Government May Nationalize the Auto Industry

[scoolbubba]

In the cnn report on the same subject, the GM spokesman claims its based on the need for safety of the individuals flying. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the safety record of commercial aviation is equal to, if not better than private jets, simply based on the number of people who fly everyday divided by the extremely low mishap rate. The difference, if any, is definitely not worth the dinero wasted on these no talent ass clowns anyways.

 

[S.O.B.]

In the cnn report on the same subject, the GM spokesman claims its based on the need for safety of the individuals flying. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the safety record of commercial aviation is equal to, if not better than private jets, simply based on the number of people who fly everyday divided by the extremely low mishap rate. The difference, if any, is definitely not worth the dinero wasted on these no talent ass clowns anyways.

I think they're concerned about some random passenger whipping the CEOs ass for fvcking up the country.

 

[OUSOONER]

It's like me getting out of my Aston Martin and wearing my Armani suit to go complain to the welfare office to ask wtf is the delay on my welfare check.

 

[scoolbubba]

I think they're concerned about some random passenger whipping the CEOs ass for fvcking up the country.

to be fair, they haven't fvcked the whole country. Just the 1 million auto related jobs, countless automobile suppliers and their employees, and the entire economy of the state of michigan.

could be worse, right?

and it's not like they'd be flying coach. no one dangerous flies first class, except Naomi Campbell.

 

[Brett327]

I understand that appearances can mean a lot, and these guys could do a lot more to bolster their image with the public given their situation, but it drives me crazy how the public/media focuses on things like CEO salaries or other class warfare stuff. I understand it looks bad for these guys to be holding their hands out given their salaries, but it's not like it's all coming from the same pot of cash. I'm sure CEO salaries are negotiated and contracted years in advance. What I do have a problem with is when these CEOs drive their companies into the ground, then get hired by the gov't.

Brett

 

[Cobra Commander]

I'm not seeing the problem. Do CEO's have the time to fly like the rest of us? No. Is this minor expense going to matter at all? No. The very notion of them flying via airline to save money is absurd. Their companies are looking for billion dollar bailouts and people are crapping their pants over a few thousand dollars.

 

[Single Seat]

If the UAW and the auto workers want to save themselves, they need to start ponyin' up some wage concessions. The Airline industry and it's employees have been doing it for years now in the interest of self preservation. Time the UAW took a page from their play book.


On the Private Jet issue... A CEO's time is money. It's fucking stupid that they were flamed for showing up on a private jet. Had they flown commercial, they would have had to leave the day before, and probably get home the following day. Three days of travel for one hearing is a waste of time for these guys. A private jet, while being a luxury, is also a business tool and facilitates increased productivity.

 

[The Chief]

... Even "if" the sole motivation for the bridge loans is to save the UAW pensions, in liquidation, the pensions would revert to the US Government albeit at a reduced rate ... both the Europeans and Japanese have socialized healthcare. I don't want to get a conversation going on healthcare, but simply point out that they do not carry healthcare costs for their retiree's and this is an advantage when it comes to the company’s bottom line. ...

Excellent points, imho. Would only add that Medicare, Parts A, B and D should carry the UAW retired folk, just like the rest of folk. But agree, let us not talk about health care in this corner.

Complicated issue. I wish our elected representatives well, and wish them a wise decision.

 

[Flash]

On the Private Jet issue... A CEO's time is money. It's fucking stupid that they were flamed for showing up on a private jet. Had they flown commercial, they would have had to leave the day before, and probably get home the following day. Three days of travel for one hearing is a waste of time for these guys. A private jet, while being a luxury, is also a business tool and facilitates increased productivity.

Like people have already said, appearances are important, especially when you are asking the American people to bail your butt out. As a Congressman pointed out, they could have 'jet pooled'.

 

[bubblehead]

If the UAW and the auto workers want to save themselves, they need to start ponyin' up some wage concessions. The Airline industry and it's employees have been doing it for years now in the interest of self preservation. Time the UAW took a page from their play book.

The government need to let the auto makers fall on their own sword...

Don't even get me started on the UAW...

 

[Stick]

Looks like the government is considering a bail out for the auto makers. IMHO, the big 3 got themselves into this situation so they should get themselves out.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,455407,00.html

 

[m0tbaillie]

So let me get this straight... the Big Three need 25 billion of tax-payers' money so that they can continue to allow us to buy shit-vehicles? How much of the 25 billion do they promise to put into alternative fuel sources like they should have been doing for the last 20 years?

 

[Stick]

So let me get this straight... the Big Three need 25 billion of tax-payers' money so that they can continue to allow us to buy shit-vehicles? How much of the 25 billion do they promise to put into alternative fuel sources like they should have been doing for the last 20 years?

$0, that $25b is the money for alternative fuels.

 

[Bevo16]

So let me get this straight... the Big Three need 25 billion of tax-payers' money so that they can continue to allow us to buy shit-vehicles? How much of the 25 billion do they promise to put into alternative fuel sources like they should have been doing for the last 20 years?

The Big 3 have managed to run a fucked up business model for a long time without having the government forcing them into an even more fucked up business model.

I want companies in the US to build cars that they can sell at a profit to consumers. There is no "alternative energy" source that is VIABLE much less one that is in demand. If science could produce a "Mr. Fusion" that can get me to work and back at 75 MPH and run on dirty diapers, then I'll be the first one in line. IT DOES NOT EXIST. And 99% of America does not want to drive a stupid ass roller skate (Prius) in front of their friends.

Any time someone brings "alternative energy" into a conversation about business (or anything involving supply and demand curves), they should put on the dunce cap and go stand in the corner for an hour because you are in way over your head. If you could combine that junk science with business, the "industry" would not need billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidy to operate. The "alternative energy" program is nothing more than welfare for science majors. Shut up, drill another well, and do what works.

It's your fucking fault that we are paying 9.50 a pound for rib-eyes. God-dammed ethanol. [/rant]

 

[GroundPounder]

Because the auto industry sucks does not need the aviation industry has to suffer too.

Just wait and see how many helo pilots are needed to carry police when the food riots start.

Actually, I think we've requested air support to protect the Solent Green convoys, not to quell food riots. We've got something else in mind for that.