I caught a sound bite of one of the senators interviewing the Big 3 heads yesterday? I'm paraphrasing here, but his basic response was "there are no suprises in Detroit, companies that consciously choose to not innovate display a clear lack of vision and frankly deserve to fail"

I love that quote and believe it strongly . . .

It's almost 2010 and we're driving shit that looks like it was churned out of the 1980s with slight body style updates . . . We should all be getting 80 MPG on GAS ONLY cars, they were able to make cars in the 70s that got 37 MPG GAS ONLY . . .

The auto industry needs an Apple to really kick some ass and shake up some shit . . .

Disco :D

Persuasive, well-reasoned argument. Based on this article alone, he went from being my ninth-favorite person named "Mitt" up to second or third.
If I can only somehow forget the New Yorker piece on the Romneys ...

His is not the only strong argument I've heard in favor of bankruptcy. In addition, where's the Lee Iaccoca this time? Do you remember that the U.S. taxpayer (eventually) made a profit on *that* bailout? I don't see any of the heads of the Big 3 stepping forward with clear, strong, overly rosy big-picture visions on what's going to happen with this money and how it'll ultimately be good for us. If such an argument exists somewhere, clue me in. Until then, and I can't believe I'm saying this -- I agree with Mitt.

I agree as well...one, there is still value in those brands, the factories, etc. Whether they go bankrupt or not, they aren't magically disappearing. I guarentee that if Ford declares bankruptcy and even ceases to exist as an independent company, someone will still be making the Ford F150 in likely the same factory its made now (let me guess...Mexico).

Two, we partially bailed out the auto industry in the late 70s/early 80s by imposing heavy import duties and quotas on those mean Japanese carmakers. The outcome of that assistence was so bad it was a case study in my macro-econ classes in how NOT to help a domestic industry. The idea was to artificially jack up the price of Japanese imports, thereby giving Detroit the time and breathing room it needed to reorganize themselves and adjust their product lines to focus on smaller, more fuel efficiant and stylish cars like those coming out of Japan (sound familiar?).

That isn't what happened, though. With prices on Japanese autos artificially high, Detroit's existing line of cars suddenly became more competitive so they just kept doing what they were. Nothing changed other than an improved bottom line for Detroit.

Let 'em fall and instead invest some of that $25B on worker skills training, subsidized relocation incentives and health care insurance bridges for those that lose their jobs.

The more I think of it, the more it bothers me that this is really the fault of the designers and engineers that design and develop these cars . . .

I mean think of it . . . How many clay sculptings of the perfect Ford Pick-up cup holder do we need to make when we know the fucking thing isn't selling anymore?

It's the most frustrating thing I've ever thought about . . . I'm actually really mad that automakers haven't thought to innovate because we must love our Aries Ks so much we can't deviate from that sexy sedan!?!?!?

Maybe I can buddy buddy up with Eau Claire's local Billionare John Menard to start Menard Motor Company and tear the remaining ass out of Detroit!

Here's the liberal response to Romney, from the Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toby-barlow/romneys-idiotic-plan-for_b_145194.html

They seem to think that the Republicans have something to gain from letting the Big 3 bite the dust -- namely kicking the already weakened UAW (remember the huge concessions they made not so long ago?) to the curb. But is that what Americans care about? When/if the U.S. auto industry rises from the ashes, do they really expect it to be reinvented as a union-free zone? And should Democrats really approve the bailout as a "thanks" to the UAW?

(By the way, it's a bit of a low blow by the author of this HuffPo article to imply that AMC isn't around any more because of George Romney ... in the short time GWR was head of AMC, the company was relatively strong and innovative.)

That aside ...

Apparently, U.S.-made domestic-label cars are better than ever. I, for one, didn't know that. You couldn't tell by most of the ads, which seem to focus on image. Folks, when image isn't your strong suit, why even bring it up? Are we really going to believe you? It's like when the school nerd back in the day buys a Starter jacket and a pair of Oakleys ... does that make him one of the cool kids? Why play a losing game? Instead, where are your cars equal or better?

I don't think it's too late -- in fact, it could be a golden opportunity. Sure, maybe the Big 3 killed the electric car and were late to the hybrid party, but as Pelosi implied, show us what ya got now. We're all ears.