My Approach to An Auto Industry Bailout . . .
I had a revelation yesterday-- let the oil companies bail the automakers out. ExxonMobil has had several record quarters earning more money than any corporation in history. These industries have always enjoyed an incestuous relationship anyway. Think about it, the Big 3 Automakers can continue to make big, gas-sucking behemoths that are feed by the oil companies-- a match made in heaven.
I think His Majesty, Henry Paulson, King of the U.S. Treasury should tell the oil companies bail them out or we will redistribute your wealth for you . . . $25 billion would be but a drop in the oil barrel!
Let me know what you think . . .
Posted by DDFD at 11/23/2008 9:04 AM 
Categories: Automotive, Personal Philosophy
Tags: Automotive Personal Philosophy
Categories: Automotive, Personal Philosophy
Tags: Automotive Personal Philosophy
It sounds good when you say it fast, but we just can't force one industry to bail out the other. The idea of freedom in America isn't dead yet, but we're working on it. Besides, the auto industry isn't looking for a bailout, they're looking for a "loan".
Since it's a loan, the taxpayers have to get some sort of payback in both interest and principal. So, let's have them provide vouchers to every American taxpayer in an amount commensurate with their share of taxes. The vouchers would be redeemable for products and services through their dealerships.
Since the "loan" is a combined effort among taxpayers, the vouchers would be redeemable in combination as well. Get all your friends together and buy yourselves a new car.
And, since Congress is the one forcing the taxpayers to make the "loan", they don't qualify for any sort of voucher, no matter how they voted.
Now, I think that's fair.
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Clair,
Perhaps I delivered this one too straight-- it was meant to be more tongue-in-cheek. I don't think government should be as involved in private enterprise as it has become. Furthermore, I don't care for auto execs flying to Washington in private jets with their proverbial hats in their hands asking for our tax dollars . . .
--DDFD
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Both of our comments were tongue-in-cheek. Neither of our proposals should be seriously considered, just as neither of the bailout or loan proposals should be considered.
I suppose we try to laugh at this because the alternative is a severe case of depression.
Clair
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