November 19, 2008… It appears this economic “downturn” is not missing very many places. One or more of the ”Big Three” auto manufacturers will not survive. How many people will be affected? These companies have had many warnings. They have made some changes in their organizations. But, as we hear their pleas in trying to get financial aid from the Federal Government we can read between the lines. GM especially seems to believe they are special and deserve some handouts. This kind of support is dangerous in many ways. First, it places more and bigger burdens on the public. It puts the people of the United States at jeopardy. It reduces the resources of the country and puts us at risk in the world. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Theses gifts have to be paid back and if they are not, the people pay in the form of taxes. Some one has to create the wealth. The capitalist system places that responsibility on the businesses it supports. GM, Ford and Chrysler have in a sense pledged themselves to be part of that wealth building community. If their businesses lose money, they are not fulfilling their responsibility. I would expect them to make and sell cars at a profit. I would expect them to be able to do this better than Toyota or any European manufacturer. GM has been chasing Toyota since 1960. And, they are falling further behind. GM has been eating their dust. GM needs to get out in front and make dust. GM’s leader sounds arrogant and looks to be ignorant of his responsibility.

I feel sorry for the people working for GM. They have been hoodwinked. GM cannot afford to pay them the level of compensation promised. GM cannot support their suppliers and dealers. When I was in business I did not want to work with suppliers or customers who failed to make a profit. Businesses that are not profitable are like drugs. They sap our economy and live like vultures. We should not support businesses who do not contribute to the welfare of our country. Check it out. Make sure you are spending your hard earned money wisely. Just buying cheap is not the whole answer. Buying foreign produced goods hurts the country. I include cars, oil & prescription drugs in the “it’s a mistake to buy foreign” category. But, what do we do when our own companies can’t or don’t compete? Your voice is heard by where you buy. In the case of cars, we don’t have to buy. We can repair. We can find other means of transportation. Let you voice be heard. GM workers ought to be able to change jobs and work for companies in the U.S. rebuilding and refurbishing old cars. We’re Americans. We’re creative and resilient. We can find alternatives. We are survivors. The government cannot fix these problems. But, we can. This can be a time of renewal. Now is the opportunistic time. Let’s grab it and go. Solutions are out there.