Discuss the first installment of the Dust-Up on the U.S. auto industry

It is repulsive and revolting for the Big Three to ask taxpayers to bail them out as they continue their arrogance and greed. Up to now they don't get it. The quality of their cars and trucks are sub par. Car owners, towing companies and mechanics may confirm this. Up to now Detroit believes that it's a problem of marketing - an insult to all taxpayers. They don't need survival. They need FUNERAL!

arnie pa @ 10:05 PM PST, Dec 3, 2008

It is clear that the economy needs drastic action to restore confidence. The question of funding Detroit is what do we get for our money. If we the people bail out the US auto industry, do we get them to build the products we need (and they need to remain in business)?

Jerry Wiens @ 1:25 PM PST, Dec 3, 2008

I think it is really simple. If you, a family member or friend decide to start a business and cannot afford to lose money, they must find a way to gain it back. In small businesses, owners have to change quickly or they are out of business. Nowadays, consumer's NEEDS determine what your business does. If there isn't a need for your product or service, your either create one (if you feel your product/service is needed), or find a new product/service to sell. When the needs of consumer's change, your business must change to suit them. If not, the only person responsible for the failure is you the business owner.

Jared @ 12:44 PM PST, Dec 3, 2008

Mr. Ikenson's argument is flawless. In addition to that, you forget that there are half a dozen other car companies out there: chiefly toyota and honda. With the bankruptcy of the big three gas-guzzler makers, the other companies will simply push in, and fill the void. They will pick up the jobs left behind and the orders that need to be filled to prevent a complete collapse. Seriously, let them fail. It's their own fault anyway. I'm sick and tired of wasting money on these companies when our children are getting gutted out of their education.

charlie @ 12:35 PM PST, Dec 3, 2008

Many people forget or don't know Japanese and European workers get social medicine, so there auto manufacturers don't have to pay for workers health benefits. Is that not a huge subsidy? If the US auto manufacturers go under, you can be sure the foreign auto producers will leave this country. Why build cars here, the labor is cheaper elsewhere.

Who subsidizes the foreign auto makers @ 12:28 PM PST, Dec 3, 2008

It would be a good thing for the Companies to file Bankruptcy.No one would lose their jobs, cars would be rolling off te assembly line, the Company would be Free of the Money grubbing Union Officials and their Credit Cards. That is the only way for the Companies can Survive. I know, I've been down that road. Unions were a good thing at one time until the thugs took over. I'm 77 and can still walk up to a man, look him in the eye and ask him for work.GOD Bless ALL

Billy Mills @ 11:41 AM PST, Dec 3, 2008

What nobody is thinking about is the demographics of the auto industry. It's been well understood for more than a decade that the entire world cannot support the current number of automakers, and in particular three domestic producers cannot survive in this country. The demand will not be there no matter what kind of cars they produce. One or more will inevitably go belly up, and it makes no sense to forestall the process with taxpayer money.

Donald @ 11:29 AM PST, Dec 3, 2008

Soon it will be newspapers like the times looking for a bailout!!!!!!!

Ted @ 10:52 AM PST, Dec 3, 2008

Let the oil companies bail them out. Not only did the oil companies profit the most of all this year, it would be in their self interest to keep GM afloat. The auto companies and oil companies have been lobbying congress for years to let them drag their tail pipes on fuel efficiency. The result has made windfall profits for one of the two industries. I live in a fairy tale though as congress will bail out the auto industry. The very same lobbyists will just change tactics.

David Berry @ 9:56 AM PST, Dec 3, 2008

Gm weeks ago said it needs $25 billion. Today it says there is no plan "B" and ask for $38 billion (plan C). This is the problem. There is NO PLAN. At least no plan that involves change of behavior that got the Big 3 into this mess in the first place. And that is the problem. The Big 3 make a product that nobody wants or can afford. They want to pretend that we all will pay 30 or 40 grand for gas hogs that require expensive maintenance every 6 months. The Big 3 have nothing to sell that I would want or need.

Rob @ 9:55 AM PST, Dec 3, 2008

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