Steve Funk

Consider 'Pull' Rather Than 'Push' for the Auto Industry

Ms. Rogers brings out some interesting facts but misses the bigger picture regarding a domestic auto industry. The lack of understanding is pervasive in the many columns being written as well as the uninformed comments.

The reasons for the demise of the domestic auto industry are complex and cannot be summarized in a short column. To do so trivializes the issue and is typical of the current American attitude toward manufacturing. This cavalier attitude and misunderstanding about $48/hour jobs (do you really believe people are clocking hours at $48?).

The truth is that this tradgedy has been unfolding for decades and no one but Lou Dobbs seems to care. I suspect our legislators (who share the blame but get a free pass in every column written), will try to put Humptey back together again but it will be too little too late. GM has some interesting facts about the economic impact of the auto industry on their web site, and say what you will about GM but few would call them grand standers. The repercussions of our failed industries will be alarming and a tradgedy.