumatized,’ criticized the failure to protect even their 10-year volunteer marshal—a fellow Tesla owner’s ally (chat group, March 6, 2025). This inaction, following the January 1, 2025, Bourbon Street terrorist attack—where a truck killed 15 and injured dozens, a tragedy many may not recall—demands urgent investigation into why these Tesla Cybertruck owners were left so vulnerable.

Call for Change After the Cybertruck Carnage

The targeted violence against these Tesla Cybertruck owners—new marshal vehicles in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade on March 3, 2025—reveals a systemic failure by parade officials and NOPD to enforce ordinances and ensure safety. Winespring’s video of Marshal #4’s anguished pleas—“THEY ARE KILLING US OUT THERE!!!”—and Josh’s footage of Amanda’s assault, alongside CJP’s screenshots of four Nazi salutes at 6:38–6:39 PM and the booing incident around 7:02–7:03 PM, underscore the urgency of accountability (chat group, March 5–6, 2025). We extend our deepest empathy to Josh, Amanda, @Chattybird0306, CJP the Panda (@mrtimer2022) and his wife @CJPsWIFE, I Love Tesla and his wife, Winespring, Mr. Moonbound, and all affected Tesla owners, who bravely endured this trauma. They deserve justice and answers, especially in a city still reeling from the January 1, 2025, Bourbon Street attack. This incident calls for immediate accountability and reform.

Pre-parade Tesla Cybertrucks in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025
Pre-parade Tesla Cybertrucks in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025
Pre-parade Tesla Cybertruck Owners in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025
Pre-parade Tesla Cybertruck Owners in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025
Mr. Moonbeam's Tesla Cybertruck in pristine condition, rolling as a marshal vehicle in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025, before the attacks, with Mardi Gras decorations and marshals visible in the background
Mr. Moonbound”s Tesla Cybertruck in pristine condition, rolling as a marshal vehicle in the Krewe of Orpheus Mardi Gras parade, March 3, 2025, before the attacks, with Mardi Gras decorations and marshals visible in the background.
Gail Alfar, Image Credit Apple Lamps on X
Gail Alfar, dedicated Tesla advocate and writer since 2020, continues to champion the resilience and innovation of Tesla owners.

Gail’s Podcast on 𝕏 Episode No. 117: 6 minutes of Pure Tesla Magic

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Austin, Texas.

The Model Y is running version 13.2.8 and Tesla requires the driver to supervise the car but NOT to touch the steering wheel. This means that we can do hand exercises with pressure balls and squeezers for hand strength.

Watch for great ideas!

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Tesla owners, see FSD in action in episode 116! It handles the toughest drives. Time to activate yours?

Gail’s Tesla Podcast on 𝕏 Episode No. 116: Tesla FSD Shines in West Austin: Challenging Drives and Smart Safety

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Conquering Tough Roads with Tesla FSD

In episode 116 of my podcast, I take Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software through some of West Austin’s trickiest roads—and it doesn’t disappoint. Picture this: I’m navigating a busy stretch of traffic, aiming for a tough right-hand turn. The car autonomously shifts over, timing it perfectly, no hesitation. It’s moments like these that show why Tesla owners should give FSD a try. Whether you’ve got it installed and unused or you’re on the fence about adding it, this episode might just convince you. Check out the full video:

https://twitter.com/GailAlfarATX/status/1895289975446610066

Safety First: How FSD Chooses Smarter Routes

One standout moment? I prompted the car to turn left—a risky move suggested by the map. But FSD had other plans. Instead of diving into danger, it swung right, taking a slightly longer route around the block to keep us safe. Sure, we arrived a few seconds later, but the accident risk? Near zero. This is Tesla’s autonomous driving at its best—prioritizing safety over shortcuts. For anyone hesitant about trusting FSD, this episode shows how it’s got your back.

Unexpected Stops and Mind-Blowing Moves

The adventure didn’t stop there. We cruised near a spot called “Gage” (spelled G-A-G-E), a hidden gem in a West Austin shopping center. The car pulled in, and we discovered a treasure trove of yarn supplies and knitting classes—perfect for a spontaneous detour. But the real jaw-dropper came later. Towards the end of the podcast, FSD tackled a closed-off alley—tight, confined, no obvious exit. On its own, it executed a flawless three- or four-point turn, reversing and pivoting like a pro. I couldn’t believe it. This is autonomous driving that’ll make you rethink what your Tesla can do.

Why You Should Activate Your Tesla FSD

Episode 116 isn’t just a drive—it’s proof Tesla FSD can handle West Austin’s challenges while keeping safety first. From mastering tough turns to outsmarting risky prompts, this tech is ready for you. Got a Tesla? Fire up that FSD and see what it can do. Watch the episode [here] and join me on this wild ride!

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.

Gail Alfar, Image Credit Apple Lamps on X
Tesla Model Y 2025 FSD review Launch Series Tesla Model Y test drive autonomous driving

Gail’s Tesla Podcast on 𝕏 Episode No. 115: New Tesla Model Y 2025 Review: Why I Rate It 10 Stars

Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Watch This Tesla Model Y Conquer the Road with FSD!

In episode 115 of my podcast, I dive into the freshly redesigned Tesla Model Y 2025 Launch Series—a car so impressive it earns a perfect 10 stars from me!

I got a rare chance to test drive and film this beauty, inside and out, showcasing why it’s a must-try for Tesla owners. From its jaw-dropping Full Self-Driving (FSD) performance to clever features like the frunk drain plug and emergency door release, this Model Y conquers the road like no other. Watch the full episode exclusively on X [here] and see why I’m urging everyone to activate FSD!

Standout Features That Wow: Emergency Release, Frunk, and More

Right out of the gate (00:12), I highlight the emergency door release—smartly tucked in the back door pocket for safety. Then at 00:18, there’s the frunk drain plug—a game-changer for party planners using ice that needs to drain. The Launch Series screen graphic (00:30) dazzles with its crisp visualization, while the “door thunk” (00:38 and 03:27) proves this car’s build quality with that satisfying, solid sound. Steering wheel control buttons and stalks (00:59) make driving intuitive, and the camera views (01:29) pop onto the screen effortlessly. Oh, and the automatic parking feature (01:47)? It’s like the car’s showing off—it nails tight spots with zero stress.

Tesla Model Y 2025 FSD review Launch Series Tesla Model Y test drive autonomous driving
Tesla Model Y 2025 Launch Series Tesla

FSD Steals the Show: Why I Say Always Use It

At 02:46, I explain why FSD is non-negotiable for Model Y owners. During my West Austin test drive, this car tackled tricky roads autonomously—think sharp turns and busy traffic—flawlessly. The middle console (02:08) and spacious interior (02:20) make every ride comfy, but it’s FSD that elevates it to 10-star territory. Whether it’s self-parking or navigating safely, I’ve never felt more confident behind the wheel—or rather, letting the car take it. Tesla owners, if you’ve got FSD and aren’t using it, episode 115 will change your mind. Activate it and feel the magic.

Stunning Design and Final Thoughts

The exterior shines too—those sleek rear lights (04:10) and Launch Series puddle lights (05:23) scream premium. The trunk’s open/close function (04:33) is smooth, and seat belts (05:03) pull just right. At 03:38, I share more thoughts: this Model Y doesn’t just drive; it redefines driving. It’s packed with upgrades—same price as the old Model Y—yet feels like a steal. Watch episode 115 on X [here] to see this amazing car in action. For media and credits, stick around ‘til 05:42. Tesla had built a road-conquering masterpiece!

The exterior shines too—those sleek rear lights (04:10) and Launch Series puddle lights (05:23) scream premium. The trunk’s open/close function (04:33) is smooth, and seat belts (05:03) pull just right. At 03:38, I share more thoughts: this Model Y doesn’t just drive; it redefines driving. It’s packed with upgrades—same price as the old Model Y—yet feels like a steal. Watch episode 115 on X [here](insert your link) to see this amazing car in action. For media and credits, stick around ‘til 05:42. Trust me, this Tesla’s a road-conquering masterpiece!FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.