Ripping Stitches

This economy sucks. Point blank, shot to the temple. But it wasn't Detroit's fault.

All week, I've been seeing these Southern Representatives, Governors, Senators in "Right to Work" states just spouting off about how the Detroit Three should be left to fail. Here's why they are misinformed, undereducated and wrong.

I have created presentations for Rick Wagoner, Bob Nardelli and Alan Mulally. It's what I do. I've been in GM Board of Directors meetings, seen Chrysler's 5-Year plan and was trusted with Ford's turnaround info when they were in worse trouble than they are now. They, all three, have done a lot to get back on track, become forward thinking and Green, and combat the foreign-owned automakers who now inhabit the lower half of our country -- By the way, sending profits daily back to Japan, Korea, Germany. Yes, they employ Americans, but the income sure doesn't stay here and get spent here in the US. Don't fool yourselves.

GM, Chrysler and Ford are all now working closely with the UAW and associated Unions to bring down the cost of labor. Legacy costs have been addresses and, despite how shitty I feel about GM taking away my dad's health care after 31 years punching in at Pontiac, I understand it.

We have Flex-Fuel vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells on the road and being evaluated, and the Chevy Volt on the way next year. The turnaround time for these vehicles has been astounding. We went from HUMMERs to Volts in five years. When I was a kid, it took designers five years to design a new body style, fin or instrument panel for a model -- NOT, a new classification of vehicle with an innovative and game changing method of propulsion!

These companies need money -- NOT a handout, but a low interest loan -- To make it into 2010. If they don't make it, I don't make it. If they don't make it, 10% of Americans don't make it. This is far more serious than my neighbors in South Carolina or Arkansas comprehend. This shit is real, and it's here, and it's NOW.

Bailout? No. Loan? HELL YES, and SOON.

We can't all work as Wal*Mart greeters, folks. We need manufacturing jobs in the US too.