A Dream or A Nightmare?
So, the Government is now in control of GM.
Obama forced out its CEO and replaced him with Fritz Henderson, who has a better relationship with the UAW Chief Ron Gettelfinger. It's obvious that the way Henderson has been installed into GM will make it much easier for the UAW to have more influence on how the company is run.
Media made some noise about the GM bankruptcy, but of course it's never going to happen. UAW is a critical voting block with multiple alliances and the Government will do everything to keep their votes. So instead of just sending the auto workers packing with a pink slip like every other bankrupt industry would do, they are given good buyouts and early retirement. And younger workers who remain will be guaranteed jobs.
The new and improved GM will become a perfect platform to for Obama's green energy vision.
The new management will create a business plan that will shift manufacturing to green or electric cars, away from SUVs and gas guzzlers. The government already promised to honor GM warranties. And it already controls enough banks through TARP to ensure there is plentiful financing to GM dealerships. Of course, "Organizing America" will work tirelessly to show that owning an Obamacar is the best way to help America. They will sell like iPods.
And everyone is happy.
Why do I not believe your closing remark?
April 4, 2009 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
You tell me.
April 4, 2009 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
It reads as sarcasm, given your recent comment history. Are you happy or not (with what you describe, as the future reality)? Your other reply says "nightmare" -- why not describe your vision effectively, and/or criticize the delusions of the others, instead of leaving it hanging with an "it could go either way" ending?
April 4, 2009 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not sure either. Whole post needs clarity. Seems to be a mish mash and run on of two different vents.
Like a stew that's simmered too long and ends up mush - leaving an aftertaste you just can't quite identify except for the acid reflux.
April 4, 2009 9:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's your challenge: Do as you say, not as you do.
April 4, 2009 9:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I did not personally attack nor denigrate you.
The intent of the post is not clear. I think you, when not resorting to negative, are a good writer. We may not always agree, but when you post a substantive post I 'get' it. I couldn't this time. All the more frustrating when I expected a 'good stew'. (Now, you have to admit it was a creative metaphorical analogy.)
I understand your challenge and try to 'practice what I preach'.
Until next time.......
April 4, 2009 10:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
"But Thera, to be honest, to get them to comprehend, I truly believe you'd have to 'dumb it down' and that would be defeating the whole intent. " - Aunt Sam.
April 4, 2009 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
And that is wrong, why? Too many chime in that really do not get the basic premises of posts and/or simply repeat what they've been 'told' without taking time and energy to check out multiple sources for actual facts.
And some behave like dumb asses when trying to 'keep up'. A rose is a rose.......
It's always easier to critique in negative insults than to wisely hold up the facts as base argument.
Still not going to give me kudos for metaphorical analogy? That's okay. I know you're just miffed and maybe tired. Get some rest and see ya later!
April 4, 2009 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obamacar" --- "sell like iPod."
Really, come on, Lalo. :)
He never said that. Nevertheless, I agree with the underlying sarcasm of your post. I wish GM had undergone a full restructuring in order for your wishful final para to be. I also would like to add to that wish the potential/possibility of GM as a domestic manufacturer of light rail, which would facilitate a cultural shift away from suburbia.
April 4, 2009 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually I was trying to avoid sarcasm as much as possible because I think you can truly argue this scenario both ways.
Personally, I think it would be a nightmare but I can also see how large numbers of people would find it a dream come true, and neither of us can pretend to be right.
As far as what Obama says and does, I'm in the distinct minority that thinks his words and actions have little in common.
April 4, 2009 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
And the alternative is...?
It is of course neither dream nor nightmare. It's just trying something.
April 4, 2009 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, the Government is now in control of GM.
The government of, by and for the People still did not acquire fair-market equity for the bail-out investment made. Preexisting shareholders reaped the excess from it, by not having their equity devalued to nil. The wealthiest top 10% of Americans have 85% to 90% of stock, bonds, trust funds, and business equity, and over 75% of non-home real estate. The bail-out was in reality, a redistribution of wealth from the poorest to the wealthiest Americans.
Obama forced out its CEO and replaced him with Fritz Henderson
Obama is chief executive of the government. Reread your first assertion above. Should not the entity that possesses a majority control over a corporation be able to make decisions about who its management will be?
It's obvious that the way Henderson has been installed into GM will make it much easier for the UAW to have more influence on how the company is run.
You do not believe that people should possess the product of their work? Why do you hate the free-market?
UAW is a critical voting block with multiple alliances
The alliances are fairly evenly split between the two mainstream parties. Since 1963 Michigan has had a Republican Governor 32 years, and a Democratic Governor 13 years. In the last 10 presidential elections, Michigan has split 5/5 down partisan lines. Both of Michigan's Senators are Democrats' and its Congressional Delegation is 8 Democrats to 7 Republicans.
The new and improved GM will become a perfect platform to for Obama's green energy vision.
You do not think that American energy self-independence is a worthy goal?
The new management will create a business plan that will shift manufacturing to green or electric cars, away from SUVs and gas guzzlers.
Denali: the right-wing's dyslexic denial.
April 4, 2009 9:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
nightmare i should think.
April 5, 2009 2:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Funny. The Obamacar made me laugh out loud.
I personally think it'll be neither dream nor nightmare, but just another tangled mess. Other countries manage to pull it off, but it's not like Obama has revealed any specifics to give us confidence. And I'm not wowed by his braintrust. So.
Well done, L.
April 5, 2009 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink