What about the car industry?

burdened beyond belief — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:00:09 GMT

Where does all this money come from? Who owns our country because of all these bailouts and loans?

Why do I have to keep paying more but businesses that aren't run well and refuse to keep up without a government handout rewarded for their failures?

What about the car industry?

Ian — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:04:05 GMT

Bailout? 'tis the season. If nothing else, the last few days have proven who the true Socialists are.

Also...

"Meanwhile, Clinton supporter and DNC Platform Committee member Lynn Forester de Rothschild (wife of international banker Sir Evelyn de Rothschild) holds a presser announcing her support for McCain.
============================================
During the primary, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild continually whined that Obama was an elitist. No pathetic irony there.

What about the car industry?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:05:40 GMT

I don't know where the government is going to get all this bail out money or to help auto-makers move towards more fuel efficient vehicles unless we bring those trillions of dollars home that are being spent in the senseless policing action in Iraq.

What's the point of protecting your country in a policing action halfway across the globe when your country is falling apart internally from a dire economic situation and those terrorists some say we have to fight over there so we don't have to fight them here are blowing people up in Yemen. By the way. Are we now going to be sending a few thousand troops to Yemen to police that nation? Is that not what McCain would do? Damn the costs in money and lives, let's invade!

What about the car industry?

Ralph the Republicans — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:06:26 GMT

What about the car industry?

wondering why — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:07:46 GMT

How much was spent on the total economic stimulus package this spring? I thought it was 50 billion. How does that amount, spread over all the taxpayers in the country, compare to the amounts spent on Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG? Does this massive trickle-down stimulus work better than the other, bubble-up stimulus, or does it just depend which side of the Hudson your money's on?

What about the car industry?

Seth M, Lake Worth, Florida — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:07:57 GMT

Automakers should be retooled. This is one bailout I think is right as long as it goes to jobs not CEOs

What about the car industry?

MK,MO — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:08:33 GMT

Bail out the rich and have the poor pay for it, the Repulicans sick idea of proper socialism, the great Republican battle cry against the evils of socialism may ring a little hollow from now on.

What about the car industry?

Sarah, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:08:48 GMT

So all the big businesses get a bailout but all my relatives that are out of work and all the people losing their houses are just 'getting what they deserve - they made a mistake and they have to live with the consequences' according to the Republicans? Please let Obama Win, Please let Obama win, Please let Obama win.

What about the car industry?

Indie Woman in Denver — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:09:06 GMT

Whether you call it a loan or a bailout, I still think it could be a good thing. It will create jobs in America, and if the terms of the loan stipulate that they build hybrids (or at least some % of the total must be hybrids) it would also help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

What about the car industry?

Gerald Dunne — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:09:14 GMT

The investment in the auto industry will help create jobs in several depressed areas and if done correctly put us on a path of being leaders in the new energy industy. The same can't be said for the loans to Fanny Mae, Freddy Mac, AIG, Bear Stearnes, etc. all they do is prevent a "depression".

What about the car industry?

eb, boston, ma — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:11:02 GMT

hey government, i want a bailout to help me buy a house!

What about the car industry?

Obama and Biden for a return to fiscal stability — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:13:35 GMT

mccain says today that he's gonna "clean up the corruption in Washington?" First, he is part of that Washington needing to be cleaned, and Second, it is the stockmarkets unregulated behaviors that are responsible for this crisis.
It is a fact that mccain participated in and voted for - he did not miss the vote in 1999- that allowed the deregulation.

Fund-a-'mental mccain' is absolutely clueless.

What about the car industry?

Obama and Biden for a return to fiscal stability — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:15:23 GMT

What about the car industry?

NO LEHMAN BAILOUT — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:16:35 GMT

Didn't you mean AIG instead of Lehman? I thought we blew off Lehman's request...

What about the car industry?

Eric, Seattle, WA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:16:48 GMT

Everyone should go read the Easterbrook/TMQ column on espn.com.

Cliffnotes: Detroit automakers are asking for this $25 billion loan to help them meet these requirements, but at the same time are already asking for a waiver from the 2015 interim fuel efficiency standards. "If the past is any guide, they will get both the subsidies and the waivers. The net will be zero progress, more billions of dollars for oil shipped to anti-American forces in the Persian Gulf, and more debt handed to everyone under the age of 30."

Meanwhile, Hyundai is already on record as saying that they will meet the 2020 standards by 2015.

What about the car industry?

Joe, MN — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:18:29 GMT

What about the car industry???? It's Next on the chopping block!! That's what! More massive government bailouts to come??? Oh, you bet'cha!

This is a genuine economic meltdown (Great Depression II?) and John McCain is standing on his pedestal, like Emperor Nero....violin in hand....watching America burn as he plays his sad tune. McCain is a pompus ass with no fresh ideas.

Sarah Palin has not a clue....what is to become of us all if the republicans get elected?

Obama/Biden 08/12

What about the car industry?

Arin, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:19:07 GMT

There it is... Republicans embracing socialism!
Too bad 50 million US citizens don't have health insurance, you know because we don't want "socialized" medicine.
LOSERS!

What about the car industry?

marty holloman,columbia,s.c. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:19:36 GMT

We are in this mess because of republician deregulation of any business that could be corrupted
banks, mortgage investors, insurance companys and on and on, and with the auto industry like the other
institutions , we really cant afford for them to fail.
If they would go back to building cars the working class could afford they might be able to sell some cars. New cafe standards must be met.
Good luck to us all

What about the car industry?

Ron Lincoln - Tulsa, OK — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:19:46 GMT

Ralph the Republicans
----------------------------------------------------
Your words "no welfare for Americans" shows your true colors. Pathetic!!!! I don't find that phrase in the American Constitution.

Hey, I was raised on a farm in southern Oklahoma. My mother and dad grew up pulling a cotton sack. You ever done that? And all you can think about is "no welfare for Americans." Hogwash!!!!!! HURRAH: FOR CAPITALISM AND DOWN WITH SOCIALISM.

What about the car industry?

Jobless in Illinois — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:21:39 GMT

I work in the auto industry. A few months ago, we were told that the plant will be closing in 2009. Did I mention that I am from Illinois? If BHO has a plan to fix the entire country, how come he can't even fix his home state? How about introducing a "Keep American Jobs in America" bill there, Ba-rainless Obama.

What about the car industry?

Frankie D, Union, NJ — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:24:19 GMT

Where does the money come from? Thin air, that's where. Talk about inflation. This is Economics 101. You don't just give money out of nowhere.

What about the car industry?

Jes S.C. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:26:25 GMT

The Republicans has sold America for pennies on the dollar. The oil companies got the surplus, the Iraqis got the cream, the terrorist got a lots of laughs, Bear Sterne, Fannie May/Freddie Mac/AIG got the bailouts and now the Big Three, so only thing that left for the American People in New Orleans , Texas and the rest of the country is the "Shaft".

What about the car industry?

JTatEHT — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:26:31 GMT

What matters is what they do with the money. If Ford and Chrysler follow GM and spend the money on a new line of competitive electric cars, then this is good.

What about the car industry?

stop the handouts — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:29:20 GMT

and all the people losing their houses are just 'getting what they deserve - they made a mistake and they have to live with the consequences'..Sarah at 4:08

Yes, Sarah, if they bought more house than they could afford and weren't responsible with their other finances, they should live with it. There ARE consequences for irresponsibility. And, Sarah, you can thank the DEMOCRATS for the housing mess which also leads to the banking mess. When Dems pushed for homes for EVERYBODY, regardless of whether they met tried and true characteristics of creditworthiness, and forced banks into participating, the dems caused this. And, who pays? Everybody else. And, Obama would have you pay those delinquencies on those mortgages. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I bought my home; paid it off in half the time. I bought a home I could afford; I disciplined my self to save for emergencies and lived with a budget that allowed me to pay extra every month. Now, my home has dropped in value 25% because the DEMS were hell bent on making sure EVERYBODY could get a home. Fact is, though it may be harsh, is that EVERYBODY SHOULDN'T OWN A HOME. When people can meet the credit standards fine; otherwise, the public will always be asked to pay for these people. The same applies to univeral health care. 40% of people choose not to have it; it's not cause they dont have access or can't afford it. And, now, the taxpayers are going to pay for those people's healthcare. NO THANKS. I don't believe in socialism. Obama is a very, very dangerous man.

What about the car industry?

Indie Woman in Denver — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Good point, Eric in Seattle. There does have to be some type of criteria we the people (US govt) use to determine whether to give corporations a loan/bailout. It can't just be free money (especially when we're in such major debt we'd have to borrow it in the first place). In the case of the automakers, we shouldn't give them loans to keep on producing the same ol' gas guzzling vehicles. They should only get loans to produce vehicles with greater fuel efficiency, including hybrids. If they can't manage that, they shouldn't get the money.

What about the car industry?

AndyC, San Diego, CA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:30:39 GMT

Isn't this what Obama has proposed in his economic plan? He's stated he'd help the auto companies (via loans) to retool for alternative fuels and higher efficiency standards.

Given the importance of the auto makers to the economy, and given the fact that it was primarily the Republicans who were opposed to higher efficiency and emissions standards, as well as a greater emphasis on alternative fuels (they are in the back pocket of Big Oil, after all), we're now stuck with the fact that the government must LOAN them money to do what they should've done years ago! Consider it an investment in the American economy that should pay off down the road. After all, that's a function of government, right? To invest in its own interests? It's own infrastructure? To promote economic growth within its own borders?

If it were left in the hands of the Republicons, we'd be stuck in the 19th century and completely dependent on the Middle East for ALL of our energy needs!

What about the car industry?

Brian, Spartanburg, SC — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:31:34 GMT

You want to know who owns this country. Its China folks the people who continue to funnel us money to pay for our mistakes. I wonder whats going to happen when they stop letting us borrow?

What about the car industry?

Suz in KS — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:32:25 GMT

The Republicans started all this with handing out money to every big industry that fails in the crappy Republican lead economy. Now they are going to start complaining about it? Go figure. But this one doesn't really bother me like the Bears Sterns, AIG, or Fannie/Freddie ones. These companies actually produce REAL products, have real people on production lines and have products that can be sold on the world markets. I know that the paper traders like BS, AIG, and FM/FM have a bigger impact over all but we need to get back to being a country that is innovative, on the forefront of technology, and is a large producer nation. We haven't been that for the last 8 years.

What about the car industry?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:32:46 GMT

Sarah, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:08 PM)

Sarah:

I hear what you are saying. Because of loss of jobs due to poor private industry management and poor government regulation and worker protection, when a person loses their home it's too bad so sad. Move out! When the same private industry screws up and our government spends trillions on a senseless police action then they get bailed out by the Amercian worker. Perhaps we all should just stay home and refuse to pay taxes or return to work until private industry and our government gets their shit together. We might have to get by on fewer meals each week but imagine how those wealthy business owners and government officials would like it if they couldn't purchase their $500 shoes any longer or Palin her $2,400 convention jackets.

If things continue as they are people better accept and get used to the idea of "mutual responsibility" as Obama has suggested. That means taking care of yourself, your family and your close friends and neighbors. Because if you don't the government and private industry are sure not going to do so. They are the same folks that allowed entire families to starve to death during the last depression as witnessed by my grandparents who saw such families lying dead along side the road for lack of food and shelter.

If you want to see the possible results if this economy does not see a turnaround watch the movie Grapes of Wrath. Then you'll get the picture. But don't look for anyone resembling John Mccain driving the trails of the dust bowl in a broken down heap looking for work and some bread to eat. Because he thinks the fundamentals of our econmy are strong.

What about the car industry?

Just say no to economic stupidity--vote republican — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:34:06 GMT

What about the car industry?

CJH, LB, CA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:37:10 GMT

We are being Bushed! The Repubs have no idea on how to fix the economy. What happened to their "hands off" "small Govern" approach? Or does samll government only apply to the low and middle class man and the Katrina victim that doesn't make enough to buy Washington.

What about the car industry?

Ralph the Republican Party — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:37:15 GMT

Hey, I was raised on a farm in southern Oklahoma. My mother and dad grew up pulling a cotton sack. You ever done that? And all you can think about is "no welfare for Americans." Hogwash!!!!!! HURRAH: FOR CAPITALISM AND DOWN WITH SOCIALISM.
Ron Lincoln - Tulsa, OK (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:19

Well Ron from Oklahoma...please explain why 900 billion to wall street is capitalism and providing social security and medicare to you or your parents is socialism...hmmm okie?

What about the car industry?

Anne/Ohio — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:38:36 GMT

Watch the republicans jump all over this as corporate welfare for a bunch of labor unions...of course they've had no problem selling out this country to the chinese but no welfare for Americans...how do you people look in a mirror anyway?
Ralph the Republicans (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:06 PM)
******************************************************
Well said! and also how do they sleep at night? Oh I forgot they get snot slinging drunk just so that they can sleep, because you know they are not having to sped their money on prescription to get ambein or something like that, or bad me I forgot again they get that stuff for free because the drug companies give it to them in order to keep the drugs at a high price, so that my mother on Social Security can't afford her's!!!

What about the car industry?

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:38:56 GMT

I'd say make the loan hinge on high fuel efficiency and a shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles and I'm on board.

Let them do whatever they need to in getting America manufacturing again.

Depending of course on the price tag, the Chevy Volt might just be the first American car I'll own since college. Hopefully, if Obama is elected, we'll get that nice Hybrid/Electric tax break.

If anybody wanted to know what Obama's plan looked like in action, that's it.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

What about the car industry?

Ralph the Republicans up — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:40:02 GMT

Where does the money come from? Thin air, that's where. Talk about inflation. This is Economics 101. You don't just give money out of nowhere.
Frankie D, Union, NJ (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:24 PM)

So true, Frank, and that's why Obamatots need to wake up and smell the coffee. Obama promising the sun and moon to everybody but hasn't told us how he'll raise revenue to do it.
Just say no to economic stupidity--vote republican (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:34 PM

Obama can borrow it just like the republicans have done since 2001 except maybe he will spend it on real Americans instead of starting wars he won't fight in or pay for...how do you chickenhawks sleep at night with your love of America and hatred of Americans?

What about the car industry?

Andrea, Bastrop Texas — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:40:53 GMT

As I have been watching McCain vow to also bail-out the auto industry, all I can say is the Republican tactic on economics has always been to privatize the profits and socialize the losses. Here we go...

What about the car industry?

Anne/Ohio — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:42:33 GMT

has any one read about neoconservitsum? I did and found out that it is Nepoleon all over agian. I thought that Pres. Bush remided me of something now I know what!
Invade and concour! Mr Bush Mr McCain

What about the car industry?

ffoffeds — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:43:15 GMT

We should all buy used cars. Their are plenty of quality/economical/performance cars that are much cheaper than buying a new car. Why buy a new car for 25K plus when you can pay 5-10K for a used car? I'm sorry that the auto industry has always been on the wrong side of the trends that Americans want, like fuel effenciency vs performance vs style. In the 1970's they made big ugly gas guzzlers and we had a gas crisis. In the 1980's they made average cars but gas prices were down and people wanted something better. Which lead to the 1990's where everyone wanted a big SUV's which lead to more demand for oil and resulted in our current dependence for oil. Gas prices are now at record highs and their still is not a strong movement by the auto industry to make really fuel effecient cars. My guess is that by the time they figure out people will buy fuel effecient cars gas prices will be low again and they will again wonder why they are still losing money. Until they figure it out I say it's better deal is to buy used cars that you always wanted to buy and can now afford.
No more bailouts or handouts.

What about the car industry?

Lyn — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:44:52 GMT

Just released CNN/Time poll:

Florida: Obama 48, McCain 48
Indiana: McCain 51, Obama 45
North Carolina: McCain 48, Obama 47
Ohio: Obama 49, McCain 47
Wisconsin: Obama 50, McCain 47

Florida tied...if mcCain losses FL stick a fork in him he's done

BTW NC close go tarheels

What about the car industry?

disappointed, IL — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:47:23 GMT

Apparently we needed laws to protect people from themselves. If you have a household income of $40K how did you think you could afford a $400K house? In 30 years you wouldn't even make enough money with all your other living expenses! Common sense, people! So now that the banking industry is failing all we need is the car companies to fail and this country is doomed. You're darn right the government should bail them out, they're all this economy has left...

Maybe Obama and all of his experience can bail us out. You know, the man who hasn't even served a term yet in the Senate and has never run a corporation in his life. Let's trust him to turn the economy around.

What about the car industry?

CJH, LB, CA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:47:34 GMT

Big Business runs America not the President, Congress, or the God we claim we Trust. The Government has to bail them out or else they won't see any of that lobbying money any time soon. And it's funny how McCain running for Pres. has lobbyists working for him right now. Do American people really think that McCain's pals (Gramm and Black)and their special interests won't come before the millions of everyday hardworking struggling voters? It's not just Palin being a heartbeat away from the Pres. but Gramm and Black are right there too, whispering in McCain's ear their agendas once they RETURN to doing what they do best: LOBBYING.

OBAMA/Biden - Vote for "Enough" Change to come to Washington

What about the car industry?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:48:50 GMT

stop the handouts (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:29 PM)

stop:

Stop being a creep. We know how many of those houses were sold to people whho had to sign contracts it took a lawyer to read and to interpret. We know how those seeking wealth on the backs of people quickly took these home buyer's signatures on contracts where ballon interests rates were hidden somewhere in the 20 pages of fine print. We know how it was clearly explained to people purchasing many of these homes from rip off artists that their house payments would go from 800 a month to 1,500 a month in 24 months. No one is arguing against personal responsibility and accountability. But how about some responsibility and accountability by and for those who would take advantage of people to make a quick buck. And how about those who lost their homes when their jobs were shipped overseas. Oh, they were able to work for a few weeks after their company decided to move overseas by packing up the building material and machines in crates for shipment to their new location in China or Mexico. Frankly stop, you're a jerk.

What about the car industry?

Leslie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:49:39 GMT

Which leads me to McCain. He recently bragged about buying his daughter a japanese hybrid! He of all people should be buying AMERICAN CARS TO SUPPORT THE US ECONOMY. I personally own 2 Chevy's and 1 Ford. My children all own american cars. I have taught them that we have to start at home to make a difference.

WHERE IS MACAIN'S LOYALTY TO AMERICAN CAR COMPANIES??

ONE MORE REASON MCCAIN IS OUT OF TOUCH

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08

What about the car industry?

GA GUY — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:50:12 GMT

Just say no to economic stupidity--vote republican (Sent Wednesday, September 17, 2008 4:34 PM)

Talk about your oxymoronic statements!!

Like every other issue this election cycle, Obama was way ahead of the pack in calling on our automakers to bring us real innovation, and in asking our government to increase CAFTA requirements.

Everyone needs to look at the news on the financials and stop thinking "locally" (my pocketbook), and start ACTING Globally, (the entire nation's pocketbook), because, believe me; the only way we do not ALL get 'hung' by this economy separately, is that we all work together to bring our nation out of these hard times collectively.

What about the car industry?

Oscar, Rio Vista CA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:53:27 GMT

Yet John Boehner, McFossil, and all their republican friends don't seem to mind putting on their Georgia hats to borrow money from China so that they can send it over to their buddies in Georgia.

I don't know about fundamentals, but McFossil obviously thinks its fun to be mental.

What about the car industry?

ARC. Des Moines, IA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:09:34 GMT

Well I guess this is the kind of policies you get when too many people vote strictly on abortion and gay marrriage. Keep it up, let's see how far down the tubes we can go.

What about the car industry?

no joe, no bo, nj — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:11:59 GMT

Please, dems-the car companies are int rouble because the DEMOCRATS pushed oil to almost $150 a barrel. They were fine until two years ago-oh, yeah, that's when the DEMS took over both houses of congress! What a coincidence!

And your candidate, Barry, thinks $4.00 a gallon gas is a GOOD thing-because it means the energy fairy will come sooner!

You, and he, make me ill.

What about the car industry?

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:16:31 GMT

It is the urgency like we have seen (AIP,Auto ind.)in the past couple of days that bring out how out of touch McCain and Palin are about economics.Palin is "disgusted" by the bail out and McCain is probably thinking "Keating Five", 'Now how did I handle that?' Is anyone out there, besides me, shuddering at the thought of those two bozos having to deal with internal problems,a couple of wars,etc., at the same time? If those two don't make your blood pressure skyrocket, you probably don't have a pulse either.