Steven Hansen

The Biggest Problem Detroit's Big Three Face

what makes the usa great is that it rewards the strong, and helps the weak. society benefits from strong companies. the big 3 debate has gotten off track and on to union bashing.

in the early 1900s, union's job was to protect the worker against the immoral companies. unions and companies both have changed since then - unfortunately in the case of the automakers and unions - both sides changed too slowly. this is always a danger when one side wants as much as it can get, while the other side strides to give as little as it can.

everyone took their eye off of the ball - the overall health of the automakers. both the companies and the union are to blame for the loss of market share, the quality of the product, and the economic health of the usa industry. as outside observers, it was easy to see this happening - and we watched both the companies and the unions inappropriately react to the growing maelstrom.

now, you ask for governments help. i say you have got to be kidding me. although there are many changes that are happening at the big 3, it is a case of too little, too late. you need to develop a plan first how you will be competitive. it is not a case of toyota or honda being better - it is a case of toyota and honda being smarter.

as an american, i can demand that you show me how you are going to pull the rabbit out of the hat. i know you can do it. you have to first change the automakers overall direction. union and management must start to row their ship in the same direction. Detroit deserves no money based on what i have seen yet.