Poll: Americans against auto bailout

Here we go again- another poll about a subject that people do not understand fully. Like the original bailout proposal the polling was against and as the first vote failed the focus became why did we let it fail. If we let the auto industry fail we will hear the cries of the people as the loss of 2-3 million jobs and the economy tanks into a depression overtakes the cries to let them fail. Other Nations are loaning their auto industries money to allow them to survive this economic downturn- why are we not doing the same? People need to read about the issue instead of listening to only the news and really see the ramifications of letting just one fail in this economy.

Bailouts for Workers being Paid (not earning) 73.00 an Hour !
MAKING CARS AMERICANS WON'T BUY !
They would be back for More !

These Dull and greedy Children have no Manners.

Absolutely Not !

To make it work, the UAW will have to chop total compensation by approximately 40%! If they will do that, I'll support the package, and buy stock! If not, they are simply doomed to burn thru the money and crash.

yet the bailouts continue....

Not surprising. Everyone should be against bailing out these clowns. They spent millions lobbying and electing politicians who believed in the free market and the nonsense about how industry knew best and would work in the best interests of its stock holders.

Now that we have punished the politicians for their complicity in this fiasco, it is natural to want to punish those who bought and paid for these politicians.

Unfortunately, we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. If we let the free market work, we are in for a near depression (if not a full blown depression) and a permanent decline in the economy of this country.

This is no different than the bailout of the banking system. We can only grit our teeth, bail them out, and watch future generations pay with higher taxes and a lower standard of living.

No bailout no bailout. The big 3 automakers drove the companys into the ground.. The unions are just as guilty, with thier endless greed. Let them go down, and out of the ahses will arise a stronger better automaker. I and millions like me need a bailout, so the same odds we will get one should apply to the big 3 auto makers, not a chance in hell!

Let them go to bankrupcy and restructure that way just like any other company would have too. Enough is enough with the government bailing out these companies that fail due to poor practice and over paid morons. Even if these companies get their loan they will still let thousands of people go. This will also open up the flood gates to other large companies to stick their hand out for money too. If congress feels pressured into giving the money then make a stipulation that all senior managent right up to the CEO is fired with no severance. I think that would send a better message to these clowns making billions and then screaming poor mouth.

Do not bail out the Big Three! They refused to do what other car companies have been doing for decades; focusing on green vehicles. They sell excess and operate the same way. I think Suburban and Escalade sum up their focus.

The best thing that could happen is for the big 3 to go into bankruptcy. Make them regroup in Chapt. 11 and get rid of the UAW for good. This in the only way for them to be able to reduce costs. Let them take a lesson from the other Big 3 (Honda, Toyota, & Nissan) on how to treat their employees without any Unions so they will never again need the UAW, which has long outlived it's usefulness.

ok here is my assessment of the big three and the people who work within
NO SIR NO BAIL OUT go find another job like the rest of us in the real world the UAW has friggin ruined this for you with the stong arming of the Auto Makers I mean get paid for sittin on your butts at home please~ Benefits after benefits I dont begrudge anyone his due for a days work but people a monkey could do a job on a line as an installer and take far less than $85 dollars pr. hour please you not nuro surgeons look its time to put the big three away and re group let them bail chapter 13 is the way and i think it needs to happen JUST SAY NO WASHINGTON PLEASE

Right on!!! they will get stock options in lieu of salary, they r giving up 0 & we pay!!

For congress to give the banks money without question and to have such an issue with helping the auto industry is completely absurb! If the auto comanies file bankruptcy...this economy will become more devasted than it already is!..it wil put suppliers out of business,,,it will affect 10% of the jobs in this great country,,,also the middle class, which is almost gone, will be wiped out as we know it!....Sounds like the american nightmare instead of the american dream!!! But hey...lets give the banks help with no question...the ones who screwed up the most..who cares about the people who built this country on hard work!!!

Don't bail them out. They had plenty of time to think about the possibility of a gas hike which curved the consumers appetite for gas gusslers. Instead of investing in research for alternative fuels( because it costs too much, there's no profit in it) now they are going to starve. They have been negligent and blinded by the sight of money rather than being visionaries and inovators. They don't deserve a penny and I hope they are denied any amount of bailout.

This is a chance to keep jobs from going overseas by LOANING the big three some money. The auto industry has put more Americans to work than any other yet nobody wants to help them. This is a chance to save an industry and if sucessful won't cost tax payers anything when the loans are paid back. How much will it cost the country if they go under ?

Yes please bail them out- there are soooo many jobs at stake here and we dont need our unemployment rates any higher.... STOP buying foreign cars and support your nation for once!!

I only support it if the unions give up most of their power. The unions are the biggest cause of the problem, in my opinion.

For years GM and others were predicted to be heading to bankruptcy and have been getting closer and closer. This is NO SURPRISE. The products from the big 3 are now GOOD but the COSTS are too high, because of the BENEFITS and WAGES. Tough nuggies- too late. NO BAILOUT. They need to go into Chapter 11 and make some SERIOUS CHANGES and then maybe a GOV loan.
NO BAILOUT

Throwing money at the problem is not going to make people want to buy cars. These guys have the technology to make efficent cars, but Big Oil doesn't want that to happen. I suspect The Big Three have been bribed by Big Oil for too long. Now people can't afford all that. The Big 3 have already sent tons of jobs to other countries. The U.S. needs to start producing the majority of our own goods that we consume.
THAT will help our economy.

The auto industry will get the money. No sense in a debate.

OBAMARAMA!

I have given up trying to argue the point on loaning money to the auto companies. Let me just state that if this country allows these companies to go under, it will be the destruction of the US economy. Additionally, there will be blood in the streets. I am positive there will be severe civil disturbances as a consequence of burying your heads in the sand.

Oh no! All those car-building robots that took people's jobs will be out of work!

Maybe if their cars weren't so terrible, people would buy them. Do Honda and Toyota need a bailout?

The world is changing, there are probably a ton of jobs to be had in the emerging world of "green" technology or alternative energy while building cars goes the way of coal mining and industrial revolution factory jobs.

Please stop this bail out madness. It is making me sick and will not work. NO more bailouts! I mean a bailout for cars, how stupid. There are plenty lf cars on the road now, lets wear out the ones already built, before building anymore new ones. Food and housing sould be our first bailout.

Given that Exxon alone nets 40+ billion a year and that oil companies benefited directly from Detroit's gas-guzzlers, perhaps the Big Three should ask the Big Three oil companies for a piece of their pie as a bailout instead of taxpayers. After all this, I don't want to ever hear again that redistribution of wealth never happens here and is un-American.

I am a small businessman. If I screw up, mismanage my company and lose business or the entire operation who is going to bail me out?
Why should mismanagment and incompetence be rewarded, especially with taxpayer's money?
No bailout for incompetently managed companies!!!!! and please don't say again that "they are too big to let go down"

Incompetence should be rewarded by failure.
The foreign auto manufacturers operating on U.S. soil are doing just fine. They are properly managed and have been operating profitably for years.

Fred G.

It is really really sad how much HATRED people have for Americans who work with their hands and their heads for a living.

Guess what! The unions don't decide what cars management decides to make.

Guess what, again. Union members don't make $85 an hour, even with benefits and fringes. (Upper middle and upper management does and in many cases a good deal more. Definitely the bankers and mortgage brokers who created the mortgage mess often do.)

Guess what again, again. One reason that the foreign automakers can get by with paying lower labor costs is that they don't have as many retirees or older workers. I realize that many posters here seem to feel that older people should drop dead rather than collect retirement benefits or have need of health care.

Frankly, most of the posters here are disgusting in their hostility towards their fellow Americans.

Let the big 3 go and end the stranglehold they have on this country! If we prop up bad companies instead of letting them be replaced by good ones it will be worse for our economy in the long run. It would also be extremely unfair to workers who don't work for companies that are "too big to fail".

No bailout. NO BAILOUT!

No bailout. Let them file bankruptcy. I read the so called plans they submitted. Those aren't plans. Those are daydreams. GM plans to discuss with creditors to write off some debt. No commitments by creditors. GM plans a light discussion with UAW but no concessions yet. GM still intends to hand over billions to UAW to fund lifetime health care. Projected sales overstated and omits its yearly declining market share. Great plan if all goes well it can break even in 2012. This bailout would only be the start until Obama takes office. They would need more bailout money for years. Are these CEOs stupid or do they think taxpayers are stupid. UAW's greed destroyed auto companies. No bailout.

UAW is the biggest problem for the Big3. It is sucking auto makers to bone dry. Getting some $70+/hr, ridiculous jobs bank benefit, and pension with the skill sets and education of $20/hr assembly workers, no wonder they can NEVER compete with other foreign auto makers. Their costs of making autos are WAY to high and their design and quality are below average. What kind of profitable business model is this? The Big3 must drop the UAW (their biggest liability) altogether and clean up their house before even approaching the government for any bailout fund. No tax money should ever go to keep the Good Lifestyle they've been enjoyed for DECADES ....

Why prop companies that are dumb enough to give out HUGE bonuses in 2008 and HUGE CEO salaries when their companies are failing and they are laying off people?!?!?!

The taxpayers should not have to subsidize this bad management, and the Congress should not buy into this temporary charade by the CEO's!!!

NO bailout!! If these companies have got money to build abroad, they've got money to reinvest in the homeland that made them what they USED to be.

They come back begging to the American gov't because they CAN!

These TRAITORS have got some nerve doing so while ROBBING millions of former LOYAL employees of their livelihoods, their EARNED pensions & health care benefits.

How do these economic geniuses think we are we Americans have the ability to do this when we are unemployed? Enough is ENOUGH!!

Just Say NO!!!

The big 3 should rot in HELL.

No to the bail out. The auto industry in America is a joke. The continue to lose market share to someone who provides a better product at a better price. That is called Capitalism! The automakers should go into bankrupcy and come out as profitable company or fold. Then the American dream will happen to someone else who has a better idea and a better way to do it! But with all the Union money going into our political system they (Detriot) will get our money.

Are you listening to these guys on television right now. They really think that since they drove this trip instead of using a corporate jet, they will get the bail out. They only correct their behavior when caught - just like they have been doing for the past 20 years. Now they admit that that the 34B will only be a start and that more money will be needed by end of March 09.
Bridge loan? Bridge to nowhere.

I actually work for a major supplier to the automotive industry. I do understand the ramifications- >>I

All the people who say 'no bailout' obviously don't have ties to the auto companies and are oblivious to the repurcussions. Yes they have made mistakes in the past, but have to the most part become equals with the foreign companies. Now the problem is all the snobs like Californians won't give them the time of day. Where is the nationalism?? Japan has nationalism - they have pride in their country and products, while many of you turn your noses to help your neighbor. The last 4 American (Ford) cars I have owned have been exceptional - not one problem! But all the "worldly" people think its not "in" to own American. What a travesty! You are ruining America more than the greedy CEO's. If the money was going to keep your city and neighbors and family alive would you be against this? I agree there has to be tight regulations and more negotiations like major cuts in CEO and executives compensation. They have already made cuts to employees. Then they should absolutely get a bridge loan - no not money thrown at them like the even greedier financials. The alternative is just too scary to think about - and it will affect you and your neighbors eventually when the misery trickles down and the more than competent salaried auto worker comes for your job.

I am for the bailout of the Automobile makers.

I feel I as a person should have a say so in bailing out, anyone, with MY hard earned money. ESPECIALLY when it comes to corporate america.

Ok I would appriciate it there were to be a little more info on these subjects because im 16 and doing a report on the auto industry bailout ....and for some1 who dosent know much about it is kinda lost.....if you are really trying to persuade a person towards your side you need more information....HELP!!!! Gimme reasons for why i should be against auto bailout

NO BAILOUT ....... NONE!!!!! LET THEM DIE!!!!!!.

People need to realize failure of these 3 auto makers will affect more than just auto makers themselves. My husband works for a major steel company and there has already been layoffs there because of the economy. ( a company who employs thousands of people in different towns) Auto co. 's should have a plan how they should spend the bailout money and how they can make the companies strong again and make American made autos strong again. People should support America and American made products and not just scream don't support them! Why did they hand out so easily to banks ? What did they come to Washington in, Jets or fuel effec. cars? Give the auto makers a second chance if they can't do it this time then that should be the end for them. But remember there are more people's jobs envolved here, people who are hard workers and want to make a living.

In response to post 40, yes, many will lose jobs, but if we cant afford to buy a car, how long after getting the money untill they need more money. When will it stop?
It seems as if we are buying the cars without getting the car.... The only way to bailout anything is to bailout the people of America. Give the money to the taxpayers and let them spend it as needed... If they buy cars, then great.... the big 3 will survive.

Those of you against the bailout: Are you out of touch with what's going on in the world? According a recent article in BBC news "German car sales are expected to slip to 2.9 million next year, down from the expected 3.1 million for 2008, worst since 1990. Car sales are lower across Europe, with Italy's Fiat warning that its 2009 profits could fall by 65%. Meanwhile Toyota, Honda and Nissan are all trimming production at their European plants. The Swedish government has said it would be prepared to offer financial support to Ford subsidiary Volvo, and GM unit Saab." What the US is facing is similar to what the auto industries are facing around the world and yet as Americans, we are quick to lay the blame internally and not look at the big picture.

Let's see are the GM automakers are not tax payers? Some of these people have no idea on what they are even talking about. Just makes me sick. This is America so loan YES!

t hope that the bail-out takes place,in fact it will take place before christmas.there will be more industries heading for washington after this bail-out.the federal government has the ability to print MONEY! when the government stops printing MONEY,there will be no more bail-outs.

NO BAILOUT, without a chapter 11, complete restucture, PLUS get rid of all the CEO's and all upper management and auto workers union leaders who had anything to do with getting beneifits that incl. the 95% full pay after being laid off. Who does that? Also all congressmen and family who make a profit from the auto industry need not have a vote because of conflict of interest. And they need to resign.
The same thing needs to happen to Wall street and all the banks. Steve Forbes has been calling for a 4 1/2% mortgage for several months, they need that to stop a lot of foreclosures. If Washington, the auto industry, the banks, wall street and home mortgage companies were not so greedy, these things would not be this bad.
Than you
Truman Chastain

No bail out, how many of us can receive 85% of there pay for two years upon being layed off or let go. Rediculous, could this be where shortage of cash started to begin with as far as pensions work with 401K like the rest of us which could not be taken away. I am confused, many of us don't have the great pension plans that are afforded them. No bail out!!!!!!

I THINK EVERYONE OVER 21 SHOULD GET A CHECK IN THE SUM OF 40000 DOLLARS FROM THE GOVERMENT INSTEAD OF BAILING OUT THE BIG 3 AUTOMAKERS TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY. THIS WOULD DEFFINITELY HELP PEOPLE GET MONEY TO BUY GOODS PAY OFF BILLS AND RELAX KNOWING THAT MONEY WOULD BE CIRCULATING GOOD. I HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK.

If we haven't the $$$ to buy cars, no loan will ever help them. The automakers source of income is sales, if we cant afford to buy the cars, restructuring is just a waste of that $$$. I say give the cash to the Americans. It silly to bail out a company that employs poor business practices. If I screw up on my credit, should I be bailed out. If the people have the cash, they deiced what company's will survive by where they spend, may the best automaker win. This will force them to become competitive, or fail.

Let's see are the GM automakers are not tax payers? Some of these people have no idea on what they are even talking about. Just makes me sick. This is America so loan YES!

I say no to the big three!!! "Bailout the american people" I would buy an american made car or put down money on a home or start a small business with the money

This auto bailout crisis is all about dinosaurs. Our manufacturing industry is no different than anything else that can no longer function in a new environment. United States manufacturing had a nice run in the 20th century, but the 21st century brings what is clearly an "extinction event" for this industry. The rest of the world understands that the U.S. is now a service economy. Most Americans concede this as well. So why drag this out? How many heartaches can we bear as we gather around the dying? Let the manufacturing sector die in peace and let's move on. Yes, you can cut auto wages from $73.20 an hour to Toyota's median of $48 an hour. Yes, you can cut executive wages 40 percent. Yes, you can make fewer models of cars. But NO, you can't breathe life into an extinct dinosaur. No bailout! Let's bury our dead and move forward.

this is america,take a vote, how many americans want to pay higher taxes to bailout a horribly failed industry?-no one does
bottom line it would never happen.
when the best innovation they have produced in the last 10 years is a radio you can talk to ,thats a pretty good sign its time to let them lie in their own graves.
they are an embarrasment to the usa and the hard working americans that actually take pride in what they do.when they file bankruptcy it will be a good day for the usa..we are innovators the new companies that emerge will set a new standard for auto makers across the world

The big 3 are burning through about $10 billion a month. Their business plan is a total failure and even with a $34 billion loan they will either file for bankruptcy in 6 months or ask for about $50 billion more. Do people actually believe that if these companies go under, other auto manufacturers won't take their place? Let them go bankrupt and they can get rid of idiotic union contracts that pay laid off workers $30/hr for being unemployed. Why the hell should you subsidize someone to get paid more for not working than most people do who actually have a job?

I worked for GM for 38 years as an electrician. My top pay was $27 an hour. GM has been a good employer and I have driven a GM car since 1952. Our country is sufffering through the worst economic times in 70 years. Ditto for most foreign countries whose governments are helping their industries survive. The Detroit auto makers are asking for a LOAN! Not a handout. If our national economy recovers the government will make a profit on the loan of taxpayers money. In any case, bankruptcy means hundreds of thousands of more unemployed will be looking for unemployment compensation, free health care at hospital emergency rooms, and will probably fall behind on their mortgages of their homes and their cars. Since the banking industry failed the entire country is being penalized. And they got over $1 trillion so far, no questions asked and no accountability.

There is an important point that many people seem to be missing:
Our government is indentured to corporations. The banks held people's homes hostage, and now the auto industry is holding their worker's hostage. Of course, we have to give them money or else these workers will suffer. These executives ought to be indited. Sure, the majority of Americans are opposed, but our representatives are indifferent to our opinions - that much is clear when they went behind closed doors and approved the first bailout. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. People, we're too divided amongst ourselves to make democratic decisions. We need to mobilze; this country needs a new revolution...

I think the government should give that money to the taxpayers and let us reboost the economy and if there was enough money to each taxpayer, im sure we would purchase a brand new vehicle from on of the three major corp. I need bailed out too!

No BAILOUT without a form of CHAPTER 11.
? WHY are they still running the production lines right if their over producted and their cars arenot selling. THIS IS CRAZY .
Every busninessman who has faced BK SHOULD CALL CONGRESS
and asked for a BAILOUT.
GIVING THEM MORE MONEY is not going to make them smarter.

I can't fathom the amount of greed, excess, and entitlement that has prevailed in the US for the past 20 years. It's been gimme, gimme, and gimme some more. And further, I'm entitled to health care, retirement, my own home, a nice car, a tv, a computer, and a cell phone, This Crash has been on the horizon for years. How on earth did we become a country that expects to be bailed out of everything from Katrina to the flu?
Let the auto industry die a natural death. No loan nor bail-out is going to save a dying, mismanaged, sadly out of date company. I'm not interested in loaning my tax dollars to anyone who has failed as miserably as the American auto industry.

The government could of just gave $25,000 to each tax filer (136million of them) at a cost of 3.4trillion and that would of definitely rejuvenated the economy. The banks would be safe because people could pay their mortgages. The retail industry would of been saved, because some would shop. The auto industry would have been helped (not saved, because they just make inferior cars). Why Washington always refuses to help the average american always perplexes me. They have the "smartest" people up there making the dumbest decisions. And BTW, no bailout for the Big 3. Let them restructure through bankruptcy and then consider a loan.

The only chance the Big 3 have of being competitive against foreign automakers will happen this month. If the UAW is forced to give concessions that allows the Big 3 to be competitive, then US automakers have a chance.
If the union can force Congress to give the Big 3 enough money to hold them over to January 20, the UAW will not have to give any concessions and the Big 3 will get all the bailout money they want. The Democrat's owe the election to the UAW. The Big 3 management also knows this is their only opportunity to force a competitive structure. They want the Republican's to scrutinize.
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%61 are against, %20 are undecided, %19 are for a bailout of auto. So, it is more like %81, more or less against this bailout.
Good news, our representives in Congress are elected to vote for us, not the lobbyist. Thank God. So we will not see a vote for GM bailout.
i doubt the whole industry will fold, so the 3 million out of work does not hold water. Plus, us Americans will find work, not just sit on our behinds. The sky is falling says Wagner, maybe for him. He says will work for $1, but his payed expensives and benifits will be in the millions. Don't fall for another car salesman story.

Lets call it what it really is, a bailout of the UAW !!!!!!!!!!!

let them fail. The Big 3 (so called) arent that big of player in the auto
world now. Lots to choose from. Let them fail and reorganize.

Release themselves of the Union noose and workers that dont need
to be employed anymore

Where is my bailout, Shame on GM and chrysler. GM is the top selling manufacturer of cars in the US and they have no money....! That is poor management to me and eventually if you let all of these companies run by greedy ceo's fall by the wayside. the good will survive and the bad will be gone. Isnt this what a free market society is about. We reward the successful not the failures such as GM and chrysler......let them fail...their cars suck anyway.....

I was against the Bank bailout and I'm even more decidedly against this bailout/loan? At least the banking industry actually has a product everyone uses. The employees will get stock we will feed the kitty. Give me a break. You prolong the inevitable if you send the clowns money. It will happen though.

I own my own small business and plan on going to Capitol Hill to petition for a bailout. Hey times are tough all over no?

Might as well flush that Auto Bailout money down the Florida Disneyworld toilet!
Because that's where the money for the Auto Bailout will go! To overpaid, overfed, overcompensated, bloated, spoiled, lazy AUTO WORKERS! And, every Christmas these POOR Auto Workers, ALL go on EXPENSIVE 3 week PAID Vacations!
I know, lived right under the shadow of the Dearborn-Ford-Motor-Company-Headquarters-Building!
I know how ALL the Big-3-Auto-Workers REALLY LIVE! It would make you Sick!
They ALL have 4 or 5 PAID FOR New Trucks, Suburbans, HUGE RV's that are like homes on wheels, large paid for homes completely updated and luxuriously remodeled, Designer clothes, Gold Chains all over their necks, Cabin's by the Lake, Boats, Florida 2nd Homes!!! It only get's better and better for these Super Lazy Spoiled people and their families. They get FULL Dental Coverage, Braces/Invisalign, Di Vinci Porcelyin Caps on their Teeth, for the ENTIRE FAMILY, Vision with Designer Gucchi Glasses, FULL Medical where they pay NOTHING for Hospital or Office Visits!! On and On it goes these people when they are Laid-Off, Get 85% of their PAY!! They have MASSIVE Re-training Programs if they become Laid-Off, so they can go to De Vry and all kinds of other benefits to help them re-train for other jobs, all PAID FOR for them!! These people are the BIGGEST EGOMANICS I HAVE EVER HAD THE UNPLEASURE OF HAVING TO KNOW!
These UAW Workers are the REASON I left Michigan, they are Fat Pot Bellied MOUTHY STUPID idoits!! Most don't even have a high school diploma!! They don't need oue!! Only around a 3rd Grade Education.
And get this! The LARGEST MUSLIM Community/Population in the United States of America is in Dearborn Michigan!! WHY???? Because the Big-3 especially Ford's ALL hire IRANIAN's Shipped in as Engineers for the Big-3!! These Muslims OWN the Entire City of Dearborn ppractically....They are getting richer and richer off Americans,,They have torn down all the Catholic Church's and put up Mosque's there with LOUD Speakers on top that blast their crap all day and night.
Hamtramack where Pope John Paul 2 went to during his life, is now MUSLIM, all those Catholic Church's are torn down now, they are now MOSQUES!!
Why???? BECAUSE the Big-FAT-3 Hires them from Iran as Engineers that's why!!

let them claim chapter 11 like everyone else just because the demacrats get all the money from them i am switching to republian for the first time ever pelosi s...ks

DOWN WITH THE AUTO COMPANIES!

It is about time these stupid companies get a slap in the face...

You know...regardless of the outcome...this is a DEMOCRACY and the MAJORITY is supposed to prevail...the MAJORITY of the US people do not want the bailout...do DON'T DO IT!!!!!

I think we should support our car co. and all Us manufacturing. when I was in Vietnam we drove all new Nesan Jeeps and trucks all paid for by the american people. This was in the early 60s. They didn't have much for car Co. until this help. Who engineered their cars. It don't cost as much to put a car on the market if all you have to do is copy something. Just like a camera. Also the cost of these Co. will also grow as they age. They have very few Co. that are 45 years old that is how long it took me to retire. 8 years USAF 35 years with GM. Started 95$ a month USAF and 2.50$ an Hour. Also while in Japan they charged 100% tax on imported American cars. Think What you are doing to your Country. C Nachbar

If they truly have cash flow problems let them file Chapter 11, that is what it's for. Even if all the big three go under: Honda, Toyota, and Nissan will pick up the slack. Sure it will hurt those affiliated with the big three, but it will not destroy the transportation industry, only rearrange the players involved.

UAW needs to go DOWN.Ronald Reagan knew how to handle out of control unions.Take a lesson from history.

I don't think we should bail them out since they refuse to make economical/regular cars affordable for one. Two, they already unwisely spent their money, we don't meed to give them more. Three why are we worried about 2-3 million more people losing their jobs? when the ones who have already lost there's aren't receiving the help they need? Billions of dollars should go to the people, that will boost the economy, not giving it to the automakers. They aren't offering to get you out of your debt with every new car they make. I am against bailing out anyone, but the hard working and poor citizens of America. I would support tax payer money to a stimulas, not to companies that will go bankrupt in the end anyway. People without money won't be buying cars anyway.

It is a loan--not a bailout like Wall Street received. They have made many mistakes, but no more than other sectors. I think it should be passed, but with the recommended guidelines.

Screw the auto industry. Screw the bailout. I can hear the pain across the U.S. and I just love it. Let capitalism reign and bailouts and handouts end. We need to go back and remove all money from Fannie, Freddie, AIG and every other bloated business that took our money. America needs to stand up against their government and let chaos reign.

I read most of these blogs and shake my head in dumbfoundness!!!..The UAW has given up concessions to help the companies survive(look at the last contract,no raises,and ford UAW workers even gave up their raises to put toward the retires!!! Plus toyota workers in the US only make a fraction less per hour than thee BIG THREE UAW workers), if the BIG THREE doesnt survive, neither does the UAW,,,nor the auto suppliers!! The great manufacturing base of this country will be null and void!! FDR and JFK would be ashamed on whats going on in DC right now(REPUBLICANS

I am so sick of reading these blogs about lazy auto workers! I have a college education, but I am an UAW worker for FORD,,,fathem that!!! Anybody who thinks we are lazy have no clue what manual labor is. I wake up with numb hands every day, but live with it ,because this was my choice for my livelihood. I put brake pedals in expeditions and navigators at MTP in wayne,,sitting on bare metal,,twisted sideways,torqueing down adleast 3,200 bolts a day, 8 per vehicle. If i want a drink of water, it is planned 3 vehicles ahead!! It takes an unique person to be able to do this,,,,so imagine how rough the predecessors had it? I know, because my father worked as an UAW wortker for 31 years!!!

70. comment response:,,,sure,,we wont miss a beat...lets import all of our vehicles.....lets see how that affects are economy in the US,,,,well..damm...i mean JAPAN,,,,,,ohh num. 70 comment must be related to #71...reagan knows how to handle unions,,look at history..,just fire em!!! Unreal, 70, and 71 must be from one of those states that give all the tax breaks to build foreign vehicles in their states,KY,alabama,tennesse, texas! Just remember,,,those actual profits from those companies go to JAPAN, not in the USA!!!

comment #66...u are a moron! If u speak in a public domain, adleast speak the truth!!! You have no clue ,,and tell bold face lies. I work at MTP in wayne,MI,,,14 years,,and i have never had a 3 week vacation at xmas, 4vehicles i could live in , no large PAID for home, no gucci glasses, no designer clothes, no boats, no second home in Florida,,,,,,non of that crap!!! You must have us confused with the banks!!!! The only designer article i have are my sketchers!,,,and a paid for LIGHTNING truck from 2001!!! Oh...guess what...I even have a mortgage!! Also, your Muslim,Iranian comment,,,truely shows how ignorant of an individual you are,,SAD!!!!!! We call you a donkey in the poker world...YOU CLOWN!!!!

I do not believe that the country's hard working tax payers should have to pay for the BIG 3's mistakes. Why don't the CEO's take a....(dare I say it) Gulp!! PAYCUT from their multi-million dollar a year salary and bail themselves out.
Are the American people going to reap the beneifits in the long run? Are we going to have to suffer while the rich continue to get stinking, filthy rich for mistakes. Have the chairmen/women, CEO's, VP's survive on $50K a year for 3 years

Just watched arrogant UAW President. No concessions in wages by the union members, who make 3x other blue collar workers, no bailout!! Shame on Bush and Paulson, again, for going against the Senate....and the desires of the American people!

I cant believe that people hear in america cant understand how important it is to have this bailout! HELLO!!!!!!! MILLIONS AND i MEAN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS!!!!!!
I will keep praying for this to happen, because it HAS TOO!

No bailout for these greedy, overpaid idiots. Hard-earned taxpayers money should not be given to these evil bastards, employer and employees (UAW) alike.

if we are to bail out the big three who have had years to fix there own problems. then why not bail out the construction industry also.where will it all stop.how much are the tax payers to take.

America get real enough with the bailout crap. We all pay enough in taxes and for all of those who have payed your union dues did you get what you payed for? Don't dare call yourself mainstreet more like union street. Our goverment should never bailout anyone , when is the last time the goverments books were in balance. ever wonder why we are the shape we are in today. Careful what you wish for.....1 trillion and counting.... God help us all.

This is the American Auto Industry we're talking about. Why would we let such a great and essential part of our economy die? It sickens me that intelligent people are so blind as to what would happen to the economy if even 1 of these companies goes under. I do agree most people are getting paid too much that work at these companies, but letting them go under is probably one of the dumbest things we as a nation will ever do.

The Union, and Union Workers, have had their chance and they consistently VOTED to place their greed before business viability. And the CEOs fail to make appropriate cuts (ie private jets). This situation is what they have chosen. They have driven these companies out of business and they want us to pay for it?!! Break the back of the Union, it is the biggest problem. Maybe then the big three can make a car I want. My Honda has 220,000 miles on it and is running great! An American car begins to die at 100,000. Why would I buy that? "Have you tried a Ford lately?' Not until they build it as good as Honda and Toyota.

No bailout!! Just read what the best thinkers - professors from Ivy Leage Schools - have to say about bailout. Those guys know what they talk about, because they've studied the industry full-time and analized it as a profession. Turn to the best brains that teach at Ivy Leage Schools!!!

I live and work in Michigan I see The blight in my state it has been this way for a while , we can not handle any more Job Loss, Fore closures, Divorces, Bankrupt People or Business! I spoke with a friend of mine in North Carolina yesterday he lost his job in Oct. about when I lost mine here, both in Construction, He tells me that things have took a turn for the worst down there, They are already closing Manf. shops left and right down there! Imagine that who would have thought They would have any thing to do with each other? Wait until G.M. closes some shops Temporarily and lets see who else goes under, Shall we? Investing in this bail out (loan) is a investment in our Country and do I dare say The Middle Class, its not Charity, It is a Investment in all of Us!!!

Let em fail. Also if I were a UAW worker I wouldn't give up anything unless congress forced the Big 3 to submit plans for a saleable product, and also make the scab car makers agree to never lower their labor cost below that of the UAW workers if they give the wage concessions the Redumblicans want. Being scab, there is nothing the Jap plant wotkers cand do if their masters (at the first sign of the Big 3 cutting into their sales and profits) but submitt to wage cuts. This thinking creates a ratchet downward condition for wages and is a great help in making us a 3rd world country.

I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a
We Deserve It Dividend.
Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Buy a second home - stimulate the economy
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it’ll be there
Pay off credit cards - more disposable income to invest or purchase goods and services - stimulate the economy
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it…instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.
If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.
Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.”
But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom?
I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.
And remember, The Family plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Kat

In exchange for a measured bailout that is accompanied by bankruptcy-like conditions, I would like to see the American auto industry reduced to a healthy, sustainable enterprise, within three years. The current model is ridiculous. The new model may produce and sell about 6-7 million units annually.
Executives and workers are overpaid, incredible sums are wasted on advertising campaigns, and American cars are thus overpriced. Cars are simply appliances. They are as necessary to the typical American life as a washing machine, hair dryer, and water heater.
Appliances do not have the goofy, wasteful concept of “model years.” The companies who produce appliances have minimal advertising budgets for them. There is no brand-specific dealer network. In fact, all brands are sold side-by-side in multibrand outlets. People expect it to be that way and they expect salesmen who know each brand in detail, at one stop. It happens every day. Revolutionary idea for cars, but the model is already there!
When small, replaceable parts on appliances break, owners repair them. When large, crucial parts break, owners purchase the most current model. But they buy new ones when the old ones don't work any more, rather than under artificial encouragement.
Insurance rates will fall. Costs will fall. Prices will fall. Prosperity will return. How about it?