@UDMan: I agree to a point, but then on the other side (for this debate Democrats) you have groups of workers being supported for not putting forth a good days work for a good days pay. Now before I get hate-comments, I admit there are plenty of workers doing a good hard job for what they are paid. What I am trying to address here are the ones that stand on an assembly line and place one or two bolts and make an amount of money worthy of two people. I also think that there are CEOs that make way more then they are worth. If you're a CEO of a major bank and the bank lost billions.........why should you be getting a "BONUS"? Everyone is to blame here, there is plenty of blame to go around. Sorry for the rant. #gm
@Nitrous Oxide: Oh, we are going to go down this path right?
OK: Lets take Passenger Airliners, just as an example. I can't deny that Boeing is a formidable competitor, but every Airbus model is far superior than the Boeing competing model. Yes the 787 is modern, but it has taken forever to get out of the gate.
The Brazilian Firm Embraer developed a line of E-Jets that really have no rival. We used to own the Aircraft Industry, and now we are merely a player.
Lets talk Large Trucks: We have two Truck Manufacturers left in the US, PACCAR (Peterbilt, Kenworth) and NAVISTAR (International). The Number one and Number two truck producers in North America is Freightliner (owned by Daimler), and Volvo (Still Swedish Owned, and not connected with the car division owned by Ford) and look at this, they own Mack Truck now! The European Trucks are far more modern and up-to-date than the American ones.
Lets talk Cell Phones for a minute. Motorola used to own the segment, but have been eclpised by Research in Motion (Blackberry), Apple, Nokia, Erickson, Samsung, Sony, with a host of smaller brands following close behind. It really is too little too late with the Droid.
We are no longer dominate in the PC world, what with the sale of IBM's PC business to Lenovo, and almost every other machine built in China. Semiconductor technology has been off loaded to the far east, Software Service has been offloaded to India, and we never did own the flat screen market.
From what I understand,
the Russian mathematicians are superior to almost anyone, The German and Swedish optics are superior to everyone, and the Swiss still make the best chocolate.
We were suppose to be the smartest as far as investment, but that theory got blown out of the water. We were suppose to have the best Insurance Companies (Ha!), and the best Banks (Pffft!). What have we got now? A whole lot of Nothing Special. #gm
@UDMan: What a pinheaded argument. Wanting free market forces to dictate success and failure somehow limits free thinking and inventiveness.
We know it does, because you looked up the word "conservative" in the dictionary...
What limits free thinking and inventiveness is artificially rewarding failure and punishing success.
As to your later post about industries, most have some degree of labor issues. Truck and airplane manufacturing are both hammered in the US by unions. For cell phones, Motorola and Apple are US companies. RIM is Canadian. Nice job dismissing the Droid, though.
Same story with PC's and software "service". Intel and AMD are US companies. Their manufacturing is no longer done here. This is because it's too expensive. Same thing with call centers. Are you suggesting it's because conservatives have inflated the cost of labor in the US?? #gm
@aurora40: Not at all. They have effectively choose not to fight for the US worker in the same manner as the Korean, Japanese, and European communities have done. The closest country that chooses to have completly open free trade is Great Britain, and as you can see, they have absolutely no industry whatsoever (at least one that is owned by a British company) #gm
@UDMan: Sorry but the real progressives are the republicans. It was the republican founding fathers that displayed the real progressive act of proclaiming that every person should be respected as an individual and provided a set of inalienable rights to protect that individual sovereignty. It is the liberals who are intent on marching us in lock step down the road to serfdom under the so called guise of progressivism. Here is a clue, there is nothing progressive about the so called modern "Progressive" liberal left. #gm
@Heftyjo: Ha. I really hate the left for dredging up the founding fathers argument. These were landowning, white men, who sought a new republic because they felt that the mother country was taxing them too much to make a decent profit.
These men only respected other property owners, but made no mention of women, or slaves as equal. Don't try an tell me that all of these men were for equal rights among the indigenous tribes that populated this land before we did. They also felt that the Women were somewhat second class citizens, and did nothing to stop the importation of slaves to work for nothing, while being the property of these same property owners.
My argument about free trade is that it has been free trade on a one way street. Japan, Korea, and to some extent most of the rest of the world do not practice our form of free trade, in which we invite anyone to take advantage of our policies, without any consequence to their own trade policies.
And do not bring up the tired argument about our Founding Fathers. If you wanted a government fashioned by the founding fathers, Women still wouldn't be able to vote, we would still have slaves, 1/2% of the population would control 99% of the wealth, and almost no one (besides the descendants of the wealthy white men) would own property.
The argument of out founding fathers holds abut as much water as an almighty god who created earth in seven days. It's time to evolve. #gm
@UDMan: I'm sorry, I'm having a hard time with your whole premise.
Britain no longer produces things because they believe in free trade? That's your response to my claiming labor is a problem? You might look into the history of labor in the UK. It's labor problems and gov't intervention/bailouts in the US times a thousand.
And who is it that has chosen "not to fight" for the US worker the way, apparently, Korea has?
Your arguments all seem to be my arguments. I.e. Look at industry in Britain. Look at industry here in any unionized sector: autos, trucks, planes, etc. Yet you draw from them completely different, and somewhat baffling, conclusions. #gm
@UDMan: The founding fathers were men with a stake in many fields, and rebelled not because of taxes, but because they had grown accustomed to local representative government. The taxes imposed by Britain were nothing compared to the taxes imposed within years of the Revolution. Local self-determination was the driving force behind the Revolution.
The slavery issue came up many times in the first decades of the new Republic, and was put off for nearly a century to disastrous results. Some of the founding fathers, however, had strong anti-slavery sentiments. From the Revolution to the Civil War, public opinion on the slavery issue did not so much change as become entrenched, on both sides. As for women, they were enfranchised for a time in New Jersey, but very few took the opportunity, nor was there any opposition to speak of when it was taken away with a subsequent state constitution. As for the Natives, simply look at Franklin's Narrative of the Late Massacres.
I'm inclined to agree with you on the fair trade issue. We have ourselves at a disadvantage. We ought have trade restrictions simply to negate support and subsidization of foreign industry by the same foreign governments.
The principles behind the founding of this nation were quite absolute: inalienable God-given rights, sovereignty from the consent of the governed, &t. The government set up by the founding fathers was a compromise. As society has improved and gotten more used to the radical concept of liberty, the compromise has been reduced.
As for God creating the Earth, I suggest you start learning Hebrew. I cringe every time I hear "seven days". (Besides, in the very poor translation that you Christians have, it's SIX days. The seventh is the sabbath, God's gift to us, which we were kind enough to share with you. And don't you forget it!) #gm
@UDMan: Dictionary is not necessarily correct on all fronts here. How do you tie a market based economy to lack of invention, free thinking, new products and ideas. Those are what drives a free and lightly regulated market.
Nanny state policies, handouts, entitlements, strict regulations and spreading the wealth around lead to a passive society.
You have to understand that traditional values aren't all Jeebus, most are building the American Dream, not handing it out. #gm
@UDMan: Sorry, I'm used to the wolves hanging off both ends. If you've done time as an agnostic, you probably know the feeling too. The Christian wolves are more numerous, but the atheist ones have a much harder bite.
@Nitrous Oxide: You bet we're pretentious. Our leaders once outvoted God in a debate over cooking apparata!
I don't understand any of the short term mindset that decided that we no longer needed to produce anything here. We've sold off almost every American icon to foreign investors and we produce very little compared to what we import. That's just stupid, no matter who you are. #gm
@mytdawg: we no longer need to produce stuff here in america.
we just need to move imaginary money around in markets and tweet stuff. then, buy stuff that OTHER countries make with our fake money and call it Capitalism.
@mytdawg: yes, the 1% of Americans that own 1/3rd of the nation's net worth.
good for them!
in Capitalism, only a few get all the money and then we take that money and redistribute it to the rest of the people. indeed, it is Capitalism defined. #gm
Amazing. I leave for a few months, and Ye Olde Jalop turns to Classic Soviet Propaganda for content.
While I am all for restoring classics in general, this is one particular vehicle that should be left to moulder slowly in neglect.
Thank goodness that most people here are sophisticated enough to laugh at such facile xenophobia. Nevertheless, there appear to be substantial numbers of commentators who are enjoying a chance to roll in such excrement and get it all over them. Which is more evidence that the dogs inhabit Jalopnik, and the cats reside at Jezebel.
Well done, Matt! This has to help your hit count! Go Go Gadget Advert Revenue! #gm
@DoctorNine: I don't think 10K is really going to push me over any PV barrier. If Republicans want to politicize the car industry we're going to talk about it. We've pointed out the countless times the Obama administration does it and we're called facists. We point out the Republicans do it we're called communists. Also, it's not xenophobia it's extreme nationalism, there's a difference. #gm
@Matt Hardigree: You tell him, Matt. What's going on is the truth, facts and all. Everyone gets criticized evenly, whether its the Republicans or the Democrats. #gm
@Matt Hardigree: @Matt Hardigree: "..Also, it's not xenophobia it's extreme nationalism, there's a difference..."
Umm... wait.. you're an 'extreme nationalist'?
Doesn't it give you pause, even just a little, to consider that such was exactly the platform of Hitler's National Socialist Party? Hmm?
Doesn't matter to me in the slightest, really. I am just totally grooving on VW taking over the world. As i said it would. Much to the derision of the assembled masses here. Remember 2 years ago when I told you to buy VW stock?
@Shuke: Never take any of this ribbing seriously... I mean, it's a blog, isn't it? But I swear, when I read your comment, I heard Festus' slow drawl in my mind:
This is the most thoughtful "political" posting that I've ever seen on Jalop. In fact, I'm surprised to see it amidst all the car porn.
The only thing that I'd add is it's ironic that the foreign automakers who would most benefit from the disappearance of GM and Chrysler have received a fair amount of support from their governments. One could even argue that the weakness of the Big Three is partly the result of "socialism" on the part of US economic competitors such as Germany, Japan and South Korea.
In a very real sense the bailouts are helping to level the international playing field.
Not that I'm a big fan of the bailouts in principle and how they have been implemented. But I do think it very strange that conservatives go nuclear over a policy decision approved by Bush that helps protect American interests against those foreign socialist interlopers. #gm
@Keanubear: Whoa Nellie. I work in the industry that is a huge supplier for the auto industry. My HQ is in Dearborn. My plant however is not. We are the only non-union plant that our company has. We are also in a red state. If you ask anyone at our end they will give you the same answer. BTW nothing is wrong with treating your workers fairly. What is wrong is the thought process that says that employees are going to be treated unfairly unless they join a Union. That is Union rhetoric and it only serves to drop quality while raising prices. If Union guys would learn to fight their own battles and stop paying others to do it en masse, they might be plesantly surprised to find out what happens to the automotive economy in which they work. I agree Unions were important 60 years ago. The my job mentality does not work anymore. It make people complacent and lazy. I have worked both sides, I started as Union and would never, ever, ever go back. #gm
Let's not forget that Detroit has brought most of this on itself, over the past fifty or so years. They focused on short term profits, over long term competitiveness. Detroit was also right in the front rank, advocating for free trade, lower tariffs and NAFTA, because it helped them expand overseas and develop those markets and low cost manufacturing.
Foreign manufacturers focused on niches that the Americans abandoned, on quality and reliability, on value.
The former Axis countries benefitted in part from the war, as when they rebuilt their industries, they had advanced modern plants. They also had highly skilled and dedicated, unionized workforces.
And their governments made sure that health care and retirement was paid when it was earned, rather than leaving it to the companies to carry on their books, and plunder.
I regret the bailout, but it was necessary - even if it simply buys a few more years for these companies. I also regret that the corporate management that brought us to this point has been richly rewarded and will not suffer in the least for the damage they created and the wreckage they leave behind.
The government showed up too late, has done too little, and has demanded too little in return for the bailouts. But without the government counterweight to the irresponsibility of the corporations, things would be immensely worse right now. #gm
I purposely held off on commenting on this particular post today, because if any of you really know me, I am a Socialist.
- I believe that non college educated workers should be able to make a decent wage to support their families.
- I think there should be caps on executive compensation.
- I think that decent, affordable health care is a right, with no caps on care, and no pre-existing conditions ever.
- I believe that no one in America should go hungry.
- Having said that, there should be a choice as to whether you want growth hormones or chemicals in your food.
- I think there should be MORE regulation needed in the Banking and Brokerage sectors.
- There should be sustainable growth, and by that I mean 1 or 2%; Double Digit Growth in the worth of your home, interest bearing accounts, or stock percentages are not sustainable.
- I think there should be only a 2 term Senator, Congressman, and a one term President.
- Scrap all the free trade accords, and renegotiate them so that they are not as one sided as they seem to be today.
- Penalize any American Corporation who relocates manufacturing abroad.
@UDMan: You could just penalize any American Corporation by not allowing them to relocate manufacturing abroad...
I could agree on renegotiating trade, but limiting trade will only hurt our companies. And ultimately it is better for the world economy (which we benefit from) to trade goods and services, not artificially restrict trade. Government should only intervene in situations that present undue risk to parties not involved, and the government should govern corporations, not turn into a corporation. But I'm a Libertarian. #gm
@JustAnObserverII: Is there really anything in my post that isn't worth obtaining, or are you one of these "it's mine, and I'll never share anything" type of people? #gm
@UDMan: You call that being a socialist? :-) Here are my tenants.
- I believe that anyone who is smart enough to pass college entrance exams and have the high school grades to make it into college should have their tuition paid for. You have one chance to make it. Flunk out once and the deal is off.
- I believe that health care should be available to anyone who's a citizen of this country or that are legally here. Universal health care coverage makes fiscal sense even if the conservatives disagree.
- There should be more regulation in the financial sector. Capitalism works when it's well regulated. That doesn't mean heavily regulated. Rules make for a level playing field, meaning you know what you're getting yourself into.
- I believe that all elections should be publicly funded and soft money should be banned. It's time to end the sweetheart deals that result from corporations funding candidates.
- Campaigns should not be run no longer than 3 months.
However I don't want to get rid of the two term limit for Presidents.
@UDMan: Warren Buffet once said, "The 400 of us [here] pay a lower part of our income in taxes than our receptionists do, or our cleaning ladies, for that matter. If you’re in the luckiest 1 per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 per cent."
Buffet is the only honest exception. He does not use tax havens like other Forbes 400 listers. I say, once you can afford to buy every person in your state a Ferrari California 2010... Maybe you should start to give back to the system that has made you so successful.
@UDMan: No, I love the goals, I really do. Most of your solutions I disagree with but I too think nobody should go hungry, and that people should be able to support their families, and that sustainable growth would be more stable and forgiving (though the market is cyclical). I don't believe in more regulation or policies that promote entitlement. #gm
@UGAdawg: Minus the healthcare, which I think should be regulated, not owned by the government (which is a managing body not a corporation, and is generally inefficient and slow to innovate without market pressures)... I may agree is principle, especially with the campaigns. I also think perhaps it just needs to be easier to pay for college and repay it later...(perhaps the no interest loan route) we're going to have to pay for it somehow, better more directly then through gov bureaucracy. #gm
@XdesIDtrans: I'm still holding on to my belief on health care. With regards to education, the state of Georgia has a program that does exactly what I want. If you are a resident of the state and have met the entry requirements for a state school within the state then your tuition is paid for. You also receive a stipend for books. You are responsible for housing and meals. My sister was eligible and had her undergraduate degree financed by the state. She has gone on to get her pharmD degree (on her dime). [www.gacollege411.org]
I feel each state should have something like this. Georgia's program is considered a huge success. Meanwhile I went to Georgia myself but my priorities were a bit screwed up. Procrastinating is fun. I ended up getting a BS degree from another institution but I'm doing well for myself. #gm
@UGAdawg: Well, you've actually touched on something pretty cool here. Using a state as a case study I think is a great idea... allowing states to make a lot of these decisions allows us to experiment with different ideas and adopt what works... Georgia has a very good healthcare setup relative to Massachusetts which is set up similarly to Obama's new plan... why not take Georgia's approach instead? Or allow the states to make that call for themselves? #gm
@UDMan: I kind of like that last one. Companies end up going abroad to cut costs because they did something wrong in the first place. Penalizing short cuts is a good idea. #gm
I imagine this article will cause some Republican readers to stamp their little feet and declare they'll never read or post to Jalopnik again. For that...thanks. You gotta skim the pool now and then. #gm
@mercury_marine: I was just thinking, there probably aren't any Republicans at Jalopnik.
You see, its science really. Republicans can't drive. They suck at the art, and thus, they don't like cars. They mostly drive American, so the cars they don't like are (guess what!): American. So, they hate their cars. They hate Jalopnik (a car loving website) too. If I had a dollar for every time a GMT400-era Chevy Suburban with a faded "MCCAIN * PALIN" sticker on its maroon ass, I'd have enough money to bail out GM two times over. Yeah.
@Ford Tempo Fanatic: Actually, I'm Republican. I drive a stick-shift Saturn ION2, which I love. I'm only allergic to kittens. I don't hate GM or Chrysler. I just love the free market. I agree with Mitt Romney that the bailouts were a horrific idea. Anybody remember British Leyland? Oh, and what's the appeal of the Ford Tempo? #gm
@tcotrel: Ah the appeal of the Ford Tempo. All wheel drive, fully independent suspension (first Ford to boast this), multiple port electronically controlled fuel injection, the most advanced computer control system (Ford EEC-IV), and an optional money-saving diesel engine. These are just some of the luxuries Ford offers with Tempo. Innovation, style, efficient performance. These attributes can be traced down to the details, such as the standard rubber door protectors embossed proudly with the legendary Ford Blue Oval. With real, genuine leather wrapped steering wheel (only available on Tempo GLS) and leather wrapped shift knob (standard on models equipped with the Mazda-tuned MTX-IV 5spd. manual with overdrive), Tempo has what it takes to say: "Fuck you, Chevrolet". It should be noted, the imitation leather used in Chevrolet's Cavalier is backed up by fake stitching on the steering wheel.
Those are just a few examples why Ford Tempo is one of America's most appealing, and best selling, four door sedans. But don't forget about the two doors! Get ready to shift into a sportier gear, with Ford Tempo GLS. Available also as a sedan, the Tempo GLS boasts a standard High Specific Output version of the 2.3L I-4. Rated at 100HP and 135lb-ft of torque, the HSO boasts of a revised intake system as well as an HSO-specific valve cover. Hemispherical combustion chambers also contribute to the extra punch packed by the Tempo GLS. On the outside, you'll find GLS-specific five spoke alloy rims, backed by Goodyear all season tires as standard. The Tempo's proud tri-bar chrome grill is replaced with a sporting monochromatic grill, colored in either black, white, or red, depending on the color of the GLS. You'll find that the chrome trim and brushed aluminum panels standard on other Tempo models, has also been replaced by body-color specific trim. This gives the Tempo a sleek, European look. All Ford Tempos are equipped with fully independent suspension, with coil springs all around and a Macpherson strut design, backed by nitrogen gas pressurized shocks. Specific to the GLS however, is dual torsion anti-roll bars front and rear. Revised bumpers and side molding give the GLS a lowered stance, adding to its aggressive appearance. A subtle decklid spoiler is also included in two door versions of the GLS. Inside, the GLS boasts all the luxuries of Tempo LX. With standard air conditioning, seat back map pockets, three separate map lights, illuminated glove compartment and ash tray, power windows and door locks, power trunk release, locking gas filler door, four way power driver's seat and lumbar support, four way adjustable head rest, Sport Gauge Cluster with standard tachometer and trip odometer, and Ford's Premium Sound System (which includes four speakers, digital clock display, AM/FM radio, cassette player with electronic Dolby noise reduction system, and a trunk mounted amplifier), its no wonder Ford Tempo GLS has become a sensation with today's American consumer.
Pick up the Tempo of your life! Drop down to your local Ford dealer today, and tell them to bring back a worthy successor to the Ford Tempo right now damn it!
P.S. The bailouts were a bad idea, I agree. Free market is great. Now if only we had a free market. Japan can build and sell a car far cheaper in America then America's own automakers. You see, Toyota doesn't have to deal with the UAW. Or any other regulations really. #gm
It's very interesting to see what happens, when for the first time in decades (if ever), the US decides to actually try to back some of it's domestic industry. When it comes to the automotive sector, we've been the only country that hasn't outwardly or surreptitiously had government support of it's home market makers. Thus, for many years, the US became the largest and most open automotive market in the world.
I'm not saying what is right or wrong. It just makes for entertaining/aggravating/stupefying observation. #gm
@Matt Hardigree: Nice try. I give Colin Powell lots of credit for being an old Volvo guy. He was a great military commander and inspirational figure. I respect his opposition to Dubya over Iraq (from a strategic standpoint, he was absolutely right). However, he vocally backed Obama, so he is not a Republican. #gm
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was starred
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was unstarred
[graphics8.nytimes.com] More proof that Republicans hate American cars but love... VOLVOs. We're joining the GOP. (BTW that's really his 122S wagon) #gm
Interesting post but it stills needs to be tagged as an opinion piece.
Watch out though, because Fox is going to come back with a "why does GM hate America?" piece. #opinion#gm
11/17/09
Where's Unregular? #gm
11/17/09
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a person disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change.
Conservatives have been instrumental in trying to stop progression, or to try and "turn back the clock" to anything even remotely progressive.
It is this particular cornerstone that limits a free thinking society, stymies inventiveness, and limits expression.
We no longer are at the forefront of new inventions, new ideas, or new product. You can lay all that on Conservatism. #gm
11/17/09
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OK: Lets take Passenger Airliners, just as an example. I can't deny that Boeing is a formidable competitor, but every Airbus model is far superior than the Boeing competing model. Yes the 787 is modern, but it has taken forever to get out of the gate.
The Brazilian Firm Embraer developed a line of E-Jets that really have no rival. We used to own the Aircraft Industry, and now we are merely a player.
Lets talk Large Trucks: We have two Truck Manufacturers left in the US, PACCAR (Peterbilt, Kenworth) and NAVISTAR (International). The Number one and Number two truck producers in North America is Freightliner (owned by Daimler), and Volvo (Still Swedish Owned, and not connected with the car division owned by Ford) and look at this, they own Mack Truck now! The European Trucks are far more modern and up-to-date than the American ones.
Lets talk Cell Phones for a minute. Motorola used to own the segment, but have been eclpised by Research in Motion (Blackberry), Apple, Nokia, Erickson, Samsung, Sony, with a host of smaller brands following close behind. It really is too little too late with the Droid.
We are no longer dominate in the PC world, what with the sale of IBM's PC business to Lenovo, and almost every other machine built in China. Semiconductor technology has been off loaded to the far east, Software Service has been offloaded to India, and we never did own the flat screen market.
From what I understand,
the Russian mathematicians are superior to almost anyone, The German and Swedish optics are superior to everyone, and the Swiss still make the best chocolate.
We were suppose to be the smartest as far as investment, but that theory got blown out of the water. We were suppose to have the best Insurance Companies (Ha!), and the best Banks (Pffft!). What have we got now? A whole lot of Nothing Special. #gm
11/17/09
We know it does, because you looked up the word "conservative" in the dictionary...
What limits free thinking and inventiveness is artificially rewarding failure and punishing success.
As to your later post about industries, most have some degree of labor issues. Truck and airplane manufacturing are both hammered in the US by unions. For cell phones, Motorola and Apple are US companies. RIM is Canadian. Nice job dismissing the Droid, though.
Same story with PC's and software "service". Intel and AMD are US companies. Their manufacturing is no longer done here. This is because it's too expensive. Same thing with call centers. Are you suggesting it's because conservatives have inflated the cost of labor in the US?? #gm
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These men only respected other property owners, but made no mention of women, or slaves as equal. Don't try an tell me that all of these men were for equal rights among the indigenous tribes that populated this land before we did. They also felt that the Women were somewhat second class citizens, and did nothing to stop the importation of slaves to work for nothing, while being the property of these same property owners.
My argument about free trade is that it has been free trade on a one way street. Japan, Korea, and to some extent most of the rest of the world do not practice our form of free trade, in which we invite anyone to take advantage of our policies, without any consequence to their own trade policies.
And do not bring up the tired argument about our Founding Fathers. If you wanted a government fashioned by the founding fathers, Women still wouldn't be able to vote, we would still have slaves, 1/2% of the population would control 99% of the wealth, and almost no one (besides the descendants of the wealthy white men) would own property.
The argument of out founding fathers holds abut as much water as an almighty god who created earth in seven days. It's time to evolve. #gm
11/17/09
Britain no longer produces things because they believe in free trade? That's your response to my claiming labor is a problem? You might look into the history of labor in the UK. It's labor problems and gov't intervention/bailouts in the US times a thousand.
And who is it that has chosen "not to fight" for the US worker the way, apparently, Korea has?
Your arguments all seem to be my arguments. I.e. Look at industry in Britain. Look at industry here in any unionized sector: autos, trucks, planes, etc. Yet you draw from them completely different, and somewhat baffling, conclusions. #gm
11/17/09
The slavery issue came up many times in the first decades of the new Republic, and was put off for nearly a century to disastrous results. Some of the founding fathers, however, had strong anti-slavery sentiments. From the Revolution to the Civil War, public opinion on the slavery issue did not so much change as become entrenched, on both sides. As for women, they were enfranchised for a time in New Jersey, but very few took the opportunity, nor was there any opposition to speak of when it was taken away with a subsequent state constitution. As for the Natives, simply look at Franklin's Narrative of the Late Massacres.
I'm inclined to agree with you on the fair trade issue. We have ourselves at a disadvantage. We ought have trade restrictions simply to negate support and subsidization of foreign industry by the same foreign governments.
The principles behind the founding of this nation were quite absolute: inalienable God-given rights, sovereignty from the consent of the governed, &t. The government set up by the founding fathers was a compromise. As society has improved and gotten more used to the radical concept of liberty, the compromise has been reduced.
As for God creating the Earth, I suggest you start learning Hebrew. I cringe every time I hear "seven days". (Besides, in the very poor translation that you Christians have, it's SIX days. The seventh is the sabbath, God's gift to us, which we were kind enough to share with you. And don't you forget it!) #gm
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11/17/09
Nanny state policies, handouts, entitlements, strict regulations and spreading the wealth around lead to a passive society.
You have to understand that traditional values aren't all Jeebus, most are building the American Dream, not handing it out. #gm
11/18/09
@Nitrous Oxide: You bet we're pretentious. Our leaders once outvoted God in a debate over cooking apparata!
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11/17/09
we just need to move imaginary money around in markets and tweet stuff. then, buy stuff that OTHER countries make with our fake money and call it Capitalism.
do that, and America will be great again! #gm
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good for them!
in Capitalism, only a few get all the money and then we take that money and redistribute it to the rest of the people. indeed, it is Capitalism defined. #gm
11/17/09
While I am all for restoring classics in general, this is one particular vehicle that should be left to moulder slowly in neglect.
Thank goodness that most people here are sophisticated enough to laugh at such facile xenophobia. Nevertheless, there appear to be substantial numbers of commentators who are enjoying a chance to roll in such excrement and get it all over them. Which is more evidence that the dogs inhabit Jalopnik, and the cats reside at Jezebel.
Well done, Matt! This has to help your hit count! Go Go Gadget Advert Revenue! #gm
11/17/09
11/17/09
Insult. Insult. Facts would go here if there were any. Insult."
Summarized for you. #gm
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@Matt Hardigree: @Matt Hardigree: "..Also, it's not xenophobia it's extreme nationalism, there's a difference..."
Umm... wait.. you're an 'extreme nationalist'?
Doesn't it give you pause, even just a little, to consider that such was exactly the platform of Hitler's National Socialist Party? Hmm?
Doesn't matter to me in the slightest, really. I am just totally grooving on VW taking over the world. As i said it would. Much to the derision of the assembled masses here. Remember 2 years ago when I told you to buy VW stock?
Did you do it? Heh.... #gm
11/17/09
@Shuke: "..You tell him, Matt..." #gm
11/18/09
11/18/09
"..You tell 'im Matthew!!"
11/17/09
Please, don't do it again. #gm
11/17/09
11/17/09
The only thing that I'd add is it's ironic that the foreign automakers who would most benefit from the disappearance of GM and Chrysler have received a fair amount of support from their governments. One could even argue that the weakness of the Big Three is partly the result of "socialism" on the part of US economic competitors such as Germany, Japan and South Korea.
In a very real sense the bailouts are helping to level the international playing field.
Not that I'm a big fan of the bailouts in principle and how they have been implemented. But I do think it very strange that conservatives go nuclear over a policy decision approved by Bush that helps protect American interests against those foreign socialist interlopers. #gm
11/16/09
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Foreign manufacturers focused on niches that the Americans abandoned, on quality and reliability, on value.
The former Axis countries benefitted in part from the war, as when they rebuilt their industries, they had advanced modern plants. They also had highly skilled and dedicated, unionized workforces.
And their governments made sure that health care and retirement was paid when it was earned, rather than leaving it to the companies to carry on their books, and plunder.
I regret the bailout, but it was necessary - even if it simply buys a few more years for these companies. I also regret that the corporate management that brought us to this point has been richly rewarded and will not suffer in the least for the damage they created and the wreckage they leave behind.
The government showed up too late, has done too little, and has demanded too little in return for the bailouts. But without the government counterweight to the irresponsibility of the corporations, things would be immensely worse right now. #gm
11/16/09
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11/16/09
- I believe that non college educated workers should be able to make a decent wage to support their families.
- I think there should be caps on executive compensation.
- I think that decent, affordable health care is a right, with no caps on care, and no pre-existing conditions ever.
- I believe that no one in America should go hungry.
- Having said that, there should be a choice as to whether you want growth hormones or chemicals in your food.
- I think there should be MORE regulation needed in the Banking and Brokerage sectors.
- There should be sustainable growth, and by that I mean 1 or 2%; Double Digit Growth in the worth of your home, interest bearing accounts, or stock percentages are not sustainable.
- I think there should be only a 2 term Senator, Congressman, and a one term President.
- Scrap all the free trade accords, and renegotiate them so that they are not as one sided as they seem to be today.
- Penalize any American Corporation who relocates manufacturing abroad.
Hmmmm, and that's just the beginning. #gm
11/16/09
11/16/09
I could agree on renegotiating trade, but limiting trade will only hurt our companies. And ultimately it is better for the world economy (which we benefit from) to trade goods and services, not artificially restrict trade. Government should only intervene in situations that present undue risk to parties not involved, and the government should govern corporations, not turn into a corporation. But I'm a Libertarian. #gm
11/16/09
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11/16/09
- I believe that anyone who is smart enough to pass college entrance exams and have the high school grades to make it into college should have their tuition paid for. You have one chance to make it. Flunk out once and the deal is off.
- I believe that health care should be available to anyone who's a citizen of this country or that are legally here. Universal health care coverage makes fiscal sense even if the conservatives disagree.
- There should be more regulation in the financial sector. Capitalism works when it's well regulated. That doesn't mean heavily regulated. Rules make for a level playing field, meaning you know what you're getting yourself into.
- I believe that all elections should be publicly funded and soft money should be banned. It's time to end the sweetheart deals that result from corporations funding candidates.
- Campaigns should not be run no longer than 3 months.
However I don't want to get rid of the two term limit for Presidents.
May the flaming begin, lol. #gm
11/16/09
Buffet is the only honest exception. He does not use tax havens like other Forbes 400 listers. I say, once you can afford to buy every person in your state a Ferrari California 2010... Maybe you should start to give back to the system that has made you so successful.
11/16/09
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[www.gacollege411.org]
I feel each state should have something like this. Georgia's program is considered a huge success. Meanwhile I went to Georgia myself but my priorities were a bit screwed up. Procrastinating is fun. I ended up getting a BS degree from another institution but I'm doing well for myself. #gm
11/16/09
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11/16/09
You see, its science really. Republicans can't drive. They suck at the art, and thus, they don't like cars. They mostly drive American, so the cars they don't like are (guess what!): American. So, they hate their cars. They hate Jalopnik (a car loving website) too. If I had a dollar for every time a GMT400-era Chevy Suburban with a faded "MCCAIN * PALIN" sticker on its maroon ass, I'd have enough money to bail out GM two times over. Yeah.
Oh, and Republicans HATE kittens as well. #gm
11/16/09
11/17/09
Those are just a few examples why Ford Tempo is one of America's most appealing, and best selling, four door sedans. But don't forget about the two doors! Get ready to shift into a sportier gear, with Ford Tempo GLS. Available also as a sedan, the Tempo GLS boasts a standard High Specific Output version of the 2.3L I-4. Rated at 100HP and 135lb-ft of torque, the HSO boasts of a revised intake system as well as an HSO-specific valve cover. Hemispherical combustion chambers also contribute to the extra punch packed by the Tempo GLS. On the outside, you'll find GLS-specific five spoke alloy rims, backed by Goodyear all season tires as standard. The Tempo's proud tri-bar chrome grill is replaced with a sporting monochromatic grill, colored in either black, white, or red, depending on the color of the GLS. You'll find that the chrome trim and brushed aluminum panels standard on other Tempo models, has also been replaced by body-color specific trim. This gives the Tempo a sleek, European look. All Ford Tempos are equipped with fully independent suspension, with coil springs all around and a Macpherson strut design, backed by nitrogen gas pressurized shocks. Specific to the GLS however, is dual torsion anti-roll bars front and rear. Revised bumpers and side molding give the GLS a lowered stance, adding to its aggressive appearance. A subtle decklid spoiler is also included in two door versions of the GLS. Inside, the GLS boasts all the luxuries of Tempo LX. With standard air conditioning, seat back map pockets, three separate map lights, illuminated glove compartment and ash tray, power windows and door locks, power trunk release, locking gas filler door, four way power driver's seat and lumbar support, four way adjustable head rest, Sport Gauge Cluster with standard tachometer and trip odometer, and Ford's Premium Sound System (which includes four speakers, digital clock display, AM/FM radio, cassette player with electronic Dolby noise reduction system, and a trunk mounted amplifier), its no wonder Ford Tempo GLS has become a sensation with today's American consumer.
Pick up the Tempo of your life! Drop down to your local Ford dealer today, and tell them to bring back a worthy successor to the Ford Tempo right now damn it!
P.S. The bailouts were a bad idea, I agree. Free market is great. Now if only we had a free market. Japan can build and sell a car far cheaper in America then America's own automakers. You see, Toyota doesn't have to deal with the UAW. Or any other regulations really. #gm
11/17/09
11/17/09
Have you driven a Ford... Lately? #gm
11/16/09
I'm not saying what is right or wrong. It just makes for entertaining/aggravating/stupefying observation. #gm
11/16/09
#gm
11/16/09
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11/16/09
Watch out though, because Fox is going to come back with a "why does GM hate America?" piece.
#opinion #gm