The other day I heard a promo for a TV news story. “Can’t afford a new car? You may be paying for one anyway.” It was about the possibility of a bailout for the American auto industry. That was a good point. If we could afford to, or had enough confidence in our economy that we were getting new cars the industry would not be in as bad a situation as they are now. If we give a bailout to the auto manufactures, will that make it any easier for me to buy a car?
Automobiles are one of the few manufacturing jobs we have left in this country. If they went under, not only would it be even more blue collar jobs lost, it would be a loss to our nation. But how will giving the companies money to continue doing what they are doing now change anything? It may take longer, but plants will still close, line workers will still get laid off, we will still not have high milage and/or alternative energy vehicles, and Americans will still be buying foreign made cars and trucks… If they can afford them.
Our total economy is in terrible shape. The banks, Auto industry, Airlines and others are hurting, but that is a result of the fact that the average person is not making enough money if they have a job at all. I am unemployed, driving a 14 year old Saturn that any time now will stop passing California Smog tests. Until my economy changes, I have no hope of replacing my car, let alone buying a new one.
If a bailout is given to the Auto industry, it can’t be to continue things as they have been. First of all, all money should be for cars assembled in the United States, using U.S. Parts. The bailout should be tied to a guarantee of better gas millage and alternative energy vehicles. And there should be some sort of tax incentive for people to buy a new high gas milage American made car, such as a 50% wright off the first year.
I grow tired of bailouts going to preserve executive pay, when those who were once middle class are suffering, cutting back or doing without. Where is our bailout? Give us a living wage, and well made American products and that will turn our economy around.
12/06/08 Edit: As this is being reviewed by Congress before President-Elect Obama takes office, I have revised my comments and presented them in the open letters to Congress section.
