By James

November 17, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

This is just our Ohio senators leaning towards thier lobbyists. The financial bailout at least has the ability for the taxpayers to sell thier stock and make some money back. This auto bailout is a blank check that the Big three can use for whatever they want. No to the bailout and any Senator who votes for it. The AIrlines went bankrupt after 9/11 and the strong have survived while prices have not moved much, they renogoitiated thier union contracts, trimmed the fat, and have started to become sucessful again. Additionally, how can the taxpayer bail out Chrysler, thier a privately held company! We don’t know where thier money goes or how. This is all ridiculous. 90% of the country disapprove of Congress’ performance. What will it take for politician to actually listen to thier constituents?

By Pat Turner-Mahaney

November 17, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

Mr Voinovich, I have always admired you as a governor as well as a very intelligent man. I need your help. My son has been an employee of General Motors for 14 years and now GM truck and bus plant in Dayton Ohio is closing 12/23/08. Help, please help. It seems Congress only has you supporting the buy-out. What are the other guys doing? Don’t they remember their history. It seems the USA is the greatest Industrial nation, that was until we left the overseas countries take over. We now want them to get the rest of the manufacturing. Why?? If we allow the auto industry to be shipped to the overseas. We might as well “kiss” our economy good-bye. We will have given all of our accomplishments god-bye and I promise we will never get them back. Have we received any of the other companies back since they have left absolutely not. Once gone we will not recoup. Help us Congressman George Voinvich. We need your expertise assistance. Good luck and God’s blessings to you.

By Pat Turner-Mahaney

November 17, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

Mr Voinovich, I have always admired you as a governor as well as a very intelligent man. I need your help. My son has been an employee of General Motors for 14 years and now GM truck and bus plant in Dayton Ohio is closing 12/23/08. Help, please help. It seems Congress only has you supporting the buy-out. What are the other guys doing? Don’t they remember their history. It seems the USA is the greatest Industrial nation, that was until we left the overseas countries take over. We now want them to get the rest of the manufacturing. Why?? If we allow the auto industry to be shipped to the overseas. We might as well “kiss” our economy good-bye. We will have given all of our accomplishments god-bye and I promise we will never get them back. Have we received any of the other companies back since they have left absolutely not. Once gone we will not recoup. Help us Congressman George Voinvich. We need your expertise assistance. Good luck and God’s blessings to you.

By Bill

November 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

There are quite a few auto companies making and selling cars in the U.S.that are not holding their hand out for money. The “Big 3” needs to set down with the union and hammer out a survival contract. The union has been at the trough too long and needs to face reality. If that doesn’t work, then ask for help.

By david

November 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I must say I’ve never understood all the hatred of unions. I find it hard to believe that it’s the worker’s fault the auto companies have been mismanaged into the ground. As someone who works for a bank I find it ironic that the government is taking my tax money and giving it back to them.

By david

November 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I must say I’ve never understood all the hatred of unions. I find it hard to believe that it’s the worker’s fault the auto companies have been mismanaged into the ground. As someone who works for a bank I find it ironic that the government is taking my tax money and giving it back to them.

By Dan

November 14, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I feel for all of the workers that could be out of a job if GM goes under but they have had their chance to turn out a good product and they’ve refused. GM cars are dead at 100K miles, Honda and Toyota are just getting broke in. It’s a travesty!!!

By mwm

November 14, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

I have owned fords, chevy’s and dodge’s. A 75 ford pinto, my first car. It got great mileage, after I stripped the anti-pollution gear off of it. A 76 ElCamino, A 71 Galaxie, Put 250,000 miles on that lead sled, A Chevy truck, A Ford Escort and Ford Tempo. A 76 Ford Torino Wagon, A Dodge truck, A Dodge Minivan. All these were used car purchases. The only new car we ever purchased was a Chevy Tracker.. This was made by Suzuki. Price and fuel economy were the selling points. The next new car will be a Smart. Also a foreign car. The big three need to sell fuel efficient cars with less than a $10,000 price tag to attract me.

By Wordell

November 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

The U.S.Auto industry has had over 40 years to become competitive. They refused to…blamed it on the buying public, or the unions that they agreed to pay. VW sold hundreds of thousands of “bugs” here, Toyota sold Corolla’s, Datsun (Nissan) had their cars that sold well here. All three importers then branched into larger more luxurious cars. Americans buy them. We got the Vega from GM, the Pinto from Ford, The “K” car from Chrysler. The big three refused to improve the quality/durability/fuel mileage of their small, mid-sized and large cars. All three charged way too much for products that are inferior to most imports, either small or large. Market share proves that the big three lost. Why??….Not knowing (or paying attention to) your market, extensive product developement time, excessive costs, lack of quality control (less than the imports), denying or not repairing customers warranty claims (“the run-around”). The list goes on. Need I go on? All three U.S. producers have improved in all area’s. Asking for a bail out proves that they didn’t do enough. Is 40 years, with import competitor examples available for inspection on “how DO they DO IT!!” not enough time to improve and become competitive??!! The bail out will keep them afloat. It will not prompt me to buy their product. All three produce various levels of “pre-stressed garbage” as compared to the imports. There’s a new Honda in my garage in two months. Sorry…you had your chance.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

If we become owners of these companies, GM, Ford, Chrysler, then, we get stock and dividens. That means, we also get a vote in the upper management positions. I’m angry at the government and the big three. If I lose my job, will congress bail me out? If not, congress, the big three and the rich can go to hell.

By Jim 5

November 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Yes — to the bailout or rescue or whatever they call it this week. I do not like government interfering with the free market any more than any other conservative, but let’s debate it after the crisis. The crisis we are in is not the product of a free market anyway — legalized monopolies Fannie and Freddie were the ultimate contaminant to the conservative ideal of a free market. Now, it is a question of whether the entire auto industry is going to survive. Bailed-out Wall Street firm Merrill Lynch is already offering “retention bonuses” to employees who stay after their government-backed merger. If this is the ugly face of intervention, we better get used to it. I know it is hard for conservatives to swallow socialization — especially at Wall Street prices, but imagine trying to restart a manufacturing industry like the auto industry in an age when liberal judges and greenie red tape have put America last. It is time to arrest Chuck Schumer and Barney Franks’ delinquent children Fannie and Freddie, bail out Detroit, and move on.

By Revved up

November 14, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

It’s a very complicated issue, one were blame does not fall solely on the automakers. Though much does and were it not for the fact that their demise would create a significant, negative ripple effect on our economy I’d say let them go under as the marketplace should ultimately create the victors, not governments. Unfortunately, given the overall state of our economy and the impact that any failure would create, this is not the time to let that option occur. So, let’s hope that any bailout plan goes beyond just protecting these behemoths so they can basically retool and operate as usual. They need to reform their cost structures, union wages, legacy costs, etc., including bringing a number of their world cars here…if allowed. And, our government needs to take a deep look at the policies and regulations that helped to get them into the mess they’re in now, else sometime down the road it’ll be déjà vu all over again.

By hakko

November 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Unless any bailout is combined with changes in management, the bailout should not happen. You can not throw money at the problem and expect it to go away. You have to change the management philosophy and that includes the corporate head and the union heads. If you don’t make core changes, any bailout will only delay an inevitable collapse.

By Ralph

November 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Yes to the bail out on the basis of reform. GM, Ford, Chrysler unoins are largely responsible. The company should have never agreed to pay screw shooter $25+/hr. People with 4-6 years of college do not always make $70K+ annually. The problem is there are 1000’s of peple working non-union supporting jobs that suffer even though they did not contribute to the problem nor could prevent the problem. Fiscal responsibility is ultimately up to the corporations…not the unions. Learn to say no greed of over priced vehicles and unreasonable wages and benefits.

By LizardKingLives

November 14, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I must say it again some of these comments are very frightening to me.In fact I read how unsupportive many are of helping an American Industry because they feel the Companies were badly managed.When in your own communities the schools are even more poorly managed and the students unruly & disrespectful.I hope that you same people get as emotional and angry over the fact that many of your HS level children can not tell you who won the Cival War (most are not aware the US had a Cival War) or add/subtract fractions, or heck even read the comments your blogging and why can they not do these things because they were mismanaged by their parents and the so-called educators.The school districts have failed, as parents we failed, and as students we failed.I have no problem providing helping an American Industry if it may save a few thousand jobs and help our struggling economy.To me that is a better use of my tax dollars.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I will start my own company… Lets call m motors. Then, I will build a bunch of cars that I can’t sell and can’t make. I will make myself CEO and after several months, I’ll go to congress and ask for a bailout. Say, 100 million. (I’m not too greedy) Don’t worry, I will still lay off every hourly employee and take a “needed” vacation because of stress. And, have money to invest in another failed enterprise. Perhaps, I’ll be able to afford that Bentley and perhaps a foreign made yaht. Oh the heck with it I’ll just buy an island, start my own bank and have off shore accounts for the rich. Just a PO box drop bank. In reality, I could use $100,000. That would pay off my mortgage and all my other bills. And, have enough left over to have a nice bank account. Besides, I’m just a lowly liberal. And, we should use the money for the poor, the uninsured and the homeless. And, our veterans. They need help too.

By TexasBuckeye

November 14, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

No to any government bailout to any company. The government is not in the business to see who succeeds or fails. If the car makers fail, so be it. Let them file for Ch 11, re-organize, then hire only sub-contractors. No health care, no pension, no overtime, no benefits of any kind. But they also need to fire the management and cap their salaries and end their benefits too. If they are not willing to go along with these drastic measures, then let them die and go overseas. I’ll continue to buy Japanese cars until they make a product that is as competitive. American consumers are very stupid and buy whatever is thrown at them as long it is heavily advertised, just look at the number of infomercials that play over and over again. If the people were not so swayed by this repetitive garbage and could think for themselves, then maybe the US automakers would have built more efficient cars many years ago instead of showering us with ads for SUV’s and we buying into the hype.

By Joanne

November 14, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Boehner is not the reason for the demise of the auto industry. I would venture to say the unions did a good job driving the auto industry out of business with fat contracts for their employees. No more milking the GM Cow, the ride is over for union employees. Geez

By Bill

November 14, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

No to the bailout is an emotional response to a serious problem. I agree with most on this post with respect to issues, but Bohener is responsible for the problem we are in. How far down does he have to drive this country in the ditch before he gets the boot? Why should anyone believe he has credibility? Chrysler proved it can be done; the bailout should include stiff thresholds. I can be done, ask Iococca.

By Mike

November 14, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

No Bailout unless every business in this country that has gone belly up do to the economy is bailed out small business is the back bone of our economy and the government has done NOTHING to save those jobs

By glus

November 14, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Amen brotha makessensetome !

By tes

November 14, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

makesencetome, you get an “amen” from me. How about it? Any bloggers out there work for the govt? Or, elected officials? It seems to me that most of the middle class could pay off their mortgage, pay off all debts and have a nice chunk in savings. People would have money to buy cars. That would put the choice in the public’s hands. It would be the old reliable republican addage of “tough, you’re on your own”

By Darin

November 14, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

Need to redo your math makenosensetome. The right amount we would receive is $425.00 not $425,000.00 what school was it that you went too. Your plan would help to pay a couple of bills though.

By Chris Hinton

November 14, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

No the auto makers should not get a bail out. My son worked for D-Max he lost his job when they got rid of 2nd shift after D-Max got the money to keep them running. I worked for a sequencing plant for Moraine Assembly GM they are closing their doors on the 23rd of December I took another job elsewhere and took a $4.50 an hour paycut. If the money is given to the auto makers they will do only what helps put money in their pockets. How about offering americans a bail out help us at least we will stay in America.

By makessensetome

November 14, 2008 5:31 AM | Link to this

I’m against the BILLION DOLLAR bailout of the Auto Industry. Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a ‘We Deserve It’ dividend. To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 BONA FIDE U.S. citizens, aged 18+. Our population is about 301 million counting every man, woman and child. So, 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up. Now, divide 200 million, 18+ adults into $85 billon - that equals $425,000.00 each! Yes, my plan is to give that $425,000 to every adult as a ‘We Deserve It’ dividend. Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So, let’s assume a tax rate of 30%. Everyone would pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25.5 billion right back to Uncle Sam! It also means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife would have $595,000.00! What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00? Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college - it’ll really be there Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs Buy a new car - create jobs Invest in the market - capital drives growth Pay for your parent’s medical insurance - health care improves Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else Remember this is for every adult U.S. citizen, 18 and older (including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehmann Brothers and every other company that is cutting back) and of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it! Instead of trickling out a puny $1,000.00 (vote buy’) economic incentive. If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U.S. citizen!! We deserve the money and the automakers don’t. Sure it’s a crazy idea, but can you imagine the coast-to-coast block party?! How do you spell Economic Boom? W-e D-e-s-e-r-v-e I-t d-i-v-i-d-e-n-d! I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use an $85 Billion ‘We Deserve It’ dividend more than I do the geniuses in Washington, D.C. . And remember, This plan only really costs $59.5 billion because $25.5 billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam. Do I hear any “Amens” out there?

By butlerfan

November 14, 2008 5:16 AM | Link to this

If they do get to utilize bailout money, I hope they use it well and have learned from the mistakes they have made over the past thirty years.

By Erik

November 13, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Voinovich? Didn’t he used to have an (R) after his name? Oh, that’s only when he’s in campaign mode.

By Rick

November 13, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Let GM file bankruptcy then come out stronger than ever. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy just means throw out the contracts and start all over. Sorry about those 28 buck an hour jobs that can be paid to a guy willing to work for only 12 an hour

By ecp3886

November 13, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Auto Makers should not get a bail out. Only people getting the money will be the CEO’s. Bring them to their knees. THe CEO’s are paid millions each year. YOu think Joe Blow on the assembly line will get something. Sorry to say Joe Blow will get nothing.

By TRS

November 13, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Make no mistake - the bailout the Michigan delegation and the Dems want is that of the UAW. The unions are one of their biggest allies and want to preserve their negotiating power. In bankruptcy if no agreement could be reached, one could be imposed. I have mixed emotions as a GM pension is part of our household income; but, at the same time we can’t throw good money after bad. In today’s DDN Friedman outlined a quasa bankruptcy idea which might work but unless they make big changes in management, union contracts and product, it will do no good. If something occurs, it has to have real strings attached.

By a

November 13, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

When do the American people get our bailout? How about giving us some so that we can pay our loans and debt off and put back into the economy. What’s next? When does it stop?

By LizardKingLives

November 13, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

FYI - the foreign (including Honda/Toyota) auto industry pays on average $30 less an hour than the american auto industry. Unions are largely responsible for it.But we are niave if we think bcause the am auto industry files bankruptcy & reorganizes that the UAW will no longer exist.I am not happy with the circumstances but I am smart enough to know that not helping will only make matters worse much much worse.A bailout is needed and should be done sooner rather than later.I do hope that when a bailout is made we are smart enough to put some stipulation out there.Like a deadline for greener cars to be rolling out, MPG requirements and that the money not go to subsidize any employee benefits and require employees take a pay cut to help the Am auto industry compete with the rest of the world.

By Patty

November 13, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

No bailout file bankruptcy. Yes there is a trickle affect and people will be without jobs. Well they already are. If they get bailout money that won’t bring GM back to Moraine. GM already turned down 56million from Ohio. The Feds already gave them money after GM turned down Ohio. Look how the bailouts have already gone, the companies keep coming back for more. GM will come back for more. They need to file bankruptcy! All businesses need to scale back. Salaries have become extremely inflated in many industries. Including Politicians!

By transplant

November 13, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Millions of every-day American families will be impacted if this does not occur. With that in mind, I would be supportive of loans (not just giving them money) to the auto industry to help in this crisis. Bottom line though is that better cars need to be made getting us to the point where we can compete with others.

By NoUseForAName

November 13, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

This nonsense of capitalist gains and socialist losses has got to stop. Failing companies should be allowed to do just that and make room for more innovative competition. And yes, ironically the Bush years are going to go down as among the most socialist in our history. Where have all the true conservatives gone?

By HalM

November 13, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Bailout No. Loans or loan guarantees, yes. They have been running badly managed businesses for years.

By mick

November 13, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

How about a bailout for the citizens instead?

By SeaBass

November 13, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

I think DDN should take down the comments. The IQ level on here is lower than a toad’s rectum.

By CaribouBarbie

November 13, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Hell No!

By Change

November 13, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

It’s times like these which create opportunity … fleeting chances to make fundemental changes. Providing $$ to these firms, even with “conditions”, only prolongs the agony and potentially closes the door on opportunity. While the Big 2.8 sort through bankruptcy proceedings, let’s have the government define the standard for the next-gen American automobile and spend a few billion to fund its development and prepare factories for production. I’m not usually one to invite government help, but it is becoming increasingly clear to me that fundemental change won’t happen without it.

By Mike

November 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

No, they never should have given any taxpayer dollars out. This new auto bailout would continue to pay pay/retirement/insurance all at taxpayers expense. Go find a job in the real world. where 10.00 an hour is big money.Screw them!!!

By glus

November 13, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

When Daimler bought Chrysler, they quit making front wheel drive cars and went back to all rear wheel drive. Not real bright. They also brought back the Hemi in favor of the more fuel efficient engines developed by Chrysler. They did not understand how to run a high volume American production Company, and ran it into the ground and then sold it to a holding company. The Germans destroyed that company.

By sheople

November 13, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

It is hard to believe that people want to see the auto makers go out of business considering how many other jobs are tied to them.Anti union sentiment? This is going excactly where the rich elite and corporations want to see us.And that is working for low wages.Wake up fools instead of thinking anti union think about this:maybe it would be nice if we all had decent jobs with good benefits.Fight for that and not to tear down our brothers and sisters who are in this together with us.Wake up Americans the fat lady is singing.

By jan

November 13, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Funny everyone talks about the high paid union workers being the problem but Toyota and Honda pay the same pay rate and benefits to their workers. Maybe you should look at the management problems in the company. Like so many other executives, they have their high bonuses and executive vacations paid by the company for running it into the ground. GM executives are no better than AIG executives.

By LizardKingLives

November 13, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Some of these comments are frightening.To think as amer we would turn our back on an industry that is as valuable as the auto industry.The GMs&Fords were only giving the amer public what they wanted…big SUVs.Now the same amers are bashing them for it.It saddens me to know just how selfish and greedy we amers are, that we would criticize after the fact an industry that was only doing what we asked them to do and then refuse them help.I hope you remember this if the big 3 becomes the big 1 and thousands of jobs are lost and the trickle down effect comes knocking at your door.Because I for one will be the first one there to tell you to go to h*ll when you want that unemployment or welfare check because your job was eliminated because of the business that your company losses when there is no auto industry.

By LizardKingLives

November 13, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Some of these comments are frightening.To think as amer we would turn our back on an industry that is as valuable as the auto industry.The GMs&Fords were only giving the amer public what they wanted…big SUVs.Now the same amers are bashing them for it.It saddens me to know just how selfish and greedy we amers are, that we would criticize after the fact an industry that was only doing what we asked them to do and then refuse them help.I hope you remember this if the big 3 becomes the big 1 and thousands of jobs are lost and the trickle down effect comes knocking at your door.Because I for one will be the first one there to tell you to go to h*ll when you want that unemployment or welfare check.

By Tom

November 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

No way should they get a bail out. Let them file Chapter 11 and reorganize. This way they dump the unions. Then only let them make fuel efficient cars and protect the environment. They had many years to do this and ignored what everyone is telling them.

By mwm

November 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

The ripoff has occured over the years. We have GM, Ford and Chrysler, selling gas guzzling vehicles. When in the past, they did market and sell high mpg vehicles. Think of the Geo Metro, the Ford Fiesta, the K cars. So, they have the technology but, refuse to use it. And by the way, big three, If you refuse to build high mpg cars, then fail. We as consumers demand a quality product.

By Chevy Volt in my Future

November 13, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Let them declare bankruptcy, reorganize, then provide taxpayer subsidies to purchase electric vehicles from them. A handout won’t solve anything.

By Jeff Hodapp

November 13, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter what I think. The same closed door deals will be made and tax dollars will be awarded and the rich and powerful will continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the tax payers.

By VietVet

November 13, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

The only way that ANY industry should receive a bail out is to fire the CEO and all who were responsible and ask the line workers to take a pay cut and contribute more to their benefits package.Doing this is better than having no job at all. It doesn’t make any sense to give taxpayer money to the very people who couldn’t predict trends in their industry and who ran the company in the ground.Give the money to a new group of competent people on a one time basis. (Not like AIG who was caught twice spending on luxury events.) Need to get the money back from AIG and let them go out of business. They obviously, haven’t learned any lessons on money management.

By mwm

November 13, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Let everyone remember that socialism has come to America while a republican is in charge. Kind of odd, since most republicans are of the fascist persuasion.

By Rod

November 13, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Have them all file bankruptcy, no more bailouts for any companies. One simple reason why, where would it end. Sink or swim, no more of my tax dollars should be spent on helping out the corporations and their close ties to the power that be in DC. I along with everyone else in this country are “sick and tired” of this massive intrusion of Big Brother into the private sector. It seems that we are all witnessing the end of the US as it was intended in real time. Goodbye Old Glory!!!

By J. Lee

November 13, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Everyone keeps trying to attack the unions and understandably so. However, they don’t think about how it’s affecting us non-union dealership employees. I’ve seen employees let go who have been here for years because our business has been hurting. Why care about banks who just want your money than automakers who are trying to help you and feed our families.

By Carl

November 13, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

The UAW has caused all the automotive problems and the auto companies have let them have their way, now it is time for the auto companies to let happen what happens in other companies - no bailout figure a way to bail yourselves out we cannot afford more burden on our children and grandchildren just because the auto companies want another hand out - the normal homeowner is not getting a bailout, nor will the government give us one - so good luck auto companies figuring how to stay in business - we are all now planning on buying foreign cars which are cheaper and run better. It is the UAW and other unions that have caused these problems - Have fun working at Walmart and McDonalds like most of us are today.

By mwm

November 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

If a bailout of the auto industry goes through, it should be under the stipulation that they produce vehicles with 100+ mpg. Or, alternative energy vehicles. The money should be used to retool. Since we all know that high mpg vehicles can and are being built worldwide, there is no argument. The Tesla, the air car, the hybrids, the Smart, the foreign Fords, and some of the other econoboxes are getting high mpg. The big three have no excuses left. They either tow the line or fail. If we bail them out then we become part owners and they listen to us.

By bailout

November 13, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I SAY YES, BAILOUTS FOR EVERYONE NOT JUST WHITE COLLAR MORONS WITH FINANCIAL JOBS

By Hal

November 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Read Tom Friedman’s article in Tuesday’s NY Times. Don’t give the car makers a dime until they make a 50 mile per gallon car; taxpayers should not pay for UAW contracts; not my problem; stop pollution cars and trucks and then give them a loan that they have to pay back.

By KB

November 13, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

The bailout for GM is non-sense.The union has been over paid and protected for to long.Union workers have had it made for years.Hi paid labor that does less work then my kids do around the house.The Gov. needs to remember that helping the auto makers and not helping all others that are being affected is sending the wrong message.Lazy union workers must be fired and so should the management that helped them get in this shape.Government is the problem and the people of the US need to stop letting them get away with spending tax payers money on failure.If American people really want change then lets start by removing the main cause, not spending more money to fund support for future failure.Its time for the big 3 to get a taste of what most Americans have been dealing with for years. NO GM BAILOUT

By glus

November 13, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I agree they need to file chapter 11 and reorganize like every other company does. That government handout doesn’t change the irresponsible CEO’s and upper management that that only saw $$ with big overpriced gas guzzling SUV’s. They were still pushing SUV’s a year ago when gas prices started to go crazy. The writing was on the wall 10 years ago and they chose to ignore it. Their upper management is like the government. Unable to react fast enough because they are Bloated and out of touch with us common folk and reality.

By JAN

November 13, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

If the government is going to bail out banks, who like AIG in turn waste the money on extravagant vacations for their executives, then why not save the Auto Companies. At least the money will go to save not just the union jobs but all the other automotive jobs that so many American’s desperately need.

By ken

November 13, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

how comes Honda here in Ohio pays/benefits as well or better than G.M. put out a more reliable vehicle at a more reasonable cost, and still shows a profit? 1) poor management 2)the union 3) lazy over protected union members that drink on the job daily 4) all the above NO BAILOUT!! look at the Chrysler bailout.. is there still chrysler in Dayton? no. Then what good will a bail out do? I know the bail out will happen… with all the money that changes hands and “favors” passed around. you know the government officials are going to do as they allways do… sell out

By bill

November 13, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Teresa, I was laid off from GM. I know the amount of money that was pissed away. I got paid $48 dollars an hour, not OT, regular time! I really didn’t do much. I checked for blemishes on the interior, quality control, ect… Now I’m let go from GM, I have appreciated what I had. However, being laid off has given me another outstanding job. And I’m having a blast now. NO BAILOUT!!!

By US automakers

November 13, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

US automakers saw this coming 10 years ago and refused to do zero about it. Once again they are behind in the market due to greed at the top and the squeezing unions. There needs to be STRICT regulations if a bail out is provided and I think the American people should be able to vote on the package. Afterall it is our tax dollars picking up the tab.

By Teresa

November 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Are you guys serious. This could eliminate up to 3 million jobs not to mention depriving governments of more than $150 billion in tax revenue. If the Treasury Secretary “Henry Paulson” could bail out AIG for $150 billion, and they turn around and spend $400,000 the following week at a retreat. An unclosed amount spent last week at another retreat. Give me a break.

By JB

November 13, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I agree with Duane that the car companies need to scale down but it isn’t only the unions fault by a long long shot. Management is equally if not more to blame. As for the bailout - the government continues to reward failure and punish success. They’ve got it completely backwards. What about the SMALL businesses that played by the rules, didn’t overextend themselves ? What “help” do they get? Government is not the solution to these problems - government IS the problem.

By Bill

November 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Duane, I would have to agree with you. GM needs to file chapter 11. The over priced, under worked union needs to be fired! NO BAILOUT FOR GM and the UNION WORKERS!!!

By Duane

November 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

The unions have put themselves and the company in the situation they are in. I do not want my money to bail out the unions!The car makers need to reduce the number of types of cars, and concentrate on fewer models!