Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

UNION & MANAGEMENT HAVE A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT.... — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:59:06 GMT

DETROIT AUTOMAKERS ARE ARROGANT --- THE UNION & MANAGEMENT HAVE A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. THEIR ARGUMENTS FOR A TAXPAYER BAILOUT IS "WE ARE SPECIAL" AND "WE ARE TOO IMPORTANT TO FAIL". WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE? WHEN YOU TALK TO THE TAXPAYERS LIKE THEY ARE FOOLS --- YOU AIN'T GETTIN NOTHING!

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

brianne collins richmond,va — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:00:17 GMT

I have is suggestion in regards to the auto bailout. I do not think we should hand out money to the auto companies but instead incorporate the auto bailout into another stimulus. For example instead of sending Americans another check send low income families a voucher for a new car, for example tax payers with just one person a voucher for a compact. For families of 2 a standard size vehicle; and for larger families a voucher for a larger vehicle such as a van or a crossover. When these families submit the vouchers to American auto companies they in turn give it to government for reimbursement at that time. No only would this help families with transportation issues but also the companies. We should not bailout large corporations; instead we should come up with a plan that can help all Americans.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Tzune Calmaty, MD — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:03:40 GMT

One thing liberals always want to do is send more money to Washington through higher taxes. Now that you see what your congresscritters are spending it on, do you still think sending more moeny to these jokers is a good idea?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

SAM, USA — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:05:02 GMT

OMG. So the taxpayers pay for these guys car leases. BUDGET CUT this right away Obama. Green or no green they can pay for their cars leases or loans like the rest of us.

How do we get our hands on the budget - I want to point out more ways of saving instead of taking a bite (large chunk actually) out of me.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Princess Di — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:05:10 GMT

People are so surprised when we treat our congress like royality (think the Kennedy's for an example), and then we don't like it so much when they start acting like they are royality.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:07:48 GMT

Yes, yes, yes, this is what I call journalism. We need more transparency, oversight and accountablility in facing our economic crisis. Hold those leaders and executives' feet to the fire. Thank you First Read!

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Bob Noons, Oregon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:09:50 GMT

Clara KC - What you wrote earlier is one of the most ludicrous things I've ever read on FR. You just said the Executives were willing to give up their incomes - so the UAW workers should be willing to take a cut, also? WTF?

Sure Clara, lets do it your way. Lets not cut the UAW workers pay. And when GM, Ford and Chysler burn through the bailout money in a couple of months, and we're right back where we are today, then what are you going to whine about?

People like Clara just can't see that writing on the wall.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

nuanced — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:10:54 GMT

does the house allowance cover metro fares? What about car-pooling for the larger vehicles?

and now for something completely different -- is it too early to think about changing Reagan National airport to Obama National airport? After all, naming the airport for Reagan set the precedent of naming facilities after living presidents.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

REG in AZ — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:54:13 GMT

Biased alignment v objective discernment: Can pre-committed voters make rational decisions? There is real value in the conservative philosophies of ‘the least amount of government is the best government’ and that ‘government should only do for the people that which they can’t do for themselves’ however, as we are currently experiencing most everywhere (corporate corruption, Wall Street failures, housing foreclosures, auto industry meltdown, religious extremists,,,), there is responsibility inherent in all of that which demands that there is liberal protection against the exploitation of the many by the few and for equitable and fair treatment providing real opportunity for everyone. Those who think smart, work hard and take the risk deserve to reap the rewards, however there needs to be real regulation, control and enforcement to insure that greed, dishonesty and/or self-indulgence doesn’t take over and allow the powerful few to take advantage – simply, balance is required to prevent ultra-conservatism, which promotes advantage to the few, and also to prevent extreme liberalism from creating a large ‘tax & spend’ government, which inhibits real growth. Ultra-conservatism without the checks and controls provided by reasonable liberalism is like the pyramid schemes which advocate something that can’t work and will only benefit a few while victimizing the majority. We are currently being required to reactively address the failures occurring in many areas, with more to come, that are caused by an imbalance and a failure to be objectively proactive. Continuing as is, without responsibly and objectively recognizing the need for balance, could just be condemning the whole system to a catastrophe. As Collin Powell has intelligently articulated, (paraphrased) we really need more moderate, centrist and independent thinking to insure that the cancer doesn’t continue to infect and grow.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Jim, Owensboro, Ky. — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:02:46 GMT

Looks like the UAW doesn't want to take concessions. I guess the think that the government will save them because it would cause a lot of jobs to be lost if they don't get a bailout. I say let them go down. Why should i pay for them to have it better than i have it? Perhaps if there is a demand for new vehicles, someone will supply them even if they have to create more jobs for demand.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Anna Molly — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:04:15 GMT

There you go, regurgitating Big Three doublespeak.

Are they really "foreign competitors" if they're made in Kentucky? Or Ohio? Just say "competitors." Who out-innovate and out-compete the Big Three. On our own soil.

Saying "foreign" perpetuates the myth that it's unpatriotic to buy a Honda or a Toyota, despite its being made here, and despite its being much better for the environment and for energy conservation.

For heaven's sake. Let's focus on the problem, not the sloganism.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Sadden American — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:10:21 GMT

What I'd like to know is why we, as Americans, are paying for their rides anyway? Make them buy a car like the rest of us do. Make them pay their way, like we do. Maybe they'll feel what we are...

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Mollyanna — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:23:05 GMT

Come on, get real. You can't have Senators and Congressmen driving around in Ford Escorts, although I'd love to see Barney Frank in a pink Caddy, with matching hubs and dice.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Mollyanna — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:25:50 GMT

I don't want to pay for any senator driving a ritzy car. Let 'em take the metro.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Rob, from Iowa — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:26:46 GMT

The Tahoe and Yukon get better gas mileage than the Sequioa and Armada. And there are hybrid versions and FlexFuel versions of those offered, which the competition does not offer. For those who need an SUV, the Tahoe and Yukon are attractive options.

The press loves to demagaoge the SUV. Yet, it is America, not GM who love the SUV. GM, Ford simply fill a need. That is why Toyota, Nissan and Honda now offer an SUV, or truck. There is a market there.

And the truth is. According to JD Power, Detroit's quality is on par, or superior to the foreign competition when it comes to qulaity. It is the perception which has lagged that little reality.

Much about liking one product over another now is subjective, rather than objective.

Yet it is still more "sexy" to drive an '85 Volvo than a 2006 G6.

[I am not a GM employee, simply an enthusiast who wants whats best for Detroit]

Look for the all-new Camaro coming to a dealership near you! With V-8 gas mileage equal to the 6-cylinder Mustang. Plenty of horses under that new Camaro bonnet with gas mileage near a 6 cylinder Camry.

Also look for the all-new Buick Invicta coming to a dealership near you! Stunning design.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Helen, Stanwood, MI — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:32:39 GMT

This is just one example of a "perk" that members of Congress vote for themselves but DO NOT TELL US - the taxpayers who foot the bills!! This, and many other perks, can be done away with. An EXAMPLE OF JUST ONE CUT THAT WOULD BEGIN TO HELP BALANCE THE BUDGET!! Let's hear the rest of the "perk" list and let us vote for or against. Guess we, the general public, should be micro-managers in order to find out where all the dollars are spent. Ya know, it's not like they aren't paid enough for what they do - they don't have to take advantage of us. They can buy/lease their vehicles just like the rest of us have to. Where are all those folks who were talking about "the elite?" Have we relegated our Congressmen and women to elite status? There are so many things wrong in this World - can't our leaders turn down/return offers of riches in order to help us get back on the right track. There is so much promise in this country but there are just too many people "on the take." How can we turn it around? Greed has put us where we are today - can't we wipe it out?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Anna Molly — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:50:13 GMT

Jim, Owensboro, KY -- I hope you said the same thing when Congress voted to pay $700 billion to bankers and investment brokers who have it MUCH, MUCH better than you do, and MUCH, MUCH better than autoworkers. Given the current situation, you have to wonder whether any of their wealth was ever come by honestly.

You shouldn't be outraged because automakers make more than you do. You should be outraged because YOU don't make as much as THEY do.

Sadden -- Exactly so.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Scott F., Wisconsin — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:11 GMT

Obama should continue to smoke. I agree. It will help revive the dying cigarette industry and start a trend back to smoking in public places to help revive our economy. Teens will find it hip to be a smoker again and the taxes on cigarettes will help eliminate the deficit. PE Obama, smoking lamp is lit. Leave this man alone. Smoking does not hurt anyone and he should be free to smoke if he wants.
Pete, Salinas, CA

My 17 year old son said Obama can't be that smart and intellectual if he is a smoker. (Intentionally killing himself)I never thought of it that way but it makes a lot of sense. I'm suprised people are defending him on this issue. This week has been a very revealing one for the man some called the Messiah or Savior for America.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Kimberlee Williams, Fairmont, West Virginia — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:25 GMT

Since when does president elects have a say in the current administrations actions. Obama is overstepping his bounds. I don't think President Bush should "bail" the automakers. It was my understanding that the emergency loan money approved by congress (which I did not approve of) in the middle of the Presidential campaign was strictly for bailing out banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. I know for a fact that none of the big 3 automakers make housing loans, or are banks and the like. Not one news reporting agency has investigated as to why the automakers are in the shape they are. Well, take it from this West Virginia Mountaineer, I know why:
1. To "save" money, many jobs were outsourced to 3rd world countries.
2. Each automaker seems to think that we, as consumers, need computers, GPS, keyless entry, keyless ignitions, cd players, dual tv's for our kids, electric windows, electric locks, leather seats, plush carpets, excessive interior lights, "blue" headlights, fancy wheels, fancy designs, tinted windows, air conditioners, fuel injection systems, and the list goes on and on.
Just think how energy efficient those automobiles would be if the added weight of all those above were removed and they went back to building autos just to get people from point A to point B and back. Doing this would also reduce the price of the cars, so more people could actually afford them.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

KN, HI — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:17:15 GMT

I guess public transporation is out of the question for our public servants?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Maggie — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:36:56 GMT

Yes, I too want to know why we Americans have to pay for the rides of US reps - indeed, they should pay for their rides out of their own salaries like the rest of us working slobs have to do!

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

buddhistMonkey, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:07:29 GMT

Yes, Anna Molly, they're really "foreign competitors," because all of the money goes to a foreign country, and those foreign countries are also subsidizing their car industries.

Jim from Owensboro, were you aware that you just made the case for communism? I'm guessing not, that it was just your envy talking. If you want more money, try working harder.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Terry Woods, Aloha, Oregon — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:38:12 GMT

My God Carrie Dann,
Why in the hell can't you present a simple statement of the opposition position, followed by a simple statement of your position, and then follow that by a SIMPLE, REASONABLE, and LOGICAL explanation of what should be?

An awful lot of you so called "WRITERS" out there REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to learn basics of Technical Writing before you try to word-smith your way onto the broadway.

It appears that that statement includes you... Carrie Dann.

Hear this... I AM ON YOUR SIDE.

HOWEVER, you are not a "qualified writer"... period.

ALL of our arguments need to be clear and logically developed in order to be the... not so good guys.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Stop Business as usual — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:11:32 GMT

You failed to report that the President Elect drives a Ford Escape Hybrid. In bad times why can't we get the good news with the bad? REG in AZ (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 5:54 PM) Thank you for your comment very well said.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

kathie, CT — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:47:23 GMT

It would be interesting for you to publish the full list of legislators who have tax-payer paid leases including car model, price and epa rating.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Joe Sepeda, Early, Texas — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:19:49 GMT

Our vehicles are a mirror to the American mindset. When I was stationed in Okinawa Japan as a Marine, I saw mostly small to midsize, quick, efficient vehicles on the streets. Just like the people driving them. When I got back to the states I saw oversize, sluggish, inefficient vechicles on the streets. Just like the people driving them. I love and respect America. It gave me the chance to work myself out of poverty and get a decent education but we want alot and waste alot in ALL we do. If I recall correctly, America uses a bigger chunk of the worlds resources per size than any other nation on Earth. The fat arrogant politician driving the gas guzzler saying it's not his fault Detroit is in trouble is like the rain drop saying it's not responsible for the flood. WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Karen, Davie, FL — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:55:48 GMT

I currently own a 2006 Honda CR-V. Prior to that I had a 1995 Honda Civic LX that I drove for 12 years and put 260,000 miles on. It is still running - my neighbor has it. Before the Civic, which I bought new and was the first car to ever make it through the payment book without a major breakdown, I owned a 1989 Ford Taurus, a 1978 Pontiac Lemans Station Wagon and a 1973 Ford Pinto.

The Taurus blew it's engine and transmission on I-95 one day while I was going home from work - they had no idea why, I had done all the routine maintenance, changing timing belts, etc. I was 4 years into the 5 year payment plan, still 12 payments to go, plus $4,000 worth of work. I had it repaired, paid it off and drove it until it did it again in the summer of 1994. FORD - Fix Or Repair Daily - It was in the shop for something every few months and I finally traded it in for the Civic - I figure that Taurus cost me $30,000 over its lifetime - half in the cost of the car and the other half in keeping it running. The Pontiac did OK, but I got rear ended and my insurance company totalled it (which is when I bought the Taurus). My Pinto actually ran great, but my husband was rear ended (no the car didn't blow up, I had the recall done on the gas tank) and that one was totalled too.

My dad was furious when I bought my "Jap car" Civic. A WWII vet, he firmly believed in buying American. He didn't care that my Civic was built in Marysville, OH. But the Civic was the car I could afford to buy and to maintain and to run (I had just bought a house that summer and needed a car payment like I needed a hole in my head)... I researched all car brands through Consumer Reports and other websites and I never regretted it going with my "Recommended CR Best Buy". I never, ever had a major repair on it. I was meticulous, as with all my cars, about the recommended maintenance - which is why my little Civic is still going strong with his new owner. We bought my son a 1998 Civic LX when he graduated from high school - he drove it all through college and vet school and he just bought a 2008 CR-V for himself, now that's he's working and has paid off half his school debt. His fiancee is driving his Civic, because she had no car and she just graduated from her vet school with a load of college debt. It's great on gas, he takes it in faithfully to have all the service and maintenance done and the only complaint we've ever had is that his paint job didn't hold up as well as mine did (the 98's had paint issues). We repainted it last summer. It's got 120,000 miles on it (he drove a lot less than I did and she only goes back and forth to work and the grocery store) and they will probably keep it until after they get married, so they can keep paying off school loans, pay for the wedding and all that stuff that young people do. If I could get an American brand that would last like my Civics, I'd be there in a minute.

My mom owns a Dodge Magnum that is 3 years old and has been in the shop 50 times for odd stuff (my dad bought it, he loved it, but he passed away last summer and we sold mom's old Buick, thinking keeping the "new" car was better for her). Nothing consistent that will qualify it for a "lemon" but enough to be really aggravating. She doesn't even have 10,000 miles on it yet. I hear Dodge is discontinuing the Magnum line. If I thought I could get away with it, I would sell her Magnum and get her a Honda Accord - she likes a 4 door sedan, but she'd feel she was betraying my dad for a) selling his car and b) buying a "Jap car."

Until the Big 3 come up with fuel efficiency, reliability, cost to run / maintain that equals Honda or Toyota, they're never going to get out of the hole they have dug for themselves. Think globally, act locally - I don't think they get that...

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

REG in AZ — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:41:52 GMT

Ultra-conservatism, like the ‘trickle down’ concept, has much the same characteristics as found in illegal pyramid schemes. They are equal in that only a few people really benefit, that they are driven by self-interests, are infected with greed and dishonesty, are sold with attraction to people’s self-interests and greed, and depend on taking advantage of the majority. The fraud they can perpetrate results in the collapse of the infected systems (i.e., corporate corruption, Wall Street, mortgage industry, auto industry, religious extremism,,,) and can eventually even bring down the total economy (what we are close to today). Without the regulations, enforcement, controls, checks and balances needed to keep conservative methodology from being the run-away service of the powerful few, greed, dishonesty and self-indulgence naturally take over. As long as the focus is on total deregulation, completely open and fair-trade markets and on the unchecked pursuit of benefit for Special Interests and a select few, without real protection, consideration and concern for the majority, the natural result will be what we are experiencing today. This criticism is not liberal thinking advocating a large ‘tax and spend’ government giving to a dependent population or advocating protectionism but rather is pragmatism, is simply reality demanding moderation and a centrist thinking that actually benefits everyone. The other choice is to continue down the road we have been on, with only very costly temporary delays.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

HEIDI KANSAS CITY MISSOURI — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:27:48 GMT

I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE CONGRESS HAD A STEPHIN IN ORDER TO PURCHASE CARS ON A LEASE OPTION. WITH THE AVERAGE PERSON IN CONGRESS MAKING ANYWHERE FOR $100,000 TO $150,000 A YEAR PLUS EXPENSES, THEY CAN AFFORD TO BUY OR LEASE THEIR OWN CAR. WHY ARE THEY DOING IT ON MY DIME, I CAN BEARLY AFFORD TO MAKE MY OWN CAR PAYMENT LET ALONE PAYING FOR SOMEONE ELSES. GIVE ME THAT MRA AND I CAN PAY OFF AND KEEP THE CAR THAT I ALREADY OWN. THAT WOULD HELP THIS TAXPAYER QUIT ABIT.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Bob S, Houston, TX — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:44:35 GMT

I'm curious about that officially-approved list of "green" vehicles. GM makes hybrid SUVs. Why aren't any of them on the list?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Rufus — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:07:03 GMT

(&*^&*^*&*)%%&*%&*%*&^%&*^((%$^&$^&$%^$&#%^$%$%%^^%%^ Just no words fit to print for what I'm thinking right now. My wife's car is 7 years old and mine is 5. We'd like new cars, but we have real expenses like college tuition and gas and mortgage and such.. my MORTGAGE isn't as high as some of these leases.

How dare these guys wag their fingers in our faces and tell us how bad the economy is. The economy will only be bad when Congress has to take the bus to work, pay for their own health insurance and NOT be able to call off sick without missing a day's pay.

Honestly, this is the stuff that makes my blood boil. Are they so oblivious that they don't understand WHERE that money comes from? Are we so stupid as to let them?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Reggie, Columbia, SC — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:47:48 GMT

Don't really care who makes the cars that Congress drives. The problem didn't start with their transportation and the people who got the Big Three into their current predicament work in Detroit, not DC. We hear all this Bull about free enterprise/market economies when they're gouging us in the good times, how about some of that same medicine now?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Bruce Oregon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:37:51 GMT

Years ago the AFL-CIO repealed its order that only American made cars could park in the organization's underground parking garage. The reason? No one could tell if the Ford Ranger or Honda Accord was made in Japan, the US Canada or Mexico. BTW, according to Sen. Corker, the Republican who tried to negotiate the auto loan bill, noted that the labor cost of an American made car is about $800 per car. The per cost of debt service and retirement commitments is about $2,000. GM's current debt is $65 billion. Chrysler owes its parts suppliers $2 billion right now. Labor is a significant factor, but not the major one the Republican Party is claiming it to be.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

amazing grace, midwest city, OK — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:32:29 GMT

If this isn't a slap in the face! And just what else is the taxpayers paying for these people? And we, American people, are suppose to think they care about us. Then, they want GM to take a cut in pay. The Congress needs to get their own house in order; the taxpayers should not be paying for their rides as their salaries are enough for them to pay for their own transportation. This needs to stop as they are the ones who are wasting the taxpayers money. While we suffer, they are living high on the hog. What is wrong with this picture? Why don't they have their own transportation? I guess we are paying for the car insurance also. There is no wonder why America is failing; take a good look on the hill. There are million of people who can not afford to pay for their own transportation, but are paying for the Congress to lease cars. True, they are government officials and were elected by the American people but it appears they are using the American people for their own benefits. They are paid a gracious salary and don't do half the job they are being paid for; and the benefits are way to generious for them. We, Americans, are suffering at their hands while they go along like everything is ok. There should be some new rules like they need to pay for their own cars, houses, and everything else out of their own pockets. And not to mention there should be an limit on their terms. Just suppose one lease their car for $700 a month; and has been in Congress for 25 years; it costs the taxpayer $210,000.00 and if you have 10 members, well go figure. This is the reason why America is going broke; and another reason why they don't care if America is broke. This is another reason why the American people can not afford cars, homes, and health insurance for their own family but we are paying the government officials a handsome salary and paying their cars, health insurance and whatever else their hearts desire; what about the American taxpayers?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Donna A. Reuter, Bremerton, WA — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:51:01 GMT

The GOP just shown their true colors, they hold the working and middle class in extreme contempt. The want to have the United States live in an Dickensian existence. The are also fans of the Dark Ages and long for the days of The Inquisition.

They are pitiful excuse for an American with their rampant anti-Americanism.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Kathy Rock Island, IL — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:04:29 GMT

Yep, these Bozo's need to be paying for their own vehicles just like their constituents. They get paid one helluva lot more than most of their constituents do too, $155,00/year to start including annual cost of living raises which sadly I didn not receive while working my full-time job which I am required to be at everyday. By driving their Lincolns and Caddy's, and big SUV's they are not convincing me that any of them are trying to do anything to be more "green" or fiscally responsible. This bunch is pretty good at talking out of both sides of their mouth, I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for most of 'em. It's too bad some of those arrogant jerks have any say whatsoever over the auto bailout. I don't work anywhere close to the auto industry and I can see a million and one problems with letting them go under.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Joan — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:41:51 GMT

Lets look at logic, AIG got $85 billion in loan guarantees and they came back and said hey wait thats not enough money we need another $25 billion, no one said anything about that and there goes a total of $110 billion to an insurance company that pays millions in salary to their CEO's now here is the kicker, the big three auto-makers were not even considered for a $14 billion or anything, why is that does it make sense no absolutely not. The big three, GM, Chrysler, Ford are good companies and got caught up in the economic crisis not to their fault alot because we have people riding around in foreign cars and second we need to buy America thats very important. Those people in D.C. better wake-up and get it right.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Kae Calloway, richond, VA — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:45:21 GMT

I think you are missing the point. First, why are they getting this allowance? Are you allowed a tax break for your vehicle other than milage? No! I think all these "perks" need to be reviewed and brought into line with what average American deductions. Maybe if they have to pay for what they use they will be better able to understand the challenges of main street.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Bo, Texas — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:01:18 GMT

can you guys look into what cars they own? i'd like to know if these guys that are voting to help the domestic auto industry are practicing what they preach and are helping the industry with their own money by buying domestic.

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

Jeff Gollin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:35:05 GMT

Gotta question:

I'm not fully up-to-speed on Wall St. or financial options, but I was wondering why a Democratic bail-out strategy wouldn't work whereby (a) Pres-Elect Obama made a firm formal commitment (with specifics) to funding a bail-out plan so that (b) Detroit could use the guarantee of such a plan as a "futures" collateral against a bridge loan taken out before Jan. 20.

Why wouldn't that work? Wouldn't loan sources be willing to free up money if they knew it was guaranteed in that manner?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

BRENDA LEWIS, NASHVILLE, TN — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:36:33 GMT

UAW MEMBER SPOUSE. MY HUSBAND HAS WORKED ALMOST 30 YEARS FOR GM. HE WORKS HARD, HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN STAY ON THEIR FEET AND CONSTANTLY MOVE WHILE DOING A JOB? HAVE 1 13 MINUTE BREAK IN MORNING, 30 MINUTE LUNCH, INCLUDES GETTING AND EATING YOUR LUNCH AND THEN A 14 MINUTE BREAK IN AFTERNOON. IF YOU NEED TO GO TO THE RESTROOM YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE CAN COME AND DO YOUR JOB WHILE YOU ARE GONE. AND DON'T TAKE TOO LONG GETTING BACK TO THE LINE. NOT EVERYONE CAN DO LINE WORK THE SAME AND EVERYONE CAN NOT BE A NURSE OR POLICEMAN. ANY AUTO PLANT ALSO SUPPLIES WORK FOR HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPANIES. THOSE THAT SAY LET IT GO DOWN, WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR DAD, MOM, AUNT, UNCLE AND SPOUSE THAT WAS GOING TO BE EFFECTED BY A MAJOR LAYOFF OR POSSIBLE LOSS OF JOB. ARE YOU READY FOR THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS TO MOVE IN WITH YOU?

Big 3 dilemma? Check Congress's garage

OBwan, IN — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:58:41 GMT

Why are the foreign governments bailing out their own auto manufactures? Think about it.

Oh! BTW who are the part suppliers to Honda, Toyota, BMW ... in the US. Yeah! That would be the same part suppliers to GM, Ford, and Chrysler. How many of them do you think would be in bankruptcy with any of the big three?