The bail out...

So, like everyone else, I've been watching what's going to happen with the proposed bail out of the "big three". Living in Kenosha, you are made aware very early of the long history of relying on the auto industry. I can remember the heated debates when American Motors closed and was sold and so forth. Without going into too much detail, I can remember not having a lot of sympathy at the time when I read an article about the horrible impact it was having on some individuals and they were being forced to get rid of their boats and third cars and find a job that paid less than $35 per hour. I think I was making $6.50 an hour then, working 60 hours a week and driving a second hand Chevy. So, yeah, I wasn't moved.

I also wasn't moved when I saw that the first time reps from the "big three" showed up in Washington they flew in on private jets and arrived by limo. After they were admonished for their spending they showed up the next time driving one the their own hybrid vehicles but when asked if that meant they were now going to sell off their jets, they sat in stunned silence.

I've heard this saying, and I tend to believe it, "the fish stinks from the head down". While I do feel bad for those who may find themselves without work I also feel a sense of "they brought it on themselves". I'm not sure I agree with our government bailing these guys out. I mean, there have been other companies that have gotten into dire straights and the government did not chip in. Continental Airlines comes to mind. Remember when they were in this position? They had to do what every other companies has to do when they are not making enough money to cover their operating costs. They filed bankruptcy! And then they regrouped, reorganized and started again and they're up and running and doing fine. So I dunno...

I think I should tell you that I get very sensitive when it comes to talking about our government giving money to big businesses. Working in social work, I am surrounded by the poorest of the poor every single day. I am very aware that when the government starts talking about "tightening belts" and "cut backs" it means the very programs I work within always get the short stick. And the poor get poorer. So the idea of handing over massive amounts of money to three companies who were already making massive amounts of money but who couldn't manage to keep it just irks me to no end. I'd much rather the billions be dumped into something really useful.