The Big Three Auto makers are in a world of trouble because of poor management, a depression and because they cannot compete against the Japanese automakers, who are producing cars at a lower cost. The main reason the Japanese auto companies can produce cars at a lower cost is because the Japanese government pays for their workers health care and retirement plans. We certainly cannot overlook the fact that the American auto industry failed miserably to adapt to the changing times with more economically fuel-efficient automobiles, and automobiles that are more affordable to most Americans.
The propaganda being spread by the corporate owned news media as why the Big Three are in trouble is nothing more than a blatant attack on organized labor, to say that America autoworkers are receiving over $70.00 per hour in wages and benefits are just plain lies. This tactic blaming the labor unions in America for the failing auto business is nothing more than a way to break up the unions, reduce union power and progress, and implanting anti union ideas into other Americans so union labor will become unfavorable, resulting in lower wages, no benefits and position management in a way, to run rough shod over their employees with no union representation to control wrongful actions against labor. This scenario is apparent by the way the republican members of Congress is handling the hearings with the Big Three. The democrats are trying to come up with a workable plan but unfortunately most republicans are opposing the ideas. Caring nothing about the millions of people that their non-action or actions of slowing the process down will affect.
When Wall- Street was failing there was a rush to give over 700 billion or nearly ¾ of a trillion dollars to bail the rich and elite out of bankruptcy, all at the taxpayers expense. There was little criticism and little finger pointing to this group by many in the Congress, have you ever wondered why? The answer is plain and simple; many in Congress depend on their friends from Wall Street for campaign contributions, and now those who contributed big money called in their chips.
These people had already raped the market by inside trading and false business records, these people are the filthy rich of the country, CEO's making over $100 million a year in wages, driving fancy cars, living like a king, while the average investor (middleclass and below) were losing their modest investments, individual retirement plans were losing thousands, and group plans millions. These retirement plans are the main source of income for many of America's middleclass and lower retired workers.
While most Americans only want a comfortable life, where they can take a vacation once a year, live in modest homes, and afford the necessities, the big and powerful white collar people were inflating the price of the market, producing false records, and just plain lying to the millions of small investors, all the while these thief's were laughing all the way to the bank, cashing in their stocks well before the fall. What about the big parties that was held after the free bailout money was given to the Wall Street executives? Why didn't Congress chastise their buddies? Why didn't the Congress belittle the White Collar people at the Congressional hearings? Because the American Autoworkers are union and a good share of the republicans in Congress despises unions.
Many Republican Congressmen and the corporate controlled media make a big deal about representatives of the Big Three coming to Washington in corporate jets. Telling the auto executives, you want taxpayer money for a bailout, but waste money flying here instead of driving a car. First of all; the money being asked for is not a bailout it is a LOAN, The republican's are confused, they gave Wall Street their taxpayer provided BAIL-OUT money, money that does not have to be paid back. The auto people have already said they want only a loan and will pay back the money. Don't you think that the problem that needed addressed was much bigger than whether you were flying instead of driving? I certainly do. One of every ten jobs in America is related to the auto industry, do we want this industry to fail? I don't think so. Not only is the American auto industry an icon of American ingenuity it is the backbone of union workers and the middleclass in America.
I believe that America will have a hard road to hoe for several years before we can get back on our feet. The actions of greedy people who tried to destroy our country's foundation, has made our future prospects look tough but until then, I believe Americans will have the strength and fortitude to over come these treacherous times and will prevail in a glorious fashion and become a newer and stronger America. An America that will boast of having a strong middleclass, union labor and country with equal health care, an America that takes care of the sick, old and down trodden as it should be, an America that will once again be the beacon of the world. I have faith in America and my fellow countrymen. Strength comes from adversity and America has never faltered in her turbulent history and will not do so now.