Auto Bailouts, Unions, and Ford's Success

Ford is vulnerable to the power and whims of the federal government ["How the Auto Bailout Is Punishing Ford," usnews.com]. That is not an enviable scenario for any company, especially in these times. The disadvantaged position with the union contracts is another fly in the ointment. Ford is to be commended for its ability to avoid the public dole. Hopefully U.S. consumers will express their appreciation by buying a Ford product. Not only have they skipped the handouts at taxpayer expense, they have put together a world class lineup of cars and trucks.

Comment by Steve of IN

Essentially the government helped Ford. The cash for clunkers program and not having the stigma of a bailout ultimately led to their recent success. If there were no bailouts and if there wasn't the cash for clunkers program they would be headed down the same path as GM. If people buy domestic cars, I think they will continue to buy Ford more so because they did not accept bailout money than because they actually have dependable, innovative designs.

Comment by Jenny of GA

I think our government officials were between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Instead of letting the market decide who wins and who loses, our government has forced more debt on us, and put the collapse of American manufacturing as we know it a few years out. Our president and Congress have more interest in their agenda than leading our country out of the financial abyss. Watch out, the best (worst) is yet to come.

Comment by Terry Murphy of MO

I have to respect what Ford is trying to do. The unions shouldn't bite the hand that's feeding them. Let them continue to grow and make more profits. Then as the economy improves everybody reaps the rewards. Keep the government out of the auto business they're too busy screwing everything else up.

Comment by Ralph of CA

• Become a political insider: Subscribe to U.S. News Weekly, our digital magazine.
• Check out our political cartoons.