Why the big 3 aren't competative

[haypops]

full article here

Lots that I don't agree with, but at least he tries.

The leaders of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler recently had their long awaited summit with U.S. President George W. Bush last week. Sensitive to public sentiment, auto leaders argued they were not looking for special treatment. Instead, they sought adjustments in public policy that would benefit both the country and their operating environment. A close look at their problems and actions indicates automakers are not willing to address tough issues and Washington cannot save them.

<more>

[the_yellow_dart]

Somebody please explain this to me.

Aren't right-wing politics supposed to be corporation-friendly? "Keep the corporations heathly, keep the country healthy."

So, why is this right wing of all right wing presidents NOT doing something for one of the largest US industries?

[haypops]

Aren't right-wing politics supposed to be corporation-friendly? "Keep the corporations heathly, keep the country healthy."

There are several different kinds of conservatives. You refer to the "wall street conservatives". There are also religious conservatives, individual freedon conservatives=libeterians?, national security conservatives, etc. The best I can come up with is label suck, just look for good governance.

So, why is this right wing of all right wing presidents NOT doing something for one of the largest US industries?

The jaded view is that the Vice Presidents mult million dollar reitement is based on the profits of another industry. Perhaps they don't know what to do?

Peace.

[CARBIZ]

I guess there are two ways of looking at this: 1) either America will raise the workers of Asia up to her level or 2) the Asian companies will drag American workers down to theirs.

Gold plated contracts aside, the simple fact remains that the oldest Japanese plant in North America is barely 20 years old: they just don't have many retirees here (yet.) The rest of their workers hide behind national healthcare in Japan. Either way, Japan Inc. benefits greatly.

I would be the last person to defend unionized workers; however, to lay the blame on rich exeutives and fat, lazy workers is simplistic at best.

[Ghost Dog]

America needs a new deal. The Friedman Dogma is driving America back in time. While America is heading towards 16th century europe. China has Turned its entire economy into a giant TVA. China will be to the 21st century what America was to the Twentieth. It's unfortunate but America has become a cult to Friedman economics. And it's killing us.

[Mr.Krinkle]

Found this a couple of days ago.

RISKY BUSINESS

Democrats to tackle the dollar

By Jephraim P Gundzik

Last week's sweeping victories for Democrats in the US mid-term elections could prompt significant economic policy changes in the United States over the next 24 months.

Boosting US exports will top the Democrats' economic agenda. In addition to stepped-up efforts aimed at prying export markets open, the 110th Congress may pressure the increasingly pliant administration of President George W Bush to reverse course on

exchange-rate policy and encourage the depreciation of the dollar. Intensifying trade disputes, the sliding value of the dollar and

weakening US demand could produce a sharp slowdown in Asia's export and economic growth next year.

With majority positions in the House of Representatives, in the Senate and among state governors, Democrats are now firmly in control of America's legislative initiative, giving the party a unique opportunity to increase its popular support ahead of the 2008 presidential election.

Democrats are unlikely to challenge the incoherent foreign policies of the Bush administration, which have produced an unwinnable war in Iraq and growing instability in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. As in the Republican Party, there is no consensus among Democrats about the future role of the US military in Iraq and the direction of Middle East and other foreign policies. Only a handful of legislators even recognize that Iraq has already become engulfed in civil war.

Rather than pressuring the administration into changing its foreign policies, Democrats will probably be happy to leave the foreign-policy initiative in the hands of President Bush, who has proved remarkably adept at strangling popular support for his Republican Party in the past two years. Democrats will use their control over powerful legislative committees in the House and Senate to highlight the administration's ongoing foreign-policy catastrophes, further undermining popular support for the Republicans.

Economic policy initiative

In sharp contrast to foreign policy, Democrats and Republicans are seemingly united in the realm of trade and foreign-exchange policies. Legislation aimed at forcing other countries to open their markets to US exports and revalue their currencies against the dollar, another term for dollar devaluation, have significant bipartisan support in the House and Senate, for good reason.

The US trade deficits with Canada and Mexico, America's top two trading partners, have grown from US$52 billion and $41 billion in 2003 to an estimated $85 billion and $60 billion in 2006, respectively. The US trade deficit with the European Union has increased from $97 billion in 2003 to an estimated $135 billion in 2006. Finally, the US trade deficits with China and Japan have soared from $124 billion and $66 billion in 2003 to an estimated $250 billion and $90 billion in 2006, respectively.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/HK18Dj02.html

Nothing good for Asia

Asia's economic giants, Japan and China, are likely to take the brunt of any economic-policy changes engineered in the US Congress. America's auto manufacturers have long argued that undervaluation of the Japanese yen has been behind all of their troubles. Ahead of the late meeting in late June between Bush and the then prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, Democratic senators from Michigan, where all US auto manufacturers are based, sent a letter to Bush demanding that he address "the deliberate actions of Japanese officials to maintain an undervalued yen" and Japan's failure to open its market to imports of US automobiles.

These demands were reiterated by the heads of America's three largest automobile manufacturers when they met with Bush this Tuesday.

Yen undervaluation is synonymous with dollar overvaluation. Expect the 110th US Congress to produce legislation that calls for immediate action by Japan both to strengthen the exchange rate of the yen and open its auto market to US exports. Such legislation will put enormous pressure on the Bush administration to push the value of the dollar lower.

Aside from the anti Bush rhetoric thought it was an interesting read.

A lot of this probably can be traced back to Nixon. But I think it when GHWBush

threw up on the Japanese Prime minister that it really started to go down hill.

Edited November 24, 2006 by Mr.Krinkle

[Ghost Dog]

Before they devalue the dollar.They have to take all U.S. oil off the market. Rate Fix it. Stipulate that all Oil pumped on U.S. Territory stays on U.S. territory. And They have to have the ability to draw from the reserves.

[haypops]

Interesting read Mr.krinkle. Thanks

[aaaantoine]

Oh boy... Here comes inflation.

[Ghost Dog]

Oh boy... Here comes inflation.

219518[/snapback]

The key to controlling the inflation is controlling the energy costs.

[Mr.Krinkle]

Depending upon whom you ask youll get a different reason. Some say health care costs and pensions, others might say its the gov'ts fault for not having national health care or because of their trade agreements and policies. It could be because of bad marketing, perceptions, or products.

The truth is its probably a combination of all the above. The only credible solution that would discount the rest would be a superior product (not a marketing ploy as some might suggest).

When Bush said to build a relevant car it held a degree of truth to it. Why it angers the big 3 is because they say they are at a competitive disadvantage for several reasons--one being exchange and foreign policy. But Bushs take is that if the product is right on nothing else should matter.

The automakers reply is that they do not have the resources to develop future product because they are already starved for cash--some from their own doing (health care) and some because of the international trade policies.

The governments reluctance to address artificial currency suppression should be apparent. The adverse reactions on every other imported product and our deficits and debts would be disproportional and probably not be in the best interest of the rest of the population and especially the govt. and then in turn the leaders.

Detroit will say that a whole hell of a lot of people are employed by US owned car manufacturers and should be a vested interest of the governmnent to support and promote their livelihood. Thats when they stop listening.

Aside from the 17 million car buyers and a generous two million employees--youre figuring 19/20 what the hell, say 25 million people total. Theres more than 300,000,000 people living in this country.

What would imposing a 27% tarriff on Chinese imported goods do this economy?

Its a big giant f@#king circle. Cant develop new cars without the money and without the new cars cant get the money. Gotta look for it somewhere.

Face it. Japan does not want our cars. It would be like us begging Russia and China to start exporting cars here. There is no need for trying to get them open their doors for us. China is a obviously a different story. GM does quite well there and is their best shot at securing their future--over there and here.

The bottom line is that when Bush said build a relevant car he meant get it done. Dont bellyache to Uncle Sam that something isnt fair or that there is a competetive disadvantage. Find a way, make it better make a more desirable car and your problems will be solved.

When it comes to cars ts rare an exemplary model fails to get buyers. The issues that need to be addressed by GM and Ford in order to do that is what is needed first. Restructure/globalize/become more efficient. That should then procure enough resources to be able to continue developing cars and when they build more cars Americans want money shouldnt be a problem anymore. Expecially Japanese money.

A national healthcare sure would make it a lot easier though.

Edited November 24, 2006 by Mr.Krinkle

[Mr.Krinkle]

If the American car industry is going to succeed they will have to do it on their own.

It stems from a lack of profit which piggybacks on:

health care costs and pensions, the gov't, lack of national health care, trade agreements, policies, and deficits. Bad marketing, perceptions, and products.

Theres your reasons. Try to pick one or two. The money should follow.

Edited November 25, 2006 by Mr.Krinkle

[haypops]

As in most things in life there is not a single simple answer. If Detroit can take a nibble here, and a nibble there out of their problems, things will turn around slowly. Senator Boxer has proposed an accelerated replacement of the US government's fleet with Big 3 only vehicles as one nibble at the problem.

[evok]

Depending upon whom you ask youll get a different reason.  Some say health care costs and pensions, others might say its the gov'ts fault for not having national health care or because of their trade agreements and policies.  It could be because of bad marketing, perceptions, or products.

The truth is its probably a combination of all the above.  The only credible solution that would discount the rest would be a superior product (not a marketing ploy as some might suggest). 

When Bush said to build a relevant car it held a degree of truth to it.  Why it angers the big 3 is because they say they are at a competitive disadvantage for several reasons--one being exchange and foreign policy.  But Bushs take is that if the product is right on nothing else should matter.

The automakers reply is that they do not have the resources to develop future product because they are already starved for cash--some from their own doing (health care) and some because of the international trade policies. 

The governments reluctance to address artificial currency suppression should be apparent.  The adverse reactions on every other imported product and our deficits and debts would be disproportional and probably not be in the best interest of the rest of the population and especially the govt. and then in turn the leaders.

Detroit will say that a whole hell of a lot of people are employed by US owned car manufacturers and should be a vested interest of the governmnent to support and promote their livelihood.  Thats when they stop listening.

Aside from the 17 million car buyers and a  generous two  million employees--youre figuring 19/20  what the hell, say 25 million people total.  Theres more than 300,000,000 people living in this country. 

What would imposing a 27% tarriff on Chinese imported goods do this economy?

Its a big giant f@#king circle.  Cant develop new cars without the money and without the new cars cant get the money.  Gotta look for it somewhere.

Face it.  Japan does not want our cars.  It would be like us begging Russia and China to start exporting cars here.  There is no need for trying to get them open their doors for us.  China is a obviously a different story.  GM does quite well there and is their best shot at securing their future--over there and here.

The bottom line is that when Bush said build a relevant car he meant  get it done.  Dont bellyache to Uncle Sam that something isnt fair or that there is a competetive disadvantage.  Find a way, make it better make a more desirable car and your problems will be solved.

When it comes to cars ts rare an exemplary model fails to get buyers.  The issues that need to be addressed by GM and Ford in order to do that is what is needed first.  Restructure/globalize/become more efficient.  That should then procure enough resources to be able to continue developing cars and when they build more cars Americans want money shouldnt be a problem anymore.  Expecially Japanese money. 

A national healthcare sure would make it a lot easier though.

219565[/snapback]

It is called the Death Spiral.

[gm4life]

I am a concervative okay, but I strongly support American compaines! I believe that is key in this day and age. Next up I do support Mr. Bush despite his various flaws. Okay so now you know what side of the fence I am on. Now to what I think...

The goverment is not here to bail anyone out weather it be Toyota or GM. General Motors will need to keep bringing out fresh products that sell. They need to do it themselves not the goverment! The union is killing the big three, the workers keep asking for more. (Then getting it.) Therefore the prices get passed onto the consumer. They need to keep overhead/car prices down and keep working hard, if there is a team of people at GM that can do it, its the group at the head right now!

[enzl]

I am a concervative okay, but I strongly support American compaines! I believe that is key in this day and age. Next up I do support Mr. Bush despite his various flaws. Okay so now you know what side of the fence I am on. Now to what I think...

The goverment is not here to bail anyone out weather it be Toyota or GM. General Motors will need to keep bringing out fresh products that sell. They need to do it themselves not the goverment! The union is killing the big three, the workers keep asking for more. (Then getting it.) Therefore the prices get passed onto the consumer. They need to keep overhead/car prices down and keep working hard, if there is a team of people at GM that can do it, its the group at the head right now!

219832[/snapback]

Hard to agree with any of that....so I'll just address the 'What Bush could have done/could do part of things.':

1. Agressively promote US co.'s oversees, through:

-better management of the Dollar's Value

-creating opportunities for gov't and biz to work together to mutually promote ideas

-stop being such a cowboy, worldwide. Part of our inability to sell things to other countries stems from the perception that we're a bunch of greedy, war mongers who won't talk to those that don't agree.

2. Start a conversation with big business about Pension Funding & Healthcare. With the money we've thrown down the drain to fund war and reduce rich people's tax bills, we could have guaranteed the future finances of millions of middle class people that will get burned by the possibilities that they will not get their pension, as promised & some kind of baseline medical care.

3. Pursue a conservation policy of any kind. Get a guy to turn of his lightbulb or, god forbid, ensure our national security with a reduction of dependence on foriegn oil purchased from our enemies!

That's just off the cuff....

[evok]

....so I'll just address the 'What Bush could have done/could do part of things.':

2. Start a conversation with big business about Pension Funding & Healthcare. With the money we've thrown down the drain to fund war and reduce rich people's tax bills, we could have guaranteed the future finances of millions of middle class people that will get burned by the possibilities that they will not get their pension, as promised & some kind of baseline medical care.

219841[/snapback]

agree and will add:

1) Real tort reform.

2) Total healthcare reform - insurance, hospitals, pharms, all the way to the band-aids we buy at CVS.

3) TAX on ALL large businesses "incorporated" in this country to pay for the prescription drug plan, reform medicare and medicaid. This money should go into a trust and equilize the corporate playing field. Toyota, Sony, ACME US operations, whatever will have the same obligations if they want to do business in this county.

There is no reason why if I or anyone need to go to the hospital in this country for whatever "reasonable, likely" reason, should go broke.

F' the insurance excuse. The US only has the best healthcare system for those with insurance. But has anyone actually looked what the insurance companies are being charged by the system. It is out uncalled for.

Hell I also follow the pharmaceutical industry. Do you know where the clincal testing is being conducted these days becuase the cost in the US is escalating, China and India. The US popluation in some studies cannot even take part in early potentialy life saving studies. This is valid and the FDA will use this data to determine marketability. This is a f'in joke.

The system is broke and dysfunctional.

In either case - I throw out ideas above which may not be the exact solution.

But I am certain of this.

The system needs to be funded and the playing field equilized.

You want to talk about the pension system and SS benefits not being properly funded. What about all those businesses hiring illigal aliens in this country that are not paying Medicare and SS taxes and yet these aliens put a burden on the state healthcare system becuase they cannot afford to pay cash for their medical needs in this country. 1000 bucks for a couple of stiches or a couple thousand to fix a broken limb.

The system does not work.

Anybody that says the US has the best healthcare system in the world is full of &#036;h&#33;, a fool or a politician.

You want reform, the US government should invetigate and fine businesses that hire illegals now for tax evasion. Where are those billions going?

Edited November 25, 2006 by evok

[CARBIZ]

WHAT HE SAID...we're selling off our future to save a few bucks today.

[Mr.Krinkle]

agree and will add:

You want to talk about the pension system and SS benefits not being properly funded.  What about all those businesses hiring illigal aliens in this country that are not paying Medicare and SS taxes and yet these aliens put a burden on the state healthcare system becuase they cannot afford to pay cash for their medical needs in this country.  1000 bucks for a couple of stiches or a couple thousand to fix a broken limb.

The system does not work.

219846[/snapback]

..and those bills are going to skyrocket when the "illegals" get injured scaling the soon to be built the fence.

Shouldnt even get started about social security. If I make it that long its going to be bone dry. Forget about the debt that has accrued in the past few years--or even in the past few months.

There used to be a concept of the "invisible hand". I dont know at what point that hand started smacking us instead of guiding us, our priciples, and our interests as a country.

The utter lack of indifference or malaise to address these real issues turns my stomach. Judging by the mid term election results id say a fair majority probably feel similarly. You want to see competetive business that have been grown in these United States the leaders have to start acting like they give a damn.

They have to understand these issues, not a prior briefing, a smile and head shake. Lasorda, Wagoner, and Mulally could have had the same meeting with a brick wall.

[haypops]

3) TAX on ALL large businesses "incorporated" in this country to pay for the prescription drug plan, reform medicare and medicaid.  This money should go into a trust and equilize the corporate playing field.  Toyota, Sony, ACME US operations, whatever will have the same obligations if they want to do business in this county.

Well said. I noticed that you used quotation marks for incorporated in this country. I hope this is to include companies doing business here but incorporated in Bahamas and other loop-hole localities.

[Ghost Dog]

agree and will add:

1) Real tort reform.

2) Total healthcare reform - insurance, hospitals, pharms, all the way to the band-aids we buy at CVS.

3) TAX on ALL large businesses "incorporated" in this country to pay for the prescription drug plan, reform medicare and medicaid.  This money should go into a trust and equilize the corporate playing field.  Toyota, Sony, ACME US operations, whatever will have the same obligations if they want to do business in this county.

There is no reason why if I or anyone need to go to the hospital in this country for whatever "reasonable, likely" reason, should go broke.

F' the insurance excuse.  The US only has the best healthcare system for those with insurance.  But has anyone actually looked what the insurance companies are being charged by the system.  It is out uncalled for.

Hell I also follow the pharmaceutical industry.  Do you know where the clincal testing is being conducted these days becuase the cost in the US is escalating, China and India.  The US popluation in some studies cannot even take part in early potentialy life saving studies.  This is valid and the FDA will use this data to determine marketability.  This is a f'in joke.

The system is broke and dysfunctional. 

In either case - I throw out ideas above which may not be the exact solution.

But I am certain of this.

The system needs to be funded and the playing field equilized.

You want to talk about the pension system and SS benefits not being properly funded.  What about all those businesses hiring illigal aliens in this country that are not paying Medicare and SS taxes and yet these aliens put a burden on the state healthcare system becuase they cannot afford to pay cash for their medical needs in this country.  1000 bucks for a couple of stiches or a couple thousand to fix a broken limb.

The system does not work.

Anybody that says the US has the best healthcare system in the world is full of &#036;h&#33;, a fool or a politician.

You want reform, the US government should invetigate and fine businesses that hire illegals now for tax evasion.  Where are those billions going?

219846[/snapback]

You should see the prices for some medical products. Little plastic tubing connectors from Alaris. Made in Mexico and costing $50.00 each. A case of twenty over a thousand Dollars. We wont even get into the cost of Sutures. Vacutainers, I.V. solutions... It's unbelievable.

I was Toying with the Idea of Combining Social Security,andMedicare into a single entity.

" Social Security-Health and Medicine "

Provide Single Payer National Healthcare, and open access to International and Generic Drugs To retirees. (And Disabled)

With the combining of Social Security and Medicare. Rewriting the Tax to pay for it could be done in a way not to be a greater burden to The Average American.

Removing Retiree Healthcare from Corporate America. And Local Governments

Then for the Average American HMO profit limits would be nice.

Edited November 26, 2006 by Ghost Dog

[evok]

Well said.  I noticed that you used quotation marks for  incorporated in this country.  I hope this is to include companies doing business here but incorporated in Bahamas and other loop-hole localities.

220000[/snapback]

I will leave how to do it to the experts and tax people. My intent is all entities doing business in the US and that includes foreign subsiduaries that are incorporated in the US. If you sell here you pay. That is my thought. The how, well I could not outline the specifics.

[ehaase]

Well said.  I noticed that you used quotation marks for  incorporated in this country.  I hope this is to include companies doing business here but incorporated in Bahamas and other loop-hole localities.

220000[/snapback]

Foreign corporations that do business in the U.S. pay already pay income tax on their U.S. income, but not on income earned outside the U.S. Domestic corporations pay tax on their worldwide income, but may get credits or deductions for taxes paid to foreign countries on foreign income.

[evok]

You should see the prices for some medical products. Little plastic tubing connectors from Alaris. Made in Mexico and costing $50.00 each. A case of twenty over a thousand Dollars. We wont even get into the cost of Sutures. Vacutainers, I.V. solutions...  It's unbelievable.

I was Toying with the Idea of  Combining Social Security,andMedicare into a single entity.

" Social Security-Health and Medicine "

Provide Single Payer National Healthcare, and open access to International and Generic  Drugs To retirees. (And Disabled)

With the combining of Social Security and Medicare. Rewriting the Tax to pay for it could be done in a way not to be a greater burden to The Average American.

Removing Retiree Healthcare from Corporate America. And Local Governments

Then for the Average American HMO profit limits would be nice.

220044[/snapback]

Yes the prices are outrageous. And I am sure everyones bulk email folder is filled with generic Viagra spam for cents on the dollar compared to the Pfizer.

Though I do not claim to holder the answers there is a problem.

http://www.tv.com/30-days/show/36402/summary.html

Check out the minimum wage episode.

[regfootball]

The real problem facing the auto companies is the UAW contract

thank you. its time for unions to adjust or die.

before they bring down millions of others.

ok, here's what else

bush needs to go, sorry that's just the way it is.

the upper class folk need to knocked down about 5 or 6 notches. even the upper upper middle class folks need to brought down. especially those whose job is just to sit in meetings and read email all day ubt still collect a measly 150k or something.

we need to rid our business practices of excessive administration and marketing costs. there are too many management, marketing, and fluff people in American business. too often today marketing is used as a de facto substitute for developing products and services that someone actually can use want or benefit from. our business leaders are groomed to only perform to results, not to actually know care or understand the products they make and sell and push. 2/3 of the stuff you buy in the US is complete junk, fueled by our culture of overconsumption. that is also what fuels our trade deficit. We buy the same junk over and over because it is half ass made but need to buy it over and over again because it either breaks or it didn't serve our needs the first time.

health care etc. needs to get fixed and the car companies cannot do it alone but do need to take responsibility for part of the mess they created.

BTW why does a plasma HDTV cost less than my simple CPAP? that alone shows why health care is so hosed up.

and really, in addition to the union getting decimated, our car companies will need an overhaul. get rid of all the lifers and those who have no clue otherwise. move their offices to places other detroit so they have a clue what AMERICA wants, not just Michigan. start putting decent interiors and powertrains in your cars and get a serious clue about craftsmanship and design. and overhaul the entire dealer network and shopping experience. sell direct from the factory, screw the bloddsucking megadealers.....and closed circuit.........tell big oil to fCK off and develop transportation that runs on multiple fuels. its time we take responsibility for our future and grab our chances by the balls because there may not be any left.

if i took over gm or ford i would walk in there and tell them what needs to happen. anyone who was not on board with real change would be told to get the hell out. I don't think anyone has had the balls to do that yet, except for maybe Alan Mullaly, and he still doesn't have much support or time. I think its high time for a showdown with the union. I actually think Ford may be best set up to do battle with them. Ford's big volume models that are actually increasing in sales are more and more not being made in the US. It would be nice if DCX took the first battle...if they lose out its no big deal because chrysler is German anyways.

what would GM or ford lose in an extended battle with the unions? Not much I figure, and they might be able to totally change their business to the favor of the rest of the citizens in this country, quicker than they can if they are constantly being nickled and dimed by the union mantra.

Lastly, our uptight neighbors and friends need to start considering buying more US cars. We all know many our our friends only buy based upon heresay, or selfish misguided reasons and often do not even look at one US car when they shop. That is irresponsible IMHO.

Edited November 27, 2006 by regfootball

[evok]

thank you.  its time for unions to adjust or die.

before they bring down millions of others.

Or the UAW/CAW can organize at the transplants in NA and level the playing field.

The playing field just needs equilization and there are solutions. Organizing is one of them.

[Ghost Dog]

Or the UAW/CAW can organize at the transplants in NA and level the playing field.

The playing field just needs equilization and there are solutions.  Organizing is one of them.

220615[/snapback]

Well there is'nt going to be any pension or major healthcare relief from the unions.Any healthcare relief will have to come from government intervention. The HMO's are Collusive and out of control. In my mind they have lost the right to set thier own rates.

Pharm companies are out of control as well. Oh no free trade there.

Bush in his worship of Friedmanism made organizing the Japanese and Korean plants impossible. One of 2 things is coming Rescinding free trade and Tariffs. Or a 25 to 35% percent devalueing of the Dollar. The "New Domestics" Will have to Increase thier Prices. Increase U.S. parts content. Or take smaller profits. And Toyota may be preparing for just such an eventuality. Toyota may be better prepared for an end to Free trade then GM,Ford,and Daimler Chrysler.

America is waking up and the Backlash against Friedmans "Free Market" Economics is going to be huge.

Systematically Everying Roosevelt accomplished has been attacked. From Labor, to Social Security,To even the SEC. Pensions and Social security are contrary to Friedman economics.Even a minimum wage is contrary to Friedman economics. Any Sort of Government Control even for the good of the people is contrary to Freidman economics.

Friedmans "Free Market" economics are sociopathic. There is a change coming. It will be radical. Big Oil, Pharms,and HMO's will payback. Free trade will Die. The Top 1% will pay a lot more in taxes. Labor will be reinforced. Bancruptcy law will be changed to protect pensions.

The Big 3 need to get on board and support National Healthcare. They need to stop dreaming about pension relief. They need to plan for an end to free trade. Outsourcing is cutting there own throat. They have lived on the 25% truck tariff. There will be no sympathy when free trade ends and the Factories are over the borders.

Sorry bout the Rant. But ....

Edited November 27, 2006 by Ghost Dog