I oppose bailing out the Big Three auto companies. Therefore, I am standing with President Bush and the Republicans. President-elect Obama and the Democratic leaders in Congress have been advocating bailing out GM, Ford and Chrysler.
I'm afraid that, to me, this smacks of politics, not good policy. Of course, the Obama campaign is grateful to the UAW for helping deliver Michigan and Ohio to the Democrats. But that does not mean they need to return the favor -- if it is the wrong thing to do.
Let's consider why the Big Three are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. First, they made bad cars, gas-guzzling SUVs long after any reasonable analysis of our common future would have concluded that we will have to be driving hybrids or alternative-fuel cars such as those the more progressive carmakers overseas are already offering.
Second, they have formed a devil's bargain wth corrupt unions, most specifically the UAW. Why should privileged union members be retiring at age 50, and then living off rich pensions, with health policies that have zero deductibles and zero co-pays when all the rest of us in America have no such privileges?
The beauty of bankruptcy is that the Big Three automakers can end these entitlements and re-establish themselves as companies for the 21st century, shedding these unrealistic contracts in favor of the work arrangements of the Japanese and European car-makers who are doing just fine, thank you, manufacturing autos in this country.
Therefore, count my vote with the GOP on this one.
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