Comments on: GM, Congress, and You

By: Brandon

Brandon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:46:22 +0000

I don’t believe that they deserve the bail out money. Especially after flying to Washington in their private jets (that cost an estimated $20,000 by the way). With that being said, the bail out money is needed. If only to keep the big three a float for the time being while they attempt to right the ship. The alternative of them folding has the potential to cripple the michigan economy.

I think the money needs to come with stipulations. First the money has to be used for day to day operations only. Second, the CEO’s should take a drastic paycut (GM’s CEO makes 14 million a year, Ford’s made 21 million last year).

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:40:50 +0000

It’s like putting a band-aid over a wound that need staples, or stiches:(

By: Frank A

Frank A — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:46:29 +0000

If GM is not helped with a LOAN then I guarantee that you will have an immediate family member, close friend and possibly yourself that will lose their job. They need to have restraints on the loan and expect to be repaid before any stock holder or executive gets a cent. I am a GM stockholder and would not want it any other way!!!!!!!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:03:03 +0000

Wow Kate is on top!!!
You go girl!!

By: Bob Horton

Bob Horton — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:15:37 +0000

I’m sure they will get there money. Why you ask? Politicians are running the hearings. Politicians are elected officials who are reelected with a great deal of help from lobbyist. Auto unions are one of the largest lobbyist in Washington. What politician is going to say no to the people who can reelect them.

By: Kristi Lawrence

Kristi Lawrence — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:49:42 +0000

I do know that Kate. The kickback goes where????

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:24:25 +0000

Thanks Ryan!

Quick thought about “foreign” cars. Yes, foreigners do own the companies, but I had a Honda that was made in Solon, OH. and a Toyota that was built in Mississippi. American workers.

Here’s a blurb from Toyota’s website:
In 13 locations across North America, more than 36,000 team members are producing over 1.3 million vehicles, more than 1.5 million engines, and nearly 400,000 automatic transmissions per year. In fact, 11 Toyota and Lexus models are built in North America with parts purchased from hundreds of North American supplier locations.

http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/operations/manufacturing/index.html

Why are they not asking for money? Perhaps our “American” automakers should take some lessons. I am PRO American by the way. I have a Buick and a Ford and have previously had Olds, Jeep, Dodge, Lincoln and Cadillac. Honestly, my Toyota lasted the longest with 268,000 miles on the odometer when I sold it. Hmmm.

By: Kristi Lawrence

Kristi Lawrence — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:21:57 +0000

I also have family in the BIG 3. Retired father and lost a ton in what he thought would be a million dollar retirment. Brother ready to retire. I think that they should file bankruptcy and restructure. Oh and I wonder how many of the Ceo’s and upper management drive foreign auto’s? I bought American and didn’t get the exact car that i wanted just a couple of months back due to wanting to support the Big 3. Sore subject with me.

By: Ted Hoagland

Ted Hoagland — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:44:03 +0000

Explain to me when the times were great for the auto makers, when you heard about HUGE BILLION AND BILLION DOLLAR PROFITS, WHERE HAS ALL THAT MONEY GONE???

By: steph g

steph g — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:42:02 +0000

Well my Dad had retired from GM and I just worry about his retirement, will it be affected? What will it do to Detroit for that matter, It will become a ghost town, Michigan will also, Not a good thing!! I think if the housing got a bailout so should the auto industry, it’s only fair.
I agree to buy american so many people have bought foriegn vehicles, I am with GM all the way, the higher up people should be replaced and started all new.
Poor choices have been made YES.. but Michigan needs General Motors.
Think of all the jobs lost.
I think of all the Retirees also.