Paul Killinger

The Plug In Vehicle Scam

Michael Fitz,

I believe you've hit on the REAL car of the future. Now or later, it's eventually inevitable.

South Africa Still Shines Among Emerging Markets

Fuuny how all these resource rich nations are holding up in the face of this worldwide depression. Maybe someday the U.S. will even figure this out, since we have more valuable natural resouces in place than any other nation in the world (with the possible exception of Brazil).

The only difference between us and the others is we don't allow their exploration and production. But there is some hope becoming increasingly poor will eventually help us turn this around.

Chrysler Bankruptcy: Why Car Buyers Might Not Notice

Maybe there will be some modestly positive outcomes after all...

1. Nissan is interested in buying Dodge trucks.

2. Someone else may well buy Jeep.

3. Another automaker could want their van technology.

4. Maybe Daimler will rebadge and update the 300C and sell it here.

Chrysler Bankruptcy: Why Car Buyers Might Not Notice

Not much to say about this, except it's too bad for America and Chrysler. Lee Iacocca and the feds rescued them once, but it doesn't appear there's another miracle in store this time. One could argue they've been living on borrowed time ever since.

If the Pulitzers Broaden Their Contest Journalism Might Improve

I continue to be impressed by the breadth and depth of your reporting and knowledge.

So far as I'm concerned, the best thing that could happen to the great bulk of "journalism" we are now exposed to is for the remaining newspapers to close.

The Great U.S. Driving Reduction Continues

Some of this reduction is no doubt attributable to the increase in unemployment we are experiencing. Many former commuters are very likely at home on their computers or watching TV.

Here's Why I'm Happy I Drive a Ford

I really like the idea of a gas tax! It would do more to un-elect politicians in a single stroke than term limits or anything else.

Chrysler: The Noose Tightens

Oilcan,

So where did the Chrysler 300 come from? Either Daimler or the aliens, take your pick. This odd looking duck has also been the single best U.S. effort to date as a world-class sports sedan. (Which tells us more about GM and Ford than Chrysler, unfortunately.)

How the Great Recession Might Affect Fortune 500 Companies

Rick,

I believe you're generally correct in your assessment, which indicates that the overall stock market may not be a good place to invest for several years to come.

As regards the comings and goings of the Fortune companies, that has been true forever. Indeed, one can argue that more creative destruction is healthy for our long term economic prospects, as well.

Bankruptcy Probable for GM

So what do you think, guys? Was it worth it to push GM to the brink of insolvency? Alot of your fellow autoworkers walked away smelling like roses. Looking back on it all, between yourselves and poor management, maybe they never really had a chance.

The Second Reason Consumers Aren't Spending

So welcome to the new America. I suspect what we're seeing today is going to be with us for a very long time. Now all we need to do is get our government on the same page with the rest of us.

Laid off? Find a new way to make a living. Caught in a dead end? Move if you must, but break out of your trap. That's what Americans have done for generations when things didn't go our way.

Most important of all, DON'T rely on government or wait for them to bail you out. Look what they've done for the poor, literally enslaving them in horrific circumstances. Do you really want to live like that?

The Second Reason Consumers Aren't Spending

You write very well. And you consistently manage to capture what many other people are thinking and experiencing themselves. Well done!

Chrysler: Looking for a Miracle to Survive

It would be nice to see this American icon survive. Maybe both bankruptcy and a new alliance with another automaker can save them. They've already inked a truck deal with Nissan. Perhaps they'd be a better fit than Fiat. Of course, it's become SO expensive to design and build vehicles in the U.S. that no company may make it.

Will the U.S. Start a Car Scrapping Incentive Program?

This would be the ABSOLUTE HEIGHT of lunacy. Therefore, we can predict with fair certainty it will actually happen.

But, take heart, scrap metal recycling (how far we've stooped to make a living!) is a viable industry. These must be the new Green jobs B-O has been talking about.

Fed Considers GM Buy-In: Digging a Deeper Hole

One nice thing about America is our freedom. If we don't want to work assembling vehicles for $14 an hour plus benefits, we're free to do something else. But if we do, we need to stop bellyaching about it and calling for work stoppages every few years. That's what got us into this pickle in the first place.

So today's question then becomes do you want to go to work for Fiat or not? It's your free choice. Their way or the highway. Just like every other employer trying to make a profit and stay in business, so you'll still have a job. And you're still free to leave anytime you want.