Opinion Poll

[BT]

Should we bail out Detroit?

Yes

No

Why?

[Xavier_Onassis]

There is no reason to bail out the auto industry. GM, Ford and Chrysler made really bad decisions, while Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai and others did not. Bankruptcy and consolidation seem to be the best path. If I wouldn't voluntarily buy an Expedition or a Denali, why should I be taxed so more of these be produced?

[BT]

There is no reason to bail out the auto industry. GM, Ford and Chrysler made really bad decisions, while Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai and others did not. Bankruptcy and consolidation seem to be the best path. If I wouldn't voluntarily buy an Expedition or a Denali, why should I be taxed so more of these be produced?

Was it a mistake to bail out Wall Street?

[Henny]

Should we bail out Detroit?

Yes

No

Why?

Yes - but only because the economic turmoil that will otherwise ensue when millions of (more) people are out of work will be devastating. Not because they otherwise deserve it, much like the other bailout.

[BT]

Should we bail out Detroit?

Yes

No

Why?

Yes - but only because the economic turmoil that will otherwise ensue when millions of (more) people are out of work will be devastating. Not because they otherwise deserve it, much like the other bailout.

Would we be better off cushioning the innocents instead of rewarding the automakers for not being prepared for a change in the marketplace?

[sirs]

No

A) Government has no business bailing out companies that have run themselves into the ground.  Why stop there?  Why shouldn't it save EVERY failing business??  Every Mon-and pop store, every restaurant, every mini-mall.  Surely their jobs are just as important, right?

B) There is no guarantee, what-so-ever, that the tax payer dollars could be paid back, by any bail out

C) What goes around, comes around.  The unions helped bring about the huge expense it is to make american cars, compared to other countries like Japan, all the while making an inferior product

[Henny]

Would we be better off cushioning the innocents instead of rewarding the automakers for not being prepared for a change in the marketplace?

Great idea - but how? The money saved by not bailing out could only cushion these people for so long. If the Big 3 are brought back up to full strength, with oversights and re-evaluation of the direction they're going, they will become profitable again.

If they close down, so many would have to be re-trained and re-employed - and where on earth are jobs for millions of people going to come from before the cushion cash runs out? As you said, these ARE innocents - hard working, decent people who are about to get screwed. Being from the Motor City, I'm a bit more sensitive about it as Michigan is already suffering terribly.

[Xavier_Onassis]

If the Big 3 are brought back up to full strength, with oversights and re-evaluation of the direction they're going, they will become profitable again.


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In 30 years, they have had no plan for a comeback excep[t for foisting large gashog trucks and SUVs. If they have no plan sell what people can afford to drive and will buy, all the money in the world will not save them.

If you give Ned the Wino money, he will piss it away on more Sweet Lucy and Thunderripple.

[Knutey]

The only bail out that is clearly needed is the economy. If that entails helping the auto industry and the banking system survive , so be it. I have bad feelings about following  the nostrums of the moron ( read Bushidiot) that got US into this mess . I will feel better when an intelligent man(Big O) takes over.

[Xavier_Onassis]

All bailouts have to involve a clear plan for what will be done to cause an upturn, and how the money will be paid back.

Otherwise, they are just giveaways.

[BT]

I will feel better when an intelligent man(Big O) takes over.

Isn't it Pelosi and Company pushing the auto bailout?

[crocat]

I was listening to Arnold this A.M.  I think he is pretty much on target about the bailout.

Do the bail out with more transparency and make sure that the auto companies have a concise business plan that brings them into the ages.

[Plane]

I was listening to Arnold this A.M.  I think he is pretty much on target about the bailout.

Do the bail out with more transparency and make sure that the auto companies have a concise business plan that brings them into the ages.

Crocat , do you still have freinds in the Detroit area?

This must be a popular topic there.

[crocat]

I was listening to Arnold this A.M.  I think he is pretty much on target about the bailout.

Do the bail out with more transparency and make sure that the auto companies have a concise business plan that brings them into the ages.

Crocat , do you still have freinds in the Detroit area?

This must be a popular topic there.

My son still lives there.  He is an engineer (with a degree) and was out of work since the spring until last week.  He had been unemployed 3 years ago for six months and now he is right back to the same amount he hired in for then.... and very thankful that he didn't fall lower than that.

It is bleak, Plane... very bleak.

[BSB]

Detroit hasn't made a decent car since my grandfathers Roadmaster, or my fathers Electra 225. Fuck 'em.