Friday, November 21, 2008

Obama Transition Said to Consider a ‘Prepack’ Auto Bankruptcy

Now, take a look at how someone who is intellectually honest operates. This is not a bad idea from Obama. I didn't get a chance to read the whole thing, but if there is not something to deal with the huge benefits all the retired workers have from past union contracts it will not work. I really believe that is a huge problem. Bad business plan also matters, but for some people to completely ignore the union part of this is not intellectually honest.

Now, I know we have many people who would rather make themselves throw up than compliment Bush, but again, I'm intellectually honest.

9 comments:

blamin said...

I’m know a former GM forensic mechanic, ie. It was his job to study part and engine failures.

He tells a particularly interesting story of how in the mid 80’s GM came out with a new engine that had a approx 4% failure rate in the first 100,000 miles.

The result? GM saw a drastic decrease in the demand for new parts, thus reducing the demand for new parts, which led to a reduction in the work force responsible for producing replacement parts.

How did the union react to this most excellent break-through in American auto technology? They threatened to strike all auto workers unless management discontinued the engine.

Kind of makes you proud of the auto-workers union, don’t it?

Anonymous said...

I have no sympathy for unions or those corporations. Unions never realized how they were killing the industry. Corporations were equally stupid/dumb with their lack of vision, planning and focus on new technology.

The Game said...

but all I hear on the talking head shows is how you are small minded and stupid if you think this situation has anything to do with unions...hum

blamin said...

Game

Oh no, or should I say “oh yes”. Nobody dares talk about responsibility unions have in this puppy! For sure, management is at fault for not putting their foot down sooner..

But I can guarantee, in the Obama world, no mention will be made of potential fault of the unions. I hope I’m wrong, I hope BHO will consider all when making policy, I’ve just seen nothing to make me hopeful.

Ron said...

Yup, knew this was coming. Blame the working man. That's what you guys do best. You buy the elistist hogwash everytime. They have taken concessions that have cut their salary in half. You apparently know little of the facts. Big costs are HEALTH CARE which companies in Canada and Mexico and every other civilized country in the world DON'T have to pay for, and pensions. Turn the pensions over to the unions and let them collect the money and run them. Good for the companies and good for the workers who don't have to worry about the companies raiding it. The answer to health care on which they spend billions a year is obvious but shucky darn that is socialism! Yes, unions have gone overboard with some things. They have acknowledged and tried to correct their sins. Why do you hate the working man? Either he makes too much or he makes too little and is a welfare bum. Disgusting how you dishonor work.

blamin said...

Ron,

I’d like to address this realistically! Just because I bring up the excesses of labor, which just so happens to be against everything normal people would be for, is no reason to go slap ass jiggy on me!

Knowing history the way I do, I realize the need for organized labor, but also, knowing history the way I do, I realize that organized labor is the root cause of problems facing auto makers, in today’s market.

It’s a giant pendulum – which way is/has it swung?

Why, oh why, are the BIG Three having problems? Is it because of stupid management? Is it because they didn’t adequately look forward? Is it because the unions didn’t let them be “progressive”? Is it a combination of all the above?

So you can rail RON about this and that, but until you’re ready to face reality, you’re just another Obamantor – unwilling to face realities, unwilling to face the root causes of the problem. Unwilling to do anything other than spouting platitudes…

Unwilling that is until you start talking about government solutions.

And there you have the basic difference between “us” and “them”.

blamin said...

Ron,

I’d like to address this realistically! Just because I bring up the excesses of labor, which just so happens to be against everything normal people would be for, is no reason to go slap ass jiggy on me!

Knowing history the way I do, I realize the need for organized labor, but also, knowing history the way I do, I realize that organized labor is the root cause of problems facing auto makers, in today’s market.

It’s a giant pendulum – which way is/has it swung?

Why, oh why, are the BIG Three having problems? Is it because of stupid management? Is it because they didn’t adequately look forward? Is it because the unions didn’t let them be “progressive”? Is it a combination of all the above?

So you can rail RON about this and that, but until you’re ready to face reality, you’re just another Obamantor – unwilling to face realities, unwilling to face the root causes of the problem. Unwilling to do anything other than spouting platitudes…

Unwilling that is until you start talking about government solutions.

And there you have the basic difference between “us” and “them”.

Ron said...

Sorry blamin, I have no idea what you are talking about? Seriously, no snark there. What labor history is the root cause of the auto industries problems? Because people are payed a living wage? Because they are paid enough to buy a car they built? Is 14 to 28 dollars an hour an outrageous salary because that is what they are being paid. Keeps them of the damned welfare rolls.

Transfer the pensions and universal health care..which every other civilized country seems to handle and its citizens would never give up... is the answer I am proposing. Get mad all you want. I am trying to find solutions here. What is your solution? Blame the working man? Sorry, I'm tired of hearing that from the radical right elitists.

blamin said...

Ron

Your “blame the working man” comment is very telling.

Unions and the “working man” are two very different entities. The fact that you insist on marrying the two shows your willingness to believe popular propaganda.

Unions, in today’s society, hurt the working man. Because their tactics, beliefs, agenda, is against everything the so-called “working man” is for. Hell, their agenda is so far removed from common sense that it’s amazing anyone would be proud to say they’re part of a union.

By the way, when you start spouting numbers, you should include the total cost to the employer. Your $28 per hour number (which is in and of itself ridiculous for assembly line work) morphs into almost $50 per hour when employment taxes, benefits, workmen’s comp insurance, and future retirement benefits are figured in.

In today’s global economy we just can’t afford to pay $50 per hour for someone to turn a wrench.

Sorry, that’s not anti working man, that’s pure common sense.