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Posted by: Mark Location: Janesville
Those whom are not in this system, do not understand contractual agreements. Its obvious. ( 28 yrs GM Electrician). Sure, take away a retiree's moneys. I Worked for an agreed amount upon retirement. Yep, take it away. Also? increase taxpayers debts because they are thrifty folks. Everyone knows whatever happens to Auto factories, dominoes upon the whole market in a 6 mo. time. Always has always will. If this country stayed on, Be American Buy American; and not followed the WalMart tradition? We'd not be having this blog. But, go ahead buy non domestic products. See what other industries YOU the consumer can bring to thier knees. Bail-out the Companies? No. Bail-out the hard working class that were devoted and worked hard. And got excrimented upon. Just guatrentee what was promised is all WE ask. No more, no less. As You also would have exspected from your employer/contractual agreement. Thanks for your time. How do Judges rule in contractual agreements in court? Think about it. Neo~

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Posted by: Taxpayer Location: Madison
The problem is three fold: Unions, CEOs, and consumers. Unions will always want more, even if it costs their members jobs. They want to set the standard for excessive wages and benefits. CEO's want the same: more money and more power (just like politicians). Consumers asked for the vehicles they wanted. When gas was $4 they wanted fuel efficiency. At $2 you can hardly give away a fuel efficient vehicle. We are all the blame for the auto industry, just like we are with education. We let teachers and professors always demand more to "keep up with the competition" and end up paying outrageous salaries and benefits for a marginal product - poorly educated students. Time to stand up to the unions and educators and CEOs and say enough is enough. Until then nothing will change, and we should let the automakers and the educatio system go bankrupt so we can start over. Same with banks. Hard in the short run, but better in the long run but we won't do it.

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Posted by: Jill Location: Sun Prairie
I was at a Transport 2020 meeting last night in Sun Prairie. I question why no TV news media was at this or the other 3 meetings they have had, or even told the major public when these meeting were going to take place. If this is adopted it will cost us millions, increase Dane Co sales tax and stop traffic hundreds of time and have a major carbon footprint in a city where air quality is already a major concern. In these hard times, I feel we have other options and other roadways that need money put into them.. Please look into what is happening with this and report to the public about it and when more public meetings will be helad. I feel this is going on and the government doesn't want people to know about it and they are doing a good job of keeping this a secret. Thank you as I really lerned a lot at last nights meeting and I think they need more of these meetings as people ned to know what is going on with there money.

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Posted by: lhaila Location: glendale , az
my comment is to another topic, about HOA, we dream to have a house, the builder never say about the HOA fee at first our HOA is $72.00/month(2006) become$85.00/month (2007), then $97.00/month (2008) now is $110.00/month(2009), people who live here starting to leave, HOA keep on increasing, people loss their job, but for them they don't care as long as they get the money, some other community houses thier HOA is $130.00Quarterly, and some $135 semi annually, some are $37.00 a month ,our community HOA is horrible every month , our neighbor said that bec. this is a small community , they want that target budget to be divided for those who is still here and those who left they will not pay, in short we are paying for those empty houses.Do you think our HOA not fair, for them easy money juz to collect, how about us , esp now we are facing economic crisis,month, I requested to lower down the HOA fee, they don't listen, where can I ask 4 help.money now is tight, hope they will understand us

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Posted by: Shirley Location: Fort Atkinson
I agree with Pat from Fort Atkinson. Give the bailout money to the AMERICAN TAXPAYER. When we have money in hand we can allocate it where we feel will help the most. As for unions. Why Unions? Unions are making a difference. Workers never got anything without uniting for it. The 40-hour workweek The 8-hour workday Overtime Sick Leave Paid Vacation Employer-paid health insurance Pensions Safety and health protections Grievance procedure for wrongful discharge and discipline Fairness in promotions Higher wages I'm sure everyone has a "Union worker" somewhere in their past and are living a better life because of it.

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Posted by: Pat Location: Fort Atkinson
I think there needs to be a bailout, but not directly to any company. I say give it to the American taxpayers. It really would solve a majority of the problems. The taxpayer can pay their mortgage with the money which fixes the bank problems and the housing industry. The taxpayer can pay off their credit cards which helps out the credit card companies. The taxpayer can then afford to buy cars, which in turn helps out the auto industry. The taxpayer can pay off debt and breathe again and spend again which brings back consumer confidence which helps the retail sector. It's a win win answer in my opinion. Will there be people that abuse it? Of course they will. They will overspend and not learn from the lessons of the past several years, but the majority will learn and spend responsibly. Hopefully, they will then spend some money on green energy alternatives for their homes.

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Posted by: Deb It has been a discussion in my Economics class. I don't feel that any CEO needs to make as much money as given them. There is no middle class and life is harder than it should be. Lets spread the money to all and not a few. This is directed at GM and all concerned. If the unions took a little less and the executives took a little less cars might be cheaper and the money would flow.

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Posted by: Susan Location: Middleton
What about bailing out Americans instead of corporations that made all the wrong choices?!

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Posted by: Milton Location: Chicago
Chuck, you ask some very good questions. The issues with the banks are the potential for panic. As we saw with IndyBank and WaMu, once rumors started in the public about their liquidity (note, liquidity not solvency), depositors took out billions in a few days. This is why the banks are so important and is a major thing the current Fed chairman learned from the Great Depression. Once the trust in the banking system is gone, whether real or not, all heck breaks loose - banks won't borrow from banks, banks won't lend to businesses to make payroll, etc. This is why it's so important to have a relatively safe banking system. The car folks - they've messed it up for 30 years, maybe help them a little to reorganize, otherwise, send them into bankruptcy.

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Posted by: Charles J Lackovich Location: Marshall
October 30, 2008 Dear: I would like some answers to these questions: Why is it okay for Congress to give 700 plus Billion dollars to banks and corporations that made poor financial decisions? Why is it okay for those very same banks and corporations to use that money to give bonuses to the very people who made those poor decisions? Why is it okay for Congress to give Billions of dollars to other countries in the form of “Foreign Aid” (which doesn’t really help the poor in those countries)? Why is it okay for Congress to give Billions of dollars to the banking industry to renegotiate bad mortgages? Does this really help the mortgagee? Does it really help the average American taxpayer? AND FINALLY Why is it NOT OKAY for Congress to give each single filing taxpayer a Million Dollars and joint filing taxpayers 2 Million Dollars to pay off the mortgages, credit card debts, school loans, health care bills, auto loans, and a

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Posted by: Hassan Location: Janesville
The Auto problem is very tragic and blame is to be shared by everyone. The sad part is that it maybe too late. On a unrelated note, Christine, you were absolutely stunning in your pet segment. I almost cried over Sparkle.

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Posted by: Jay Location: Portage
Oscar...you bet I'm for the workers. And I don't care how much wealth one has, it's how they ACQUIRE it. When they steal (Enron) from their employees, or take out life insurance policies on their workers so they can collect when their employees die (Wal-Mart), or send 3/4 of their work force to Mexico or India (DELL) to save a few bucks...who suffers? Not the execs, that's for sure. You like capitalism? Great, let's start paying our public servants (teachers, police, etc)what they are they're worth. Oh, you don't want your taxes going up? Let's start closing the tax loopholes for big business. Oh, they'll leave the US for foreign soil? See my point? They hold all the cards. Our capitalisitc society is slowly turning communist-like, with only the elite invited to the party.

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Posted by: Oscar Location: Waukesha
Jay, you must be a graduate of the School for Workers at UW as this is type of 'theory' they espouse? When folks begin to complain about how much one makes it begins that path toward MARXISM. One thing we can't do in this country is limit how much one makes as that is the foundation for individual incentive and motivation. It's not only the execs who necessarily should be held accountable but also the board of directors who truly represent the shareholder interests. The self-interest of the UAW hasn't helped either as they've been pawns of the Democratic party for years.

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Posted by: Jay Location: Portage
Christine, Caroline....the unions will follow the example set by the CEO's. And the CEO's,(and their hedgefund cronies) with their "gimme more and more, and when you're done, gimme even more" attitude, have set a very bad tone for all. Multiple houses, lavish expense accounts, private planes that they fly to Washington to beg for money...and no one sees anything wrong with that?? Yet they are never taken to task, and ask their laborers to cushion the blow to rectify their financial decsisions? That's BS!!! You are now seeing the one significant flaw with capitalism. And who suffers, THE WORKERS!!

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Posted by: Christine I agree. I am very annoyed at the unions. I know they serve a purpose, but they need to realize that if they don't start cooperating with these negotiations, they will lose more than just their higher wages... I think it is time we keep these unions in check.

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Posted by: Caroline Location: Wisconsin
The Unions are the ones at fault for not even considering lower wages and compensation at this time to help out. They have negotiated huge compensation packages for workers, retirees and, now, for the ones who are forced out of work as various plants close. The blame goes to all and to their non-negotiable thinking.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Portage
I have a difficult time with this topic since the government bailed out the big banks. Those individuals used and abused their power and went on wonderful vacations after being "assisted". Now the auto industry is asking for aid from the government, but they want them to suffer and feel the burden. What about all of the blue collar workers and their families that have already and will continue to suffer from this. There are many issues, past what I am aware of, but I just can't seem to justify that the rich continue to be taken care of while the rest of us continue to struggle. This truly is a difficult situation. What I would like to really know is what are the big banks doing with their bailout money?

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Posted by: JEAN Location: MADISON
I ENJOY SEEING YOU EVERY MORNING. I THINK THE AUTO INDUSTRY SHOULD SINK

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Posted by: John Location: Middleton
Jake, those comments are silly (i.e., Republicans and the financial folks). The credit system, of which our entire world economy is based, froze as banks wouldn't lend to banks much less customers. Also, the potential for a run on banks was there as the short seller drove down stock prices causing panic among depositors. As to Larry, don't worry about the pensions, guaranteed by the PBGC. I do agree with your take on the electric car.

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Posted by: SANDY Location: Orfordville
One great thing about our country is that at times of our greatest failers comes our greatest triumps. I say let them fail and we will build, learn and achieve greater things. That will bring more jobs and flush out the old crap. Every now and then a great country needs to clean out thier systems.We have great men and women w great minds and ideas, let them have at it.

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Posted by: Larry Location: Madison
I'm concerned about giving $25 billion to the auto industry, especially after seeing "Who Killed The Electric Car?" GM had a winner but chose to literally shred all of the electric cars they were testing. The only thing that prevents me from saying let the Big Three go bankrupt is that I don't want to see the workers lose their pensions. I also think there will be a ripple effect for all of the industries associated with the auto industry. Someone's gotta make the tires, the leather for the seats, etc. Then, there's the restaurants and bars that lose business when there are no more workers. I feel sorry for the possible plant closing in Janesville. I hope Russ Feingold will do something to prevent that from happening. These are tough times!

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Posted by: Jake Location: Madison
Does anyone, besides me, feel that the reason the republicant's in D.C. rushed so quickly to get that bailout package through was so that they could remove their investments from all those companies before they hit rock bottom, and then after the bail out, if they crashed, so what? But, since everyone knows no one in D.C. would have ever invested in American made products made by American workers in America, they could care less if the companies go belly up, since none of THEIR money is invested?

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Posted by: Myron Location: Sauk Prairie
I can't believe the comments on this blog and the media. We have to let the industry go, no government bailout. Yes, that is harsh. Yes, that may appear inhumane but the auto companies have had over 30 years to get this right and they have shown they can't compete. This is a capitalistic economy and we must either compete or die, that's what leads to a better economy. Government will provide $25 billion hand now then another $25B and another. This will not solve the problem for the long-term.

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Posted by: Matt Location: Stoughton
I will share no personal opinions here Christine, just some interesting observations from Janesville where I work. A few weeks ago GM had open tours for the public. A few of us in engineering went. The plant is indeed a small city in itself. Back in the late 50s the Janesville plant turned out it's 4 millionth vehicle. Around 1965, GM produced it's 100 millionth vehicle overall which coincidentally happened at Janesville. When the plant closes I believe the workers will receive 95 percent of their pay for 2 years as compensation. Meanwhile an entirely new hospital by Dean is about to be constructed out by Hwy 11, only a few blocks from our offices. This will be in direct competition with Mercy hospital. Apparently Dean is still going to go through with this despite GM's announcement. At the same time, for sale signs are popping up all over town at an amazing rate. During lunch today (12/3) I was shopping at the local mall- deader than a doornail.

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Posted by: Brad Location: Madison
People, this is not a bail out, rather an assistance package. The white collar, rich punks got the bail out, again. The big 3 are asking for, and need assistance. It worked for Chrysler in the 80's. 2nd, health care is a huge issue here. The foreign manufacturers don't have to supply health insurance. Having a common sense universal health plan would be instant help to any American business. I think it is hipocritical to hand over money to rich, greedy punks, yet companies that employ hard working americans need to get on their knees for assistance. Another thing that helps us all, is if the governenment provides assistance, the governement should have more say on the products and business practices of those failing executives. Bankruptcy is NOT the solution. That would ensure the end of pensions and other benefits. Those who think the workers are overpaid need to look at the white collar salaries of those who are responsible for our crisis. It's not the workers people.

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Posted by: Anonymous2 Location: Madison
This is tough one Christine. There's such a human element here that has to be dealt with but I'm not sure that throwing $25,$50 billion or more at this issue will help. The government should force a pre-packaged bankruptcy which will then finally force management and unions to make the tough decisions they need to make in order to reduce costs. The government can back up any warranties of new cars purchased and GM must re-focus on its Volt going forward. I believe Chrysler is going bye-bye no matter what scenario occurs. The really key for the Big Three is cost reduction and flexibility. Recent analysis has show that Honda and Toyota are much more adept at utilizing capacity (upwards of 90%) as compared to GM using 60% or so in their plants. Lean Manufacturing can be done by the Big 3 but they need the workforce to adapt.

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Posted by: Sara Location: Madison
Another thing we're forgetting about this is that it's not a "bailout" as it's being termed by virtually everyone. GM and the other automakers want this money as a loan, that will be paid back when and if things get straightened out. Another interesting fun fact is that the benefits packages that were negotiated by the unions aren't as exorbitant as everyone who posts here seems to think; rather, they are fairly in line with average benefits paid to people within other industries too. I just find it interesting that we're all up in arms about loaning GM et. al. money but no one seems to care that we gave (as in it'll never get paid back) to all these banks that knowingly partook in shady dealings that resulted in a serious economic crisis that is affecting all of us.

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Posted by: Mike Location: Madison
The way I see it, years and years ago, business industry analysts predicted that large, gas guzzling vehicles would be the death of the industry in America, as the big three's biggest competition was companies making smaller vehicles. But no one in Detroit listened. What happened? Governor Doyle threw out millions of state tax dollars to pad management pockets to have them retool a factory to continue to mfg bigger vehicles, and guess what... had they retooled to make smaller vehicles, they wouldn't be closing! Doyle got greedy, in his short sighted way, by selling the WI taxpayer's future to keep a drowning rat afloat on the last piece of taxpayer styrofoam he could throw at them. Now, when push comes to shove, GM is going out of business in J-ville, all our $$ are going too, and our state has to eat a big influx in unemployment, social services, etc... which GM will not be helping to pay! sure, help 'em out, but first thing, make them answerable to the people who are paying to save

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison
Christine: I have thought very long and hard about these issues. Ford,and GM.can't be allowed to go into bankruptcy. There are just to many jobs at stake. All 3 must put forward a plan to get there companies going again.Pain must be shared by everyone, and people must stop thinking only of themselves. The other thing I think the government should do is issue common stock,or warrants to all U.S. taxpayers for there help with these problems. Doing this, based on a tax payers income would provide much more oversight from the public for these car companies, and banks.Warrants are my favorite. They allow a taxpayer the right to purchase shares of a company at a certain price. This is much better then giving all Americans another 600 hundred dollars to spend,and it would teach everyone more about the stock market.

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Posted by: Dave Location: USA
I think many forget that our financial strengths were built nearly a century ago on the fact we manufactured the automobile. At the time it was what made us as a country stand out and thrive. Unfortunately, in the last 20 plus years the froeign automobile has become the higher profile vehicle on the streets. As far as a bailout is concerned, we gave a bunch of greedy money tycoons, like a Mit Romney, money to bail out the banking industry that has completely depleted many people's retirement savings, so why not help out an industry that made us great? I agree that the big three need to re-structure the way they do business, but unless everyone can afford audi and beamers, then we need to help out the auto industry. I am sure many folks in Janesville would agree, since there situation is similar to the one in Flint back in the 1980's with the wonderful robot buddy....

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Posted by: Lynn Location: Monroe, WI
Wow. Bert, I can only assume from the negativity of your comments that you used to be on Sesame Street. I would like to think that there are not too many people out there who would say something as cold as you did. First and foremost we are Americans. And Americans help each other in time of need. The auto workers need us right now and I hope that our government will be there to help them. NOT bail them out, but give them some financial assistance and support that they need. And also give them some responsible leadership The current and former auto workers deserve just as much of our attention as anyone else. It has been their management that has gotten them into this mess not the workers. So I think we should do what we can to help them get back on their feet. And Bert...maybe you should listen to Ernie more often and adopt his carefree attitude about life.

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Posted by: Al Location: Bert
I couldn't care less. I have enough of my own money. The government will get you one way or another.

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Posted by: Ted Location: Janesville
There are so many fingers to point. The management raping the company for their salaries and benefits, the unions (which no one will agree with)for totally raping the companies with exceptionally high wage and benefit packages. The unions used to genuinely help the workers but today they have priced us out of the world market in all industries. Finally, the workers themselves got complacent about the whole deal and just assumed that the union was right. I have read the contracts that I can only assume many workers did not and just followed the crowd. I could tell from the latest contract that they were signing their jobs away. I think the govt. could fix this with out everything shutting down as in a traditional bankruptcy. Have everything in place as far as a plan to come out of bankruptcy before the actual court date, then go bankrupt one day and with govt. assistance, come out the following day or week under the new plan.

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Posted by: Packer Fan Location: WI
The question is not only whether or not we throw money at the problem and the many others that are likely to follow, but how much..Or should we not get any deeper into the bailing out business. There are not any easy answers to this question. Your question about how we came to a point of having several people struggling right now. A big part of the problem, it seems, is our have it now and worry about paying for it tomorrow society. People buy houses way out of their price range and many times end up facing foreclosure. The American way has been to live beyond our means for a long time and now we are paying the price for our many indulgences.

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Posted by: John Location: Deere
I think we owe it to the big business to help them out. We are Americans so lets support them.

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Posted by: Sara Location: Madison
The thing is, if we let GM go bankrupt and they wind up liquefying instead of restructuring (which is a very real possibility too), it will be more far-reaching than just a bunch of plants closing. We're looking at people who still draw pensions being left out in the cold, not to mention the suppliers of parts that GM used in the factories as well as small businesses in towns where GM plants were located, and lets not overlook the thousands of people whose current jobs will be gone. At the same time, however, it's hard to be sympathetic to the higher-ups at GM whose own shortsightedness got them into this mess in the first place. Some help definitely needs to be given, but if that happens there should be a lot of oversight to make sure that things actually change rather than allowing the status quo to remain.

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Posted by: Filbert Location: anytown, USA
Christine, what a great topic. Gotta let'em go bankrupt or do a pre-packaged bankrupt. Providing lifeline via govt. bailout doesn't correct the problem. The Big 3 need to cut costs, innovate, continue to change perception on quality, etc. GM should have cut their product lines by 50% or more 20 years ago but never did. The labor unions have to get realistic. Also, we're in the beginning process of govt. taking over health care - mark it down.

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