How To Grill a CEO

Back to blog

Help Detroit?

These CEO's have bought and built up the biggest mistake they could make. The Hummer, the large SUV's that no one truly needs. They've bought subsidiary carmakers, that could have very well made it on their own. Especially now that Americans are learning that living as though they should keep up with the Jones' was a HUGE mistake. I am a firm believer in buying American, but how many Toyota dealerships are in the US? And now, how many GM dealerships are there? And, they are talking about shutting down for good, if something isn't done. What a huge mistake on their part. And, what a huge mistake for not having a lil more backbone when in front of Congress. I know there's more to this never-ending story. But, ultimately, we got ourselves into this mess, WE need to get ourselves out of it. And, now, I will continue to drive my 98 Monte Carlo until the doors fall off. Because I don't need a large SUV, and nor can I afford to keep up with the Joneses. As for the CEO's, buck up, think smaller, and remember that your decisions got you into this mess. Apparently, it was easy for you to be swayed into buying out Hummer, Audi, etc... cause you showed no spine in front of Congress.

Debi Stephens of VA @ Dec 06, 2008 22:45:25 PM

Diddling Detroit

My oh my. Suddenly we dredge up "Penny wise and Pound foolish" as our latest trend in rescue venture capitalism, (definately small "c") with Paulson playing the part of the bad penny and Dodd the compassionate copper.

So...didn't we just give a bunch of banks, once known as "lending institutions," enough money to saddle our grandchildren with debt for the upcoming eon?

And we did this so they would lend to whom?

If we are truly going to be "Penny wise..." shouldn't we ask, prod, cajole, wheedle and otherwise threaten and coax these "lending institutions" to do something novel, considering their recent history, and actually "lend" money?

How about if they start with Detroit. Not the city, but the auto industry. Though if you have been to Detroit you might have noticed that the city could use a few bucks too.

Just a thought.

Kim Wilson of OR @ Dec 06, 2008 09:39:49 AM

Back to blog

Add Your Thoughts
About You
Rick Newman

Rick Newman

The global economy is mysterious, even scary. Chief Business Correspondent Rick Newman connects the dots. In addition to his writing for U.S. News, Rick is the co-author of two books: Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11, and Bury Us Upside Down: The Misty Pilots and the Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

advertisement

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!