Risky Business

John McCain Says: Let's Bail Out the Auto Industry

By Matthew Bandyk

Posted: September 18, 2008

Here is one of the planks of John McCain's plan "for getting the economy back on track by helping small businesses."

John McCain Will Veto Any Bill That Serves Only The Special Interests And Corporate Welfare. On his watch, there will be no more subsidies for special pleaders, no more corporate welfare and no more throwing around billions of the people's money on pet projects.

So how do you square that statement with McCain's coming out in favor of $25 billion in loans for the Detroit auto industry?

If that's not "corporate welfare," then the term "corporate welfare" has no meaning.

Some people might say that this is a big-business issue that does not affect small businesses. But when uncompetitive, failing industries are deemed "too big to fail" and propped up, that prevents entrepreneurs from coming in and energizing a stale economy with new jobs.

But don't take my word for it—take the words of the John McCain of January, who said that Michigan should not try to bring old jobs back, but instead free its economy and create new jobs in different industries.

I know it's a cliché, but I can't resist saying it: Would the real John McCain please stand up?

Yes we Can!!!

we should loan to the industries an amount of money that they will need and maybe if they spend it wisely they'll have enough to payback so we'll have enough money and our economy will maybe get better.

we should because they didnt really bail them out in the first place!

Melissa Luna of CA @ Feb 19, 2009 23:41:08 PM

Maverick?

That term never did fit. At least it is now clear that he is a politician after all. After all these years in congress. His new found "change" pitch is to throw the bums out. If he gets out by being elected president, then he will have succeeded in throwing at least one of the bums out--himself.

HillbillyBill of TN @ Sep 19, 2008 07:21:17 AM

not corporate welfare

Matt,

You are way out in left field if you think this is corporate welfare. McCain specifically said he was in favor of "loans" for the auto industry, not subsidies. Having said that, I agree with you that the free market should be allowed to solve this problem with the big three auto makers without gov't intervention. I also think the gov't missed an opportunity when they decided to bail out AIG, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Again, let the free market perform. Sure it would be painful for many, but many shouldn't be in home ownership anyway. The vast majority of loans that are being defaulted, should never have been issued. As for McCain....go SARAH!!!

Scott of PA @ Sep 19, 2008 00:41:07 AM

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Risky Business

Risky Business

Matt Bandyk, a reporter for U.S. News, explores capitalism from where it all begins, with the entrepreneur, whose risk taking and experimentation provide the roots from which the rest of the economy grows. As much courage as it takes to create one's own business, even the entrepreneur needs some help, and this blog will look at news, trends, and practical advice for starting and running a small business.

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