Capital Commerce

Jennifer Granholm: Big Three Woes Not Their Fault

By James Pethokoukis

Posted: November 13, 2008

Gov. Jennifer Granholm on the real reason the Big Three need help from the U.S. taxpayer:

"The reason why the autos are in this challenge is because of the meltdown in the financial market," said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "They were on a restructuring path -- yes, they were challenged -- but this has utterly kicked them in the gut and is strangling them because they can't borrow money."

Me: Hmmm ...something is missing here. Can't quite place my finger on it. I think it rhymes with "shmunions."

such an ignorant and foolish way to look at it

There is no way in heck that it is the unions fault for the mess that the big three find themselves in.Do you honestly think that huge concessions would have made it any different than it is today.The corporate elite would have just taken those savings and squandered them.To sit there and blame the lunchpail gang for the mess is not only ignorant but a cheap copout for the mess today.WAGES AND BENEFITS ARE ONLY 11% OF THE OPERATING COSTS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ Dec 19, 2008 10:07:39 AM

Research

Find out how many man hours it takes to make a homda or toyota. I think you know where I'm going with this. I've worked in the Auto industry and the attitude of many workers would not be tolerated in a non-union environment. It's only one factor. This was a house of cards that was eventually blown down by the wind of economics.

I believe Darwins theory of evolution rings true with industry as well. Times will be tuff, yes. But this is necessary. We need proper work ethics, efficient design and management, and top quality vehicles. A bailout will not give us this.

If I can find the link showing Man-hours per vehicle, I'll post it.

In the end if you can sell me a QUALITY, Dependable, well engineered car for a competitive price,...I'll buy it. Until then, I will drive a BMW or a Honda. They are almost the sane price when you consider all the factors. (Not the High end models of coarse).

The Big 3 are not just to provide jobs, thy are to provide a product that's marketable. THEY FAILED!

Brent Durette @ Dec 16, 2008 00:25:30 AM

Granholm`s Stupidity

O.K. That`s it I am mad! The "Big Three" are in Washington begging for MONEY. Our dear Governor decides to raise TAXES, yes I said RAISE TAXES! She is increasing property taxes in Macomb County on homes worth over one hundred thousand dollars. Can you believe this? The economy is in shambles, people are losing their jobs, our car companies are in BIG trouble, Michigan residents are struggling and SHE had the nerve to raise taxes? She has got to be kidding! Is that all this woman knows is to keep raising taxes? Doesn`t she know the Tech Center in Warren, is in Macomb County and probably alot of the employees there own homes in Macomb County. Get your head on straight lady, we are in a recession! I can`t wait for the election for Governor, THIS WOMAN HAS TO GO!

Fran, Screaming mad! of MI @ Dec 11, 2008 09:25:55 AM

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Capital Commerce

Capital Commerce

U.S. News business reporter Matthew Bandyk examines the issues, people, and debates that shape the nexus of political and economic life in the nation's capital.

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