I am of the particular opinion that one of the over-arching schemes of the current administration is now, as it has been for some nearly eight years now, to completely eliminate the middle class in America. To give credit, that goal has very nearly been successfully accomplished.
The administration says it is not merely NOT in favor of a bailout or assistance to the auto manufacturing industry, but is radically opposed to any such assistance whatsoever–unless, of course, the bill comes to the President with the Central American Free Trade Agreement attached.
The voice of the opposition is Alabama Senator Shelby. This is an amazing fact, given the number of jobs currently and projected in his state which come directly (or otherwise) from this very industry. He would tell you that Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is the only reasonable solution, because these companies (three of them, that is…not the ones in HIS state) have a failed model, poor/antiquated/unrealistic management, and a bad or non-existent recovery plan.
Senator Shelby will readily admit that he was rabidly opposed to the Chrysler “bailout” some 28 years ago, as well. History and a brief fact-checking romp will quickly see the very self-same argument then, as now. With one notable difference.
This time, Senator Shelby will not allow the words “Union” and “Buster” come out of his mouth at all, much less in quick succession. He does quickly, yet lightly and innocently touch, usually as his third reason these days, on the “labor contracts problem” these three companies have.
There is, with the possible exception of the current President, no person in government service today MORE anti-unionist than Senator Shelby. He is not willing to concede that failure to act now has nothing whatsoever to do with the future success/failure of three huge and, admittedly troubled, American manufacturing companies. He has no ability whatsoever to see or acknowledge that it is NOT about these three companies at this particular moment in American history.
We are discussing the survival of an INDUSTRY. We surely have precedent. I can think of some 700 billion of them for one industry, just recently. Was the money to help the american taxpayer in a beleagured economy? No. Was the money to help the strapped mortgage holder/payor as the meltdown, which they had NOTHING to do with, fell in directly upon their heads? No. Was the money, in any conceivable manner, directed to help the American Taxpayer–at all?
No.
It was to insure the profits of the managers of an INDUSTRY, who lied, and stole; cheated and misled their way through a miazma of dedicated dirty tricks, loopholes, and pure wide-open deceit for the purpose of making themselves money. They caused by directive the current “credit crunch”. The truth of it is, they (and, I must state categorically that first among them are the Banker Paulson and his boss) have absolutely no intention whatsoever of doing what T.A.R.P. required them to do in the first place.
They did as much say so. In fact, they were so sure of themselves that they REQUIRED absolute authority with ZERO accountability at the time the funds were being negotiated in the Congress. Then, when the funds were committed TO SAVE THE AMERICAN ECONOMY, they simply decided they were going to do precisely as they wished, and fully anticipate NO RETRIBUTION whatsoever from this government, or these people. Their profits are insured, and guaranteed. Stockholders, shareholders, and the American People be, quite frankly, damned!
And, if killing these companies now can insure not only the elimination of some 4,000,000 middle class jobs and workers from the american scene before the end of this year, so much the better.
To save the American economy, we need to give the AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY some $200 billion. I’d say they’ve earned it. I’d also say that if we don’t, the american economy will tank so badly that we will, most probably never ever recover. There is no doubt we will not recover as we are currently established today. Of that, there is absolutely NO doubt.
Sadly, that is precisely the intention, and the plan. If there were ever any reason whatsoever to doubt this nefarious subterfuge before, there is none remaining now.
Yes, private jets piss me off. Yes, the failure to quickly respond to a changing global economy makes me mad. Yes, there are many things which should (must) be addressed–IF we intend to keep our nation, and if we intend to keep our place on the world stage.
If we do not, don’t rescue the industry that stands as one of the four pillars of the historical american economy. But, when that decision is made, please do not cry when the result is one which will surely make 1933 look like a cakewalk. You have no idea what your ideology is bringing down on an entire culture. But you will be held accountable for it.
This isn’t about jets. Yeah, I’m upset by them. Having no economy upsets me more. Let’s stay focused on the issues, Senator Shelby. America is at imminent risk. You are a US Senator. Tell me, which do you think I care about? Your rabid hatred of unions and unionists, or America itself?
Which, Senator, do you really believe I think you should place as your first SWORN priority? This is an American issue. You stand in the midst of it. Decide. Now. We americans (you know, here on Main Street) really, REALLY are watching.
Budroe
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