From someone who grew up with the auto industry, and in the best interest of our nation, yes, it is our government’s job is to help them out, but it isn’t the tax-payers’ job! That being said, it must be with stringent conditions, and an outside auditing firm - nothing “inside” (I know that industry too well - in fact, my grandfather had the first automobile engine plant in the world in Ecorse). The conditions? No more bonuses paid to any employee, no more lobbyists, lawyers, no “consultants” not even consultants, and all executive salaries reduced by 40% - on top of all of that, everyone employed must have their high school diploma, or a GED, or go on a reduced income of 3X minimum wage, with their benefits preserved, during this Literal Bail-Out-Period. Additionally, no more 10% or more average cost of employee benefits built into each vehicles price, and no dealers may sell a car a more than 6% above factory-cost (not “SUGGESTED” or Dealers price). BASTA. The industry must work for this money because they have rolled along for years providing huge bonuses to uneducated workers (many earning more than college graduates as Conoco-Phillips and the other oil companies are doing, too). Additionally, once each company is showing a 5% Net Profit, 2% must be paid into a fund to make natural gas accessible - to, for example, the trucking industry over a February 1, 2009 Executive Branch determined period of time (right now it’s a nice idea but wholly impossible). Incidentally, the auto industry starts spewing about all the money they donate to charitable causes … well, that bolus of money is dedicated annually for advertising/marketing. Until they each begin to donate directly from their assets to charitable causes, no more tax credits. “IRS do you hear me?” And, while they’re at it, stop treating women as bag ladies when they come to purchase a car - which dealers do unless we have bleached blond hair, lots of make-up, and arrive in a leased vehicle (a lot they know!). Those are the conditions, boys! The tax-payers and auto consumers are watching you.

opps - sorry

For me this says it best: “The problem right now is that everyone is trying to accomplish in a few days something that no one has been able to get the auto industry to do in a few decades,” Mickey Kantor, a former United States trade representative, who was a central player in the Big Three’s negotiations with the Clinton administration in 1992, which also vowed to help Detroit and preserve jobs. “You are not going to protect everyone, find new leadership for the car companies, force innovation — and get Congress home for Thanksgiving’” Big auto should have done something about this a decade or more ago but they continued to build SUV’s and large trucks with no thought for the future—The handwriting’s on the wall and was there a decade ago, but i don’t want taxpayer dollars bailing them out without one hell of a lot of conditions placed on them. The day of the big horse-powered truck, auto and SUV is long gone—it’s time big auto was forced by government restrictions to face up to this and get their collective acts together. If not, if they can’t accept this, then they deserve to sink.

Dear Uncle Sam: We are married 26 years, both working full time every year of it; 1 mortgage, 4 cars, 2 kids in college, etc. We have never, ever, ever requested government assistance. When times got tough, we just got up, went to work, and toughed it out with less. My husband found out last week that the company he works for is closing this month. He is 52 and the job market (as you know) is about as bad as it gets. I, the wife, work to pay for our health insurance and food - there is nothing left of my paycheck once those things are paid for each month. We would like to be placed at the top of the bailout list. We’ve never cheated or lied, ripped anyone off, taken gifts or money we didn’t deserve, or asked for loans or money we knew we couldn’t pay back. Please let us know when our check is in the mail. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Working Class Taxpayer

Greater minds than mine must remember that these same issues existed in the 70’s. Sometime around late 70’s the government bailed out Chrysler but in some, I assume ‘regulated’ bailout, managed to make over 500 million dollars over the course of the deal. At that time the same concerns about foreign oil and gas guzzlers were common knowledge. The difference now is two fold 1) The auto industry is one among myriad problems, but 2) We have a President-Elect who acknowledges what happens in cycles when gas prices drop significantly : we just go back to what we’ve always done and drop innovation for profit until the next disaster. Obama, ‘No, it’s time right now to stop the addiction.’ I agree, nothing to the residents of the Bloomfield enclave without pinpoint regulations and transparent oversight. If I were cynical I would directly connect this current situation to Cheney’s clandestine energy meetings-executive privilege?-but I am on this issue, so I will. Peace and grace

Companies that have made poor choices and can’t cut it need to fail. New enterprises will rise from their ashes to fill the gap in the market… if indeed there is a gap to be filled. Supply and demand. Supply and demand. Enough of the emerging zeitgeist of poor little rich CEOs with palms outstretched. Let’s get real. There’s a whole lot of corporate messing around these days. Enron, AIG, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, Tyco, Global Crossing, Adelphi… need I go on?

For the American auto makers…I am truly sorry..they staked their lives and worked their hearts out for a moribund beast and I pray for you all that you and your families will find a new way…truly. For the US automakers: I have NEVER bought an American car. Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo yes….but your autos are as fat, stupid and moribund as your ‘leaders.” You supported Bush Inc. You produced gas guzzling SUV’s when anyone with 1/2 brain could see what was needed was quality/and conservation. You were in league with the evil US oil companies. FU!!!