Hollywood_North GT

This is a good read by Wesley K. Clark, retired Army general and former supreme allied commander of NATO. Why does he believe Detroit needs to be saved? Two words: national security. This article details why.

htwag

Recent events have shown that thowing money at these folks - without rules, and the ***** to enforce oversight and enforce the rules reasults in one thing: wasted money. Every car company in America has to relearn (it seems) some simple rules:

1. Don't make stuff people won't buy.
2. Don't make stuff people can't afford.
3. Don't over produce.
4. Make stuff that works as advertised and last a long time.
5. Keep your word.

We don't deal with the car makers. We have to deal with their business partners. Everone who reads the entries on this site learn quickly that not all new car dealerships work the same way and honor warrarnties the same. Some are owned by jerks and buttheads and others really work with the customer to resolve an issue. States should (but won't) look at each law or policy that affects the car buyer, user, onwer and make sure that the consumer gets the nod. Of course, there are those lyin' cheatin' scumbag owners that want a Ford dealer to do warranty work on the aftermarket engine put in the new 07 'stang purchased at Big Hearted Eddie's used cars. Dealers have rights to and deserve to be protected from dishonest customers.
(ain't ever seen one of them!).

Giving money without thought is just stupid. Did I like Ike? Never meet him. Times have changed Wesley - you just an ordinary joe now. Stop wearing the uniform around the house on weekends.

karman

Good Find.
Thanks.

Tiberius1701

Any assistance, call it a bailout if you wish-the plans are for low interest loans-must have some sort of adjustments that must be made by the UAW, which with the upcoming administration and their blind loyalty, as with all unions, to the democrats, are highly unlikely. Gettlefinger and the other union stooges just will never get it.

MBK

they don't want to get it, they get $65 an hour plus full pension

FLAstangx3

You're close. The average is actually $78.00 an hour.

and there-in, lies the problem!!!

Hollywood_North GT

$175B for GM to go through a complex Chapter 11 I heard on the news today. A lot more than a $25B bailout. But agreed, part of the bailout conditions should be massive wage restructuring concessions on the part of the UAW. If anyone thinks they won't accept it, well, they have little choice: Chapter 7 for Detroit will mean the UAW is out of business, too...forever.

bob

So nearly forty bucks and hour with benefits. Not to bad in the pay department - IMO I'd shift all the responsibility for benefits to the worker and keep the pay the same (convert to a 401k, pay for insurance, ect)

Hollywood_North GT

May all be moot now. Doesn't look as though the Senate is going to pass the bailout bill.

Could mean curtains for General Motors.

05fordgt

You can also add curtains for the American economy in general! Unemployment will be in double digits!!! THIS WILL BE VERY VERY BAD!!!

Hollywood_North GT

Yeah, thanks GW and Republican Senators! For your final departing act you say "go screw yourselves" to the last major bastion of industrial manufacturing left in the United States and plunge the economy into an even more perilous situation than it was already in.

Nice.

Moosetang

And there's still people defending the last 8 years to the hilt. Really gotta wonder.

houtex

Because *they* did good for themselves. Halliburton, Exxon... Like that.