General Motors is BANKRUPT!

[Novine]

"Where is your TV made? DVD player? Cell phone? Common house hold appliances? Dishes?

Oh yeah, out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign"

You really want to argue that cheap products that have fed the demand of consumerism has been good for America? Our attitude about consumption and desire for cheap products over those made in the US has fed both the culture of debt and destroyed much of our homegrown employment. We might be getting cheap products in the process but it hasn't been good for America's long-term employment prospects.

[Buy American]

Where is your TV made? DVD player? Cell phone? Common house hold appliances? Dishes?

Oh yeah, out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign.

Other than a home, your cars are the biggest ticket items you purchase throughout your lifetime. To compare a dishwasher or a cell phone is absurd.

American automobiles = profits stay in America.

[jcole]

Other than a home, your cars are the biggest ticket items you purchase throughout your lifetime. To compare a dishwasher or a cell phone is absurd.

American automobiles = profits stay in America.

Yes, but you will, by your own definition, buy many more VCRs, dishwashers, cell phones, etc, over a lifetime than you will cars. So will the rest of consumers. So explain to me why this comparison is SO absurd. The sheer volume of consumer goods made in China will far surpass the number of cars over a span of years.

[aprilgirl33]

A sad but true reality....

This happened in the US, and not in some Communist country, to Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu in Melbourne FL

An Open Letter from the owner of Sunshine Dodge & Isuzu made "public" ... his view on more Govt in our lives.

Read on:


My name is George C. Joseph. I am the sole owner of Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu, a family owned and operated business in Melbourne, Florida. My family bought and paid for this automobile franchise 35 years ago in 1974. I am the second generation to manage this business.

We currently employ 50+ people and before the economic slowdown we employed over 70 local people. We are active in the community and the local Chamber of Commerce. We deal with several dozen local vendors on a day to day basis and many more during a month. All depend on our business for part of their livelihood. We are financially strong with great respect in the market place and community. We have strong local presence and stability. I work every day the store is open, nine to ten hours a day. I know most of our customers and all our employees. Sunshine Dodge is my life.

On Thursday, May 14, 2009 I was notified that my Dodge franchise, that we purchased, will be taken away from my family on June 9, 2009 without compensation and given to another dealer at no cost to them. My new
vehicle inventory consists of 125 vehicles with a financed balance of 3 million dollars. This inventory becomes impossible to sell with no factory incentives beyond June 9, 2009. Without the Dodge franchise we can no longer sell a new Dodge as "new," nor will we be able to do any warranty service work. Additionally, my Dodge parts inventory, [[approximately $300,000.) is virtually worthless without the ability to perform warranty service. There is no offer from Chrysler to buy back the vehicles or parts inventory without the ability to perform warranty service.

Our facility was recently totally renovated at Chrysler's insistence, incurring a multi-million dollar debt in the form of a mortgage at Sun Trust Bank.

HOW IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CAN THIS HAPPEN? THIS IS A PRIVATE BUSINESS NOT A GOVERNMENT ENTITY!

This is beyond imagination! My business is being stolen from me through NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. We did NOTHING wrong. This atrocity will most likely force my family into bankruptcy. This will also cause our 50+ employees to be unemployed. How will they provide for their families? This is a total economic disaster!

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

Sincerely,

George C. Joseph

President & Owner

Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu

[aprilgirl33]

Or maybe this????


The letter below was run as an advertisment in our local paper today, it was run by Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Michigan but was written by James Jackson of Elkins Fordlandin West Virgina .
Thank-you Mr Jackson, nobody else could have said it better!
As I watch the coverage of the fate of the US Auto Industry one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right between the eyes. The fate of our nation’s econo mic survival is in the hands of some Congressmen who are completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation. The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists who are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of millions of viewers. Senator Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. You and the uninformed journalist and Senators that hold onto myths that are not relevant in today’s world.
When you say that the Big 3 build vehicles nobody wants to buy you must have over looked that GM out sold Toyota by about 1.2 Million vehicles in the United States and Ford out sold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 Million in the U.S. GM was the world’s #1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big 3, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial quality? Did you bother to=2 0read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers.
Did you realize Big 3’s gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord? And for 09 Ford introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best mid size, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford’s Focus beats the Corolla and Chevy’s Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring to 1980. The only Big 3 bailout was Chrysler who paid back 1 Billion plus interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big 3 for building so many pickups surely you’ve noticed the attempts Toyota and Nissan have made spending billions to try to get a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight years Ford’s F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this market and when you see the new 09 F-150 you’ll agree this wont change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or Honda? Between 2005 and 2007 Ford alone has invested more than $22 Billion in research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel, clean diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It’s 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again the best in the world.
Perhaps Senator Shelby isn’t really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift to American. Maybe it’s the fact that his state of Alabama has given so much to land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is more concerned about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Mr. Shelby’s distain for “government subsides� is very hypocritical. In the early 90’s he was the driving force behind a 253 Million incentive package to Mercedes. Plus Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500=2 0vehicles from Mercedes. While the bridge loan the Big 3 is requesting will be paid back, Alabama ’s $180,000 plus per job was pure incentive. Mr. Shelby, not only are you out of touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions and decisions.
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt our Asian competitors employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost. Although many U.A.W. concessions begin in 2010 many lawmakers think it’s not enough.
Some point the blame to Corporate Management. I would like to speak of Ford Motor Company. The company has streamlined by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since 2005. Closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product is excellent and the company is focused on ONE FORD. Th is is a company poised for success. Ford product quality and corporate management have improved light years since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally and the best auto company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of Wall Street has led to a $700 Billion bailout of the industry that created the problem. AIG spent nearly 1 Million on 3 company excursions to lavish resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to 250 Billion foreclosure relief and the whole thing is a mess. So when the big 3 ask for 4% of that of the 700 Billion, 25 Billion to save the country’s largest industry there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the culprits of the problem with 700 Billion unconditionally, and ignore the victims?
As a Ford dealer I feel our portion of the 25 Billion will never be touched and is not necessary. Ford currently has 29 Billion of liquidity. However the effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business with. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care and retirements. Chances are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if GM or all 3 go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and some forgiven debt goes back to the tax payer, us. With no chance of repayment this would be much worse than a loan with the intent of repayment.
So while it is debatable weather a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big 3, a 25 Billion loan is definitely better for the tax payers and the economy of our country.
So I’ll end where I began, on the quality of the Products of Detroit. Before you, Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to misinform the American public and turn them against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I must ask you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman, vote to end health care and retirement benefits for 1,000,000 retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our nation’s jobs, loose the technology that will lead us in the future and create an economic disaster including 100’s of billions of tax dollars lost. I ask this question not in the rhetorical sense; I ask it in the sincere, literal way:
Can you tell me, have YOU driven a Ford lately?
James Jackson
President, Elkins Fordland, Inc.

[Buy American]

Yes, but you will, by your own definition, buy many more VCRs, dishwashers, cell phones, etc, over a lifetime than you will cars. So will the rest of consumers. So explain to me why this comparison is SO absurd. The sheer volume of consumer goods made in China will far surpass the number of cars over a span of years.

Just do the math. If you purchase a new car every 3-5 [[or even every 5-8 ) years at $30,000 a copy over a period of 40 or 50 years that's a whole lot lot money. How many cell phones at $200 a copy; or dishwashers or televisions would it take to equal your overall automobile purchases throughout your lifetime?

[ejames01]

Profits don't stay in America. They are invested all over the world.

Other than a home, your cars are the biggest ticket items you purchase throughout your lifetime. To compare a dishwasher or a cell phone is absurd.

American automobiles = profits stay in America.

[jcole]

Almost everybody has a cellphone. They get a new one every couple of years. Same goes with computers, laptops, TVs, microwaves, VCRs, DVRs, converter boxes, MP3 players, GPS units, etc, etc. This includes kids and teenagers, most of whom don't own their own cars. Add up all the electronics that we buy in a lifetime, not just cellphones and VCRs, and I think you'll come up with a pretty large chunk of change. Why do you think WalMart is doing so well?

[Buy American]

Profits don't stay in America. They are invested all over the world.

The Big 3 have invested all over the world, for the betterment of others. They have invested big time in charities, made donations in the health care field, sponsored events to raise money for the needy, provided jobs for hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens. Tell me what Honda or Toyota does for the American people?

[mjs]

Other than a home, your cars are the biggest ticket items you purchase throughout your lifetime. To compare a dishwasher or a cell phone is absurd.

American automobiles = profits stay in America.

Its not absurd if you work for the manufacturer of a dishwasher or cell phone or you're a supplier of theirs. When they close plants, they also lose middle class blue collar jobs and high paying white collar jobs. These American companies also improve the world and give time and money to charities. I can tell you I've seen alot more hustle, efficiency, and innovation in their plants. There is more to buying American than just buying automobiles that provide profits for the big three execs.

[mjs]

Tell me what Honda or Toyota does for the American people?

They have . . .

invested all over the world, for the betterment of others. They have invested big time in charities, made donations in the health care field, sponsored events to raise money for the needy, provided jobs for hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens.

[Buy American]

^^^So then you are all for GM going bankrupt? It's all about the executives getting rich? GM or Chrysler didn't put food on millions of tables throughout the U.S.? All the arguments you have are lame compared to what the devastation will be here. God help us all.

[mjs]

I'm all for calling things what they are. Buy American is really buy Michigan name plate vehicles. Its not even buy Michigan name plate vehicles and American manufactured parts or buy vehicles manufactured in America. Stay on topic here. Focus. Your rant was . . .

This is to all consumers who purchased foreign automobiles.....

WHAT YOU DRIVE, DRIVES AMERICA!
OUT OF A JOB YET? KEEP BUYING FOREIGN.

I'm saying your shouting is more about keeping the auto execs rich than keeping American jobs. I never support dramatic market shifts that cause people anywhere in the world to have to leave the companies that lost in the shift and start over with the companies that gained from the shift.

God help us all.

I think Americans buying American manufactured goods, regardless of industry or ownership, would be far more practical help.

[Blarf]

Other than a home, your cars are the biggest ticket items you purchase throughout your lifetime. To compare a dishwasher or a cell phone is absurd.

American automobiles = profits stay in America.

So you're admitting to buying products that aren't made in America?

So much for "buy American", ehh?

[Johnnny5]

Where is your TV made? DVD player? Cell phone? Common house hold appliances? Dishes?

Oh yeah, out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign.

I read the country of origin label on EVERY single item I purchase! With the use of the internet you can still find a domestic producer for 90% of everything you buy on a daily basis. From cars to clothing and everything in between, it's getting more difficult daily, but it's still worth doing in IMO. Due to the greed and shortsightedness of American manufacturers, retailers and consumers it's very difficult to purchase some items that are made in the USA. I can tell you that there are still many home appliances and serving wares made here. [[Small electronics are more difficult to find).

[Blarf]

I read the country of origin label on EVERY single item I purchase! With the use of the internet you can still find a domestic producer for 90% of everything you buy on a daily basis. From cars to clothing and everything in between, it's getting more difficult daily, but it's still worth doing in IMO. Due to the greed and shortsightedness of American manufacturers, retailers and consumers it's very difficult to purchase some items that are made in the USA. I can tell you that there are still many home appliances and serving wares made here. [[Small electronics are more difficult to find).

I'm sure you can find most items that are made in America if you really put the effort in. The average person doesn't.

I would bet that you could walk into this "Buy American" person's house and find a product that wasn't made in American in less than a minut. The ink used in printing those stupid "Out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign" bumper stickers was probably produced in Europe.

Yet he's going to sit on his computer [[which probably has parts made in foreign countries) and tell us to buy American. Go figure.

[bobby wobby]

First,I will bet the Government will get their money back just like the first Chrysler bailout ,back in the 1980s,Second Robert Reich should know the 2 reasons for the GM bailout,preserve jobs and keep some American industrial base.Third ,you people, so proud of your Jap cars,I could care less, just don't cut down my car because its American, our cars are just as good,sometimes even better. People who care about Americans drive American.

[ronaldj]

As Alfred Sloan, once or twice, said "What's good for General Motors is good for America". Spinning in his grave. Billy Durant, too.

[aprilgirl33]

Hello Socialism. We've been expecting you.

[4real]

The bailout is a waste of everyone's money
Even dem Robert Reich, [[old clinton labor guy) thinks so, http://www.businessinsider.com/rober...economy-2009-6

The votes the Democrats just purchased sure cost a lot of money.
They should thank the taxpayers for purchasing all those union votes.

When will the new GM fail again is anyones guess, because it won't survive under gov't control.

[Buy American]

I'm sure you can find most items that are made in America if you really put the effort in. The average person doesn't.

I would bet that you could walk into this "Buy American" person's house and find a product that wasn't made in American in less than a minut. The ink used in printing those stupid "Out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign" bumper stickers was probably produced in Europe.

Yet he's going to sit on his computer [[which probably has parts made in foreign countries) and tell us to buy American. Go figure.

Yes, you can walk into my home and find a product that wasn't made in America. You can then walk into my garage and find two American automobiles. Those two automobiles cost approximately $50,000 combined. These two automobiles I purchased [[and I have purchased many new cars in my lifetime) have kept many Americans working. I do what I can when I can for my country. Of all the computers, cell phones, dishwashers and microwaves that I've purchased over the years, the total cost is no where near what I've spent in automobiles. There has never been anything other than an American automobile in my household....and I have no ties to The Big 3. I do my best to support American products when I can. It is getting next to impossible to do so, but when it comes to supporting the Big 3, that's where I do have a choice and I choose to support my fellow Americans, what some of you do is your business. I say Buy American automobiles. I've said this since I joined this forum and will continue to do so.

[Johnnny5]

I'm sure you can find most items that are made in America if you really put the effort in. The average person doesn't.

I would bet that you could walk into this "Buy American" person's house and find a product that wasn't made in American in less than a minut. The ink used in printing those stupid "Out of the job yet? Keep buying foreign" bumper stickers was probably produced in Europe.

Yet he's going to sit on his computer [[which probably has parts made in foreign countries) and tell us to buy American. Go figure.

I doubt BuyAmerican is suggesting that we must purchase every single item from a domestic source. That's simply not feasible in today's global economy. A better suggestion is to "buy American" whenever a quality built American made product is available. Fortunately there is no shortage of quality cars designed and manufactured right here in Metro Detroit! It makes little sense to ignore the plight of our state and local economy by sending our money to Europe or Asia.

Now please tell me what exactly is the reason for having a car shipped [[whether whole or in pieces) from halfway across the world?

[Buy American]

I doubt BuyAmerican is suggesting that we must purchase every single item from a domestic source. That's simply not feasible in today's global economy. A better suggestion is to "buy American" whenever a quality built American made product is available. Fortunately there is no shortage of quality cars designed and manufactured right here in Metro Detroit! It makes little sense to ignore the plight of our state and local economy by sending our money to Europe or Asia.

Now please tell me what exactly is the reason for having a car shipped [[whether whole or in pieces) from halfway across the world?

Thank you.

[Blarf]

Yes, you can walk into my home and find a product that wasn't made in America.

Good. Now shut up and stop telling people to buy American.

[jcole]

I doubt BuyAmerican is suggesting that we must purchase every single item from a domestic source. That's simply not feasible in today's global economy. A better suggestion is to "buy American" whenever a quality built American made product is available. Fortunately there is no shortage of quality cars designed and manufactured right here in Metro Detroit! It makes little sense to ignore the plight of our state and local economy by sending our money to Europe or Asia.

Now please tell me what exactly is the reason for having a car shipped [[whether whole or in pieces) from halfway across the world?

No, he's not. He only cares if people buy American made cars. The rest of the trappings of daily life that are made in China, Mexico, Europe and God knows where else don't matter to him. He doesn't work for their industries.