“Kiss Common Sense Goodbye or How the Auto Industry is paying my bills AND making me crazy at the same time”

I recently read a column in the December 8, 2008 issue of the Crains’ Auto Industry publication Automotive News. In this the column the author actually had the audacity to suggest that it is our obligation to protect the “Heritage” of the Auto Industry because of the industry’s historical support of minorities. The author also indicated that the value of the industry’s support of minority education, communities and businesses outweighs the negative impact of bailouts to the taxpayer.

I quote the article; “It’s no secret Republicans are in favor of allowing the industry to fail, ostensibly so they can lay the blame at the feet of the Democrats”. The column continues with accusations of “certain media” and their effort to push “partisan agendas”. God give me strength…

My opinion of the auto industry bailout aside (I’ll get into that in a minute) how someone can suggest that it is our obligation to support this dying “beast” in its present incarnation SIMPLY because of its supposed commitment to minorities and not be punched in the neck by the very pissed off ghosts of Washington, Lincoln, and Henry Ford is beyond me! +

Are you ready for another “rich one”…I quote "All corporations, especially the financial institutions we’re continually rescuing, should be expected to be as supportive of our society, businesses and communities as the auto companies have been.” First, just these few words…ACORN…sub-prime loans…Fannie May…Freddie Mac…minorities…are you grabbing the connection, my little conservative friends? Lastly, NO BUSINESS DOES ANYTHING WITHOUT CONSIDERING HOW IT AFFECTS THE BOTTOM LINE (or unless it is forced by some liberal, “you’re all racists if you don’t”, card carrying socialist law maker with an agenda or the union).

Anyway, here was my letter to the editor in response. Do you think it was passionate enough?

I do not understand how Mr. Payton can be so obtuse about the state of the U.S. auto industry today! It is not a question of “Social Consciousness” or “Community Support” and many MANY Americans believe that the last thing any part of the “Detroit 3” is displaying is a commitment to Americans! Enough about how important it is to preserve the “National Heritage” of the U.S auto industry. If a company is not profitable it MUST adjust its business practices. The value of a successful company is how it serves its customers NOT how the customers serve the company.

Mr. Payton, how dare you suggest that “certain media” is driving partisanship on the issue when your statements were so obviously partisan, they may as well have been wearing a donkey hat!
I say ENOUGH! NOBODY wants the Auto Industry to fail. Americans want all companies to be respectful, to be responsible and to be responsive to the needs of ALL Americans! The issue is bigger than any one group – whatever its minority/majority status; as a tax payer I will NOT happily go along with putting my dollars into an industry, and its associated organizations, that refuses to adjust ANY of its practices but still expects me to pay - pay for sub-quality product as a customer and pay to keep its sorry state afloat.

I do hate to admit that the Industry may have passed through its first Golden Age but it can be golden again – with REAL hard work.
-Gina