Mmarrkk

Americans Forget High Oil Prices Too Quickly

a) While I hate the idea of "government" funding the building of private eneterprise and bailouts, I feel that our incoming administration (and outgoing administration for that matter) are going to throw money at this economic downturn. So, I guess I support them creating places to spend it that will do some long term good versus just throwing it away in those little stimulus checks that no one I know actually qualified for. If the choice is give everyone a $1000 check (except people who have good income and pay all the taxes) or take those billions and build something that will last, then I go with the latter. Lets invest in our infrastructure and create jobs versus giving people checks so they can go out and buy a big screen TV. And a nat gas distribution center isn't a bad start, although I'd argue an upgrade to our electricity grid/distribution system and our roads/bridges wouldn't be a bad start either.

b) I keep hearing everyone gnashing their teeth over the "American" auto industry. But all I ever hear them talking about are GM, Ford and Chrysler. Guess what? There are several car manufacturers that build cars in the US that aren't part of the Big 3. Why is a Hyundai built in Alabama not an "American" car? Or a Toyota built in Tennessee? Last time I checked, Tennessee and Alabama are still part of the United States. Toyota, Honda and Hyundai all make cars in the U.S., employing US workers and in US states/towns/cities. I guess they have two big differences from the supposed "American Car Companies": they make a profit, and they are non-union. Hmmm, wonder if those two are related?

Auto Bailout: hold nose, avoid puking and give them some of the already approved money from the re-tooling funds but make it contingent on: 1) UAW contract torn up, thrown out, and Car Czar arbitrates new salaries, 2) CEO/Management pay and bonuses voted on by the new Board of Directors...the taxpayers via proxy given to our elected officials, 3) prestructured bankruptcy mandatory.