Want to help GM?

[Camino LS6]

http://www.capitolconnect.com/gmfactsandfi...ze/default.aspx

[Brougham-Holiday]

Did it, I wonder if it will make a difference?

[Camino LS6]

Of course it will make a difference. The more we participate, the bigger the difference.

[cletus8269]

done, i voted for the bums so they should at least give me an ear now.

[loki]

done, i voted for the bums so they should at least give me an ear now.

green speaks louder than anything you can do on here.

[Camino LS6]

Politicians listen to polls and votes, it's worth the effort.

[haypops]

It was a pleasure to participate in this. Actually I thought you were going to ask us to GM bonds. This is easier.

[Camino LS6]

Glad to hear it, Haypops!

[Camino LS6]

I just got an automated e-mail response from my congressman promising a more detailed response later.

[PurdueGuy]

done.

[loki]

I just got an automated e-mail response from my congressman promising a more detailed response later.

"congressman".....senate or house? senators have more power, kinda.

[Sixty8panther]

Done. Later I'll tell Julie to do same.

[I hope GMRULES again]

I came across another site http://www.helpfixgm.com/ for those of you with a lot of ideas and time on your hands.

[thegriffon]

Americans Strongly Support Aiding U.S. Automakers, Survey Finds

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By nearly two-to-one, Americans across all segments of the population believe the U.S. government should provide loans to American automakers, according to a poll released today by Peter D. Hart Research Associates.

"Americans' broad support for providing government assistance to the auto industry is built mainly on a genuine fear that a failed GM, Ford, and Chrysler could lead to a depression," said Peter Hart, chairman of the national polling firm. "But their support also is grounded in the hope that a revitalized auto industry could mean good things for the manufacturing sector and the country as a whole."

The Hart poll, conducted Nov. 11-12, found that 55% of Americans believe that the government should provide loans to American automakers, while 30% oppose. Members of all political stripes (Democrats, Republicans and independents) support this action. By an even wider margin (64% to 25%), Americans agree with President-elect Barack Obama's stand of ensuring that the American automobile industry is able to continue to operate.

Hart said that behind the support for the automakers is a fear that the failure of GM, Ford, and Chrysler in the next few years could trigger an economic depression (with 60% believing a depression would result). Nearly 80% (79%) of Americans believe that the auto industry is very or extremely important to the U.S. economy.

The Hart poll found that Americans have deep concerns about the harmful impacts of the collapse of the U.S. auto industry:

-- 90% fear the harm it would do to America's manufacturing sector.

-- 84% of Americans say it would harm the U.S. economy.

-- 70% fear the harm it would do to America's standing in the world.

-- 68% worry about the lack of consumer choice for America's car buyers.

"The public sees in stark terms the harm it would do to the country if the domestic auto industry no longer had the resources to produce vehicles," Hart said. "It is recognition that it is the country's central manufacturing base."

The polling organization of Peter D. Hart Research Associates was commissioned by General Motors to conduct an independent survey. GM had no input or review of the design, methodology, content or interpretation of the survey.

The poll was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 804 American adults on Nov. 11 and 12, 2008. The data's margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for 804 adults at the 95% confidence level. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.

  1724 Connecticut Avenue, NW               Interviews: 804 adults
  Washington, DC 20009                      Dates: November 11-12, 2008
  (202) 234-5570


  FINAL                                     48  Male
                                            52  Female
  Study #8877                             [109]
  Auto Industry Survey
  November 2008


  Please note: all results are shown as percentages unless otherwise stated.



  1. Do you or does anyone in your household work in market or opinion
     research, advertising or public relations, media, including radio,
     television, print, or on-line publications, or the auto industry,
     including auto sales, manufacturing, or finance?

     Yes                            -       TERMINATE      [137]
     No                            100       CONTINUE
       Not sure/refused             -       TERMINATE



  2.  For statistical purposes only, would you please tell me how old you
      are?  (IF "REFUSED," ASK:) Well, would you tell me which age group
      you belong to?

      18-24                          4      [138-139]
      25-29                          8
      30-34                         13
      35-39                          6
      40-44                          7
      45-49                         12
      50-54                         11
      55-59                         11
      60-64                          9
      65 -69                         6
      70-74                          5
      75 and over                    7
        Refused                      1



  3a.  And again, for statistical purposes only, are you from a Hispanic
       or Spanish-speaking background?

       Yes, Hispanic                  10       [140]
       No, not Hispanic               90
         Not sure/refused             -



  3b.  And again, for statistical purposes only, what is your race --
       white, black, Asian, or something else?

       White                          76       [141]
       Black                          11
       Asian                           1
       Other                           4
         Hispanic (VOL)                7
         Not sure/refused              1


  My next questions are about the American automobile industry. . .



  4.  How important do you feel the American automobile industry is
      to the American economy -- extremely important, very important,
      somewhat important, not important, or not at all important?

      Extremely important            38       [142]
      Very important                 41
      Somewhat important             17
      Not important                   2
      Not at all important            1
        Not sure                      1



  5.  If the American automobile industry no longer had the resources
      to produce vehicles, how much harm would it cause to (READ ITEM)
      -- a great deal of harm, quite a bit of harm, just some harm, or
      very little harm?

        THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY A
                        GREAT DEAL OF HARM

                                            Harm
                                    A    Quite Just  Very  Not
                                  Great  A Bit Some Little Sure
                                   Deal  ----- ---- ------ ----
                                   ----

  America's manufacturing job
   sector                             58    32    7     2    1  [146]
  The American economy                52    32   12     3    1  [143]
  America's standing in the world     37    33   19     7    4  [144]
  Consumer choice for America's
   car buyers                         37    31   21     8    3  [145]



  6.  Do you believe that the government should or should not provide
      loans to America's automakers so they have the money to
      manufacture vehicles?

      Government should provide loans         55      [147]
      Government should not provide loans     30
        Not sure                              15



  7.  President-elect Barack Obama has stated that one of his first
      economic priorities as president is to make sure that the
      American automobile industry continues to be able to operate, and
      he favors an economic assistance program to help them.  Do agree
      or disagree with him?

      Agree                         64      [148]
      Disagree                      25
        Not sure                    11



  8.  Do you believe that America's automakers will face bankruptcy
      without government loans?

      Yes                           60      [149]
      No                            22
        Not sure                    18



  9.  The federal government has recently provided financial aid to the
      insurance and banking industries to make sure that these industries
      do not fail. Do you feel that providing financial aid to ensure
      that the U.S. auto industry does not fail is more important, just
      as important, or less important?

      More important                 14       [150]
      Just as important              55
      Less important                 27
        Not sure                      4



  10.  If General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were to go out of business
       in the next few months, how likely do you think this would be to
       trigger an economic depression in the U.S. -- extremely likely,
       very likely, somewhat likely, not likely, or not at all likely?

       Extremely likely               33       [151]
       Very likely                    27
       Somewhat likely                29
       Not likely                      7
       Not at all likely               2
         Not sure                      2




  11.  I'm going to describe several reasons some people say it is
       important to ensure the survival of America's automakers. Please
       tell me how important you feel each reason is using a
       zero-to-ten scale, on which a "ten" means that you feel that
       reason is extremely important, and "zero" means you feel it is
       not at all important.

       (AFTER EACH ITEM READ:)  On a scale of zero to ten, how important
       is this as a reason to ensure the survival of America's automakers?

    THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY EXTREMELY
                      IMPORTANT (SCORE OF 9-10)
               Extremely                           Not At All
               Important                           Important  Cannot
               10    9     8    7   6   5   4   3   2   1   0  Rate
               --    -     -    -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  ----
  To protect
  American
  Jobs         51   10    15    9   3   5   1   2   1   1   1   1 [152-153]



  To keep
  this
  recession
  from
  becoming a
  depression   37   11    18    9   5   8   3   2   2   1   3   1 [154-155]



  America
  can't
  afford for
  China, Japan,
  South Korea,
  and Europe
  to lead the
  way in
  building
  cars that
  run on
  alternative
  fuels        39    7    15    7   6  13   2   2   3   1   3   2 [158-159]



  America will
  be a weaker
  nation if it
  can't
  manufacture
  cars and
  trucks        31  10    15   11   6  11   4   4   2   1   4   1 [160-161]



  Because
  America's
  manufacturing
  base is
  important
  for national
  security      29   8   15   12    8  11   3   5   1   1   5   2 [156-157]



12. Let me read you four facts about the auto industry's effect on the American economy.

  1. The U.S. auto industry affects numerous other American industries
     because it is the largest purchaser of steel, copper, plastics,
     electronics, and computer chips.
  2. The U.S. auto industry provides pensions to seven hundred and
     seventy-five thousand Americans and health benefits to two million
     Americans.
  3. The U.S. auto industry supports approximately five million U.S. jobs in
     all fifty states.
  4. The U.S. auto industry has fourteen thousand dealers in nearly every
     town in America employing seven hundred thirty thousand people.



  Knowing this, if General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were to go out of
  business in the next few months, how likely do you think this would be
  to trigger an economic depression in the U.S. -- extremely likely, very
  likely, somewhat likely, not likely, or not at all likely?

  Extremely likely               44       [162]
  Very likely                    32
  Somewhat likely                18
  Not likely                      4
  Not at all likely               1
    Not sure                      1



  13.  If you learned three to five years from now that America's
       automakers had successfully weathered the current economic
       challenges and emerged as leaders in the worldwide automobile
       industry, how important would that be to America -- extremely
       important, very important, somewhat important, not important,
       or not at all important?

       Extremely important            44       [163]
       Very important                 38
       Somewhat important             16
       Not important                   1
       Not at all important            -
         Not sure                      1



  14.  Which of the following types of vehicles, if any, do you or
       members of your household own or lease?

       A hybrid vehicle                              3            [164-165]
       A compact car                                25                 >
       A full-size passenger car                    22
       A mid-size passenger car                     31
       A station wagon                               4
       A minivan                                    16    CONTINUE
       A pick-up truck                              35
       A small SUV or crossover                      9
       A mid-size SUV or crossover                  16
       A large SUV                                  12
         Other (VOL)                                 5
         None/do not own or lease any vehicle (VOL)  3    Skip to
         Not sure                                    -    FACTUALS


  (ASK RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THEY HAVE A VEHICLE IN Q.14.)



  15.  What brands of vehicles do members of your household own or lease?

  Acura                             1      [166-168]
  Audi                              1          >
  BMW                               2
  Buick                             5
  Cadillac                          3
  Chevrolet                        26
  Chrysler                         10
  Dodge                            11
  Ford                             32
  GM                                9
  Honda                            14
  Hyundai                           2
  Infiniti                          2
  Jaguar                            1
  Jeep                              4
  Lexus                             2
  Mazda                             4
  Mercedes Benz                     2
  Mitsubishi                        2
  Pontiac                           4
  Porsche                           -
  Saab                              -
  Saturn                            2
  Scion                             -
  Subaru                            3
  Toyota                           21
  Volkswagen                        3
  Nissan                            7
  Volvo                             1
  Kia                               1
  Oldsmobile                        2
  Mercury                           1
  Lincoln                           1
  Other                             3
    Not sure                        2



FACTUALS: Now I am going to ask you a few questions for statistical purposes only.

  F1.  What is the last grade that you completed in school?

  Grade school                             1     [176-177]
  Some high school                         5
  High school graduate                    24
  Some college, no degree                 17
  Vocational training, 2-year college      9
  4-year college/bachelor's degree        26
  Some postgraduate work, no degree        2
  2-3 years' postgraduate
   work/master's degree                   11
  Doctoral/law degree                      3
    Not sure/refused                       2



  F2.  Are you currently employed?  (IF CURRENTLY EMPLOYED:)  What type
       of work do you do?

       (IF NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED:) Are you a student, a homemaker,
       retired, or unemployed and looking for work?

       Currently Employed
       ------------------
         Professional/ manager         25     [178]
         White-collar worker           20
         Blue-collar worker            16
         Farmer, rancher                -
       Not Currently Employed
       ----------------------
         Student                        2
         Homemaker                      7
         Retired                       23
         Unemployed, looking for work   5
         Other                          -
         Not sure                       2



  F3a.  Are you registered to vote, or have you not had a chance to
        register?

        Registered                     91       [215]
        Not registered                  7
          Not sure                      2



  F3b.  Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Democrat,
        a Republican, an independent, or something else? (IF "DEMOCRAT"
        OR "REPUBLICAN," ASK:) Would you call yourself a strong
        (Democrat/Republican) or not a very strong (Democrat/Republican)?
        (IF "INDEPENDENT," ASK:) Do you think of yourself as closer to the
        Republican Party, closer to the Democratic Party, or do you think
        of yourself as strictly independent?

        Strong Democrat                   28       [216]
        Not very strong Democrat           7
        Independent/lean Democrat          8
        Strictly independent              17
        Independent/lean Republican        6
        Not very strong Republican         8
        Strong Republican                 17
          Other (VOL)                      3
          Not sure                         6



  F4.  If you added together the yearly income of all the members of
       your family who were living at home last year, would the total be
       less than ten thousand dollars, between ten thousand dollars and
       twenty thousand dollars, between twenty thousand dollars and thirty
       thousand dollars, between thirty thousand dollars and forty thousand
       dollars, between forty thousand dollars and fifty thousand dollars,
       between fifty thousand dollars and seventy-five thousand dollars,
       between seventy-five thousand dollars and one hundred thousand
       dollars, between one hundred thousand dollars and one hundred and
       fifty thousand dollars, or would the total be more than that?

       Less than $10,000                     1     [217-218]
       Between $10,000 and $20,000           7
       Between $20,000 and $30,000           8
       Between $30,000 and $40,000           6
       Between $40,000 and $50,000           6
       Between $50,000 and $75,000          17
       Between $75,000 and $100,000         15
       Between $100,000 and $150,000        12
       More than $150,000                    8
         Not sure/refused                   20


  November 2008 Poll On Americans' Views of the Auto Industry

The accompanying poll results are from a survey conducted by the polling organization of Peter D. Hart Research Associates for General Motors on November 11 and 12, 2008. The survey was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 804 American adults.

The national sample for this poll was drawn in the following manner: 350 geographic points were randomly selected proportionate to the population of each region and, within each region, by size of place. Individuals were selected in accordance with a probability sample design that gives all landline telephone numbers (both listed and unlisted) an equal chance to be included. One adult, 18 years old or over, from each household was included, selected by a systematic procedure to provide a balance of respondents by sex.

The data's margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for 804 adults at the 95% confidence level. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.

Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates

[scharmer05]

Just got an email from a cousin of mine that works as a car salesman asking me to do this. I think this deserves to be on the front page. I think everyone here would be willing to take part in this.

[avant1963]

A local Chevy Dealer (Royal in Bridgewater, NJ) just sent this link out to customers on their email list:

To our Current and Prospective NJ/NY Customers!!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! IT'S TIME TO MOBILIZE!

You Can Make A Difference!

General Motors has created an automated way for you to send a letter to your respective Senate and House leaders in NY and NJ to tell them you support the American Auto Industry.

So...What are you waiting for??? Send your letter to Congress, now! Just review your letter, fill out the privacy-protected registration form on the website below, and then click the “Mobilize!” button to send this letter to your member of Congress.

This will literally take 5 minutes to complete.

The folks here are Royal Chevrolet are completing this letter. It's EASY and fast. Taking this action right now is the single most important thing you can do to help the American Auto Industry! GM will take care of the postage and cost... the only cost to you is 5 minutes of your time... that's all!

Royal Chevrolet would like to Thank You in advance for your participation!

ACTION REQUIRED

1. Log onto www.gmfactsandfiction.com

2. Click on "I'm a Concerned American" (upper right corner)

3. Fill in the required fields

4. Select "economy" or "other" from the choices

[gmcbob]

I did it, but here's what I think I want in return, if GM is successful in getting their money:

An unlimited lifetime warranty for the new Vue I just bought. A free loaner Camaro SS when the Vue goes into the dealer for anything - from oil changes to warranty work.

[Camino LS6]

Thanks for posting that poll, Griffon!

This is a critical issue everyone, please push this wherever you can.

[Croc]

If you really want to help GM, then get off the computer and buy as many NEW GM cars as you possibly can at your local dealerships.

[Camino LS6]

I've done my share:

2001 2500 HD

2002 Formula Firehawk

2004 GTO

2005 2500 HD Duramax

and planning:

2010 or 2011 G8 ST

[Camino LS6]

*Bump*

Because it matters.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Americans Strongly Support Aiding U.S. Automakers, Survey Finds

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By nearly two-to-one, Americans across all segments of the population believe the U.S. government should provide loans to American automakers, according to a poll released today by Peter D. Hart Research Associates.

"Americans' broad support for providing government assistance to the auto industry is built mainly on a genuine fear that a failed GM, Ford, and Chrysler could lead to a depression," said Peter Hart, chairman of the national polling firm. "But their support also is grounded in the hope that a revitalized auto industry could mean good things for the manufacturing sector and the country as a whole."

The Hart poll, conducted Nov. 11-12, found that 55% of Americans believe that the government should provide loans to American automakers, while 30% oppose. Members of all political stripes (Democrats, Republicans and independents) support this action. By an even wider margin (64% to 25%), Americans agree with President-elect Barack Obama's stand of ensuring that the American automobile industry is able to continue to operate.

Hart said that behind the support for the automakers is a fear that the failure of GM, Ford, and Chrysler in the next few years could trigger an economic depression (with 60% believing a depression would result). Nearly 80% (79%) of Americans believe that the auto industry is very or extremely important to the U.S. economy.

The Hart poll found that Americans have deep concerns about the harmful impacts of the collapse of the U.S. auto industry:

-- 90% fear the harm it would do to America's manufacturing sector.

-- 84% of Americans say it would harm the U.S. economy.

-- 70% fear the harm it would do to America's standing in the world.

-- 68% worry about the lack of consumer choice for America's car buyers.

"The public sees in stark terms the harm it would do to the country if the domestic auto industry no longer had the resources to produce vehicles," Hart said. "It is recognition that it is the country's central manufacturing base."

The polling organization of Peter D. Hart Research Associates was commissioned by General Motors to conduct an independent survey. GM had no input or review of the design, methodology, content or interpretation of the survey.

The poll was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 804 American adults on Nov. 11 and 12, 2008. The data's margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for 804 adults at the 95% confidence level. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.

  1724 Connecticut Avenue, NW               Interviews: 804 adults
  Washington, DC 20009                      Dates: November 11-12, 2008
  (202) 234-5570


  FINAL                                     48  Male
                                            52  Female
  Study #8877                             [109]
  Auto Industry Survey
  November 2008


  Please note: all results are shown as percentages unless otherwise stated.



  1. Do you or does anyone in your household work in market or opinion
     research, advertising or public relations, media, including radio,
     television, print, or on-line publications, or the auto industry,
     including auto sales, manufacturing, or finance?

     Yes                            -       TERMINATE      [137]
     No                            100       CONTINUE
       Not sure/refused             -       TERMINATE



  2.  For statistical purposes only, would you please tell me how old you
      are?  (IF "REFUSED," ASK:) Well, would you tell me which age group
      you belong to?

      18-24                          4      [138-139]
      25-29                          8
      30-34                         13
      35-39                          6
      40-44                          7
      45-49                         12
      50-54                         11
      55-59                         11
      60-64                          9
      65 -69                         6
      70-74                          5
      75 and over                    7
        Refused                      1



  3a.  And again, for statistical purposes only, are you from a Hispanic
       or Spanish-speaking background?

       Yes, Hispanic                  10       [140]
       No, not Hispanic               90
         Not sure/refused             -



  3b.  And again, for statistical purposes only, what is your race --
       white, black, Asian, or something else?

       White                          76       [141]
       Black                          11
       Asian                           1
       Other                           4
         Hispanic (VOL)                7
         Not sure/refused              1


  My next questions are about the American automobile industry. . .



  4.  How important do you feel the American automobile industry is
      to the American economy -- extremely important, very important,
      somewhat important, not important, or not at all important?

      Extremely important            38       [142]
      Very important                 41
      Somewhat important             17
      Not important                   2
      Not at all important            1
        Not sure                      1



  5.  If the American automobile industry no longer had the resources
      to produce vehicles, how much harm would it cause to (READ ITEM)
      -- a great deal of harm, quite a bit of harm, just some harm, or
      very little harm?

        THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY A
                        GREAT DEAL OF HARM

                                            Harm
                                    A    Quite Just  Very  Not
                                  Great  A Bit Some Little Sure
                                   Deal  ----- ---- ------ ----
                                   ----

  America's manufacturing job
   sector                             58    32    7     2    1  [146]
  The American economy                52    32   12     3    1  [143]
  America's standing in the world     37    33   19     7    4  [144]
  Consumer choice for America's
   car buyers                         37    31   21     8    3  [145]



  6.  Do you believe that the government should or should not provide
      loans to America's automakers so they have the money to
      manufacture vehicles?

      Government should provide loans         55      [147]
      Government should not provide loans     30
        Not sure                              15



  7.  President-elect Barack Obama has stated that one of his first
      economic priorities as president is to make sure that the
      American automobile industry continues to be able to operate, and
      he favors an economic assistance program to help them.  Do agree
      or disagree with him?

      Agree                         64      [148]
      Disagree                      25
        Not sure                    11



  8.  Do you believe that America's automakers will face bankruptcy
      without government loans?

      Yes                           60      [149]
      No                            22
        Not sure                    18



  9.  The federal government has recently provided financial aid to the
      insurance and banking industries to make sure that these industries
      do not fail. Do you feel that providing financial aid to ensure
      that the U.S. auto industry does not fail is more important, just
      as important, or less important?

      More important                 14       [150]
      Just as important              55
      Less important                 27
        Not sure                      4



  10.  If General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were to go out of business
       in the next few months, how likely do you think this would be to
       trigger an economic depression in the U.S. -- extremely likely,
       very likely, somewhat likely, not likely, or not at all likely?

       Extremely likely               33       [151]
       Very likely                    27
       Somewhat likely                29
       Not likely                      7
       Not at all likely               2
         Not sure                      2




  11.  I'm going to describe several reasons some people say it is
       important to ensure the survival of America's automakers. Please
       tell me how important you feel each reason is using a
       zero-to-ten scale, on which a "ten" means that you feel that
       reason is extremely important, and "zero" means you feel it is
       not at all important.

       (AFTER EACH ITEM READ:)  On a scale of zero to ten, how important
       is this as a reason to ensure the survival of America's automakers?

    THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY EXTREMELY
                      IMPORTANT (SCORE OF 9-10)
               Extremely                           Not At All
               Important                           Important  Cannot
               10    9     8    7   6   5   4   3   2   1   0  Rate
               --    -     -    -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  ----
  To protect
  American
  Jobs         51   10    15    9   3   5   1   2   1   1   1   1 [152-153]



  To keep
  this
  recession
  from
  becoming a
  depression   37   11    18    9   5   8   3   2   2   1   3   1 [154-155]



  America
  can't
  afford for
  China, Japan,
  South Korea,
  and Europe
  to lead the
  way in
  building
  cars that
  run on
  alternative
  fuels        39    7    15    7   6  13   2   2   3   1   3   2 [158-159]



  America will
  be a weaker
  nation if it
  can't
  manufacture
  cars and
  trucks        31  10    15   11   6  11   4   4   2   1   4   1 [160-161]



  Because
  America's
  manufacturing
  base is
  important
  for national
  security      29   8   15   12    8  11   3   5   1   1   5   2 [156-157]



12. Let me read you four facts about the auto industry's effect on the American economy.

  1. The U.S. auto industry affects numerous other American industries
     because it is the largest purchaser of steel, copper, plastics,
     electronics, and computer chips.
  2. The U.S. auto industry provides pensions to seven hundred and
     seventy-five thousand Americans and health benefits to two million
     Americans.
  3. The U.S. auto industry supports approximately five million U.S. jobs in
     all fifty states.
  4. The U.S. auto industry has fourteen thousand dealers in nearly every
     town in America employing seven hundred thirty thousand people.



  Knowing this, if General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were to go out of
  business in the next few months, how likely do you think this would be
  to trigger an economic depression in the U.S. -- extremely likely, very
  likely, somewhat likely, not likely, or not at all likely?

  Extremely likely               44       [162]
  Very likely                    32
  Somewhat likely                18
  Not likely                      4
  Not at all likely               1
    Not sure                      1



  13.  If you learned three to five years from now that America's
       automakers had successfully weathered the current economic
       challenges and emerged as leaders in the worldwide automobile
       industry, how important would that be to America -- extremely
       important, very important, somewhat important, not important,
       or not at all important?

       Extremely important            44       [163]
       Very important                 38
       Somewhat important             16
       Not important                   1
       Not at all important            -
         Not sure                      1



  14.  Which of the following types of vehicles, if any, do you or
       members of your household own or lease?

       A hybrid vehicle                              3            [164-165]
       A compact car                                25                 >
       A full-size passenger car                    22
       A mid-size passenger car                     31
       A station wagon                               4
       A minivan                                    16    CONTINUE
       A pick-up truck                              35
       A small SUV or crossover                      9
       A mid-size SUV or crossover                  16
       A large SUV                                  12
         Other (VOL)                                 5
         None/do not own or lease any vehicle (VOL)  3    Skip to
         Not sure                                    -    FACTUALS


  (ASK RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THEY HAVE A VEHICLE IN Q.14.)



  15.  What brands of vehicles do members of your household own or lease?

  Acura                             1      [166-168]
  Audi                              1          >
  BMW                               2
  Buick                             5
  Cadillac                          3
  Chevrolet                        26
  Chrysler                         10
  Dodge                            11
  Ford                             32
  GM                                9
  Honda                            14
  Hyundai                           2
  Infiniti                          2
  Jaguar                            1
  Jeep                              4
  Lexus                             2
  Mazda                             4
  Mercedes Benz                     2
  Mitsubishi                        2
  Pontiac                           4
  Porsche                           -
  Saab                              -
  Saturn                            2
  Scion                             -
  Subaru                            3
  Toyota                           21
  Volkswagen                        3
  Nissan                            7
  Volvo                             1
  Kia                               1
  Oldsmobile                        2
  Mercury                           1
  Lincoln                           1
  Other                             3
    Not sure                        2



FACTUALS: Now I am going to ask you a few questions for statistical purposes only.

  F1.  What is the last grade that you completed in school?

  Grade school                             1     [176-177]
  Some high school                         5
  High school graduate                    24
  Some college, no degree                 17
  Vocational training, 2-year college      9
  4-year college/bachelor's degree        26
  Some postgraduate work, no degree        2
  2-3 years' postgraduate
   work/master's degree                   11
  Doctoral/law degree                      3
    Not sure/refused                       2



  F2.  Are you currently employed?  (IF CURRENTLY EMPLOYED:)  What type
       of work do you do?

       (IF NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED:) Are you a student, a homemaker,
       retired, or unemployed and looking for work?

       Currently Employed
       ------------------
         Professional/ manager         25     [178]
         White-collar worker           20
         Blue-collar worker            16
         Farmer, rancher                -
       Not Currently Employed
       ----------------------
         Student                        2
         Homemaker                      7
         Retired                       23
         Unemployed, looking for work   5
         Other                          -
         Not sure                       2



  F3a.  Are you registered to vote, or have you not had a chance to
        register?

        Registered                     91       [215]
        Not registered                  7
          Not sure                      2



  F3b.  Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Democrat,
        a Republican, an independent, or something else? (IF "DEMOCRAT"
        OR "REPUBLICAN," ASK:) Would you call yourself a strong
        (Democrat/Republican) or not a very strong (Democrat/Republican)?
        (IF "INDEPENDENT," ASK:) Do you think of yourself as closer to the
        Republican Party, closer to the Democratic Party, or do you think
        of yourself as strictly independent?

        Strong Democrat                   28       [216]
        Not very strong Democrat           7
        Independent/lean Democrat          8
        Strictly independent              17
        Independent/lean Republican        6
        Not very strong Republican         8
        Strong Republican                 17
          Other (VOL)                      3
          Not sure                         6



  F4.  If you added together the yearly income of all the members of
       your family who were living at home last year, would the total be
       less than ten thousand dollars, between ten thousand dollars and
       twenty thousand dollars, between twenty thousand dollars and thirty
       thousand dollars, between thirty thousand dollars and forty thousand
       dollars, between forty thousand dollars and fifty thousand dollars,
       between fifty thousand dollars and seventy-five thousand dollars,
       between seventy-five thousand dollars and one hundred thousand
       dollars, between one hundred thousand dollars and one hundred and
       fifty thousand dollars, or would the total be more than that?

       Less than $10,000                     1     [217-218]
       Between $10,000 and $20,000           7
       Between $20,000 and $30,000           8
       Between $30,000 and $40,000           6
       Between $40,000 and $50,000           6
       Between $50,000 and $75,000          17
       Between $75,000 and $100,000         15
       Between $100,000 and $150,000        12
       More than $150,000                    8
         Not sure/refused                   20


  November 2008 Poll On Americans' Views of the Auto Industry

The accompanying poll results are from a survey conducted by the polling organization of Peter D. Hart Research Associates for General Motors on November 11 and 12, 2008. The survey was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 804 American adults.

The national sample for this poll was drawn in the following manner: 350 geographic points were randomly selected proportionate to the population of each region and, within each region, by size of place. Individuals were selected in accordance with a probability sample design that gives all landline telephone numbers (both listed and unlisted) an equal chance to be included. One adult, 18 years old or over, from each household was included, selected by a systematic procedure to provide a balance of respondents by sex.

The data's margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for 804 adults at the 95% confidence level. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.

Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates

Too bad that the jaded media has given this ZERO coverage.

[ocnblu]

All bought new:

'81 Grand Prix

'83 S-10

'86 Camaro

'89 Silverado

'91 S-10 (2!)

'94 S-10

'98 S-10

'02 Silverado

'03 ION Quad Coupe

'04 Colorado

'07 Sierra

'09 Cobalt

And I am more than willing to buy many more. In fact, I am counting on the ability to do so!

[Camino LS6]

All bought new:

'81 Grand Prix

'83 S-10

'86 Camaro

'89 Silverado

'91 S-10 (2!)

'94 S-10

'98 S-10

'02 Silverado

'03 ION Quad Coupe

'04 Colorado

'07 Sierra

'09 Cobalt

And I am more than willing to buy many more. In fact, I am counting on the ability to do so!

Impressive!

I left my earlier ones out when I posted.

1987 El Camino SS

1990 K3500 Silverado

[prinzSD]

DONE!

[Camino LS6]

Thanks to all who have participated.

For those who have not, do it!

The ass you save may be your own.

[Justin Bimmer]

I did it. I posted the link in my thread in the lounge too.

[Camino LS6]

Spread the word!

[2005 EquinoxLS]

There I did my part. Though there should be some conditions the automakers must meet. Now is not the time for the union to be pushing their rules and regulations. Step aside UAW and let the 3 automakers and the governmant do what they need to to fix this. If you arent part of the solution you are part of the problem.

[cletus8269]

a response from one of my congressmen about the bail out.

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposals being discussed that would provide federal funds to American automakers. I appreciate the chance to let you know my thoughts on this important issue. I understand from your correspondence that you support plans that would provide federal funds in the form of loans to American automakers in order to ensure their solvency. While I certainly appreciate the importance of the American auto manufacturing industry to the American economy as a whole, I believe government intervention in the activities of the private sector should be extremely limited. I also believe that the American people, who understand the value of hard work and personal responsibility, deserve to have their tax dollars spent responsibly. As you know, Congress recently passed H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) to stabilize the economy and unfreeze the flow of credit, and there are currently proposals that would provide funds from EESA to American automakers. H.R. 1424 was not passed to rescue banks or one specific industry. The EESA was necessary to protect all Americans. The U.S. economy had come to a grinding halt. Credit was frozen and jobs from all different sectors of the economy were threatened. There is no doubt that I would have preferred that there was no need for government action to stabilize the economy. Unfortunately, American markets required action to unfreeze the flow of credit and stabilize the entire economy. The EESA was meant to prevent turmoil in the financial markets from leading to even more severe and long standing damage to the American economy. Let’s be clear, the purpose of H.R. 1424 was not to rescue financial institutions. It was to protect all Americans because all Americans are affected by the central role that confidence in the banking sector has in the American economy. If we had allowed the entire financial system to crumble, the environment created would have made it impossible for businesses to succeed. Nevertheless, it is vital that the implementation of the EESA does not stray from the intent of Congress - to restore access to credit to American consumers and businesses. We cannot allow this taxpayer money to become a slush fund for banks and other institutions to provide massive bonuses or hold lavish outings or prop up failing companies. The role of government should be limited to creating an environment where businesses can succeed. It is not to ensure that businesses succeed or to prevent certain businesses or industries from failing. I fear, however, that US automakers are weighed down with uncompetitive labor structures and impractical demands from politically-connected labor unions. Nonetheless, the economic role of the automakers is enormous, and many hardworking Americans and retirees who devoted their entire careers to these companies rely on the success of American automakers for their jobs and pensions. Please be assured that I will work with my colleagues to find ways to help American automakers prosper while protecting American taxpayers. There is no doubt that our economy faces unprecedented challenges. Large corporations and small business alike have been severely affected by the economic disturbance that began in the housing market, spread to the banking sector, and has now hurt the entire economy. I have heard from many hardworking people of the Third District of South Carolina who are facing exceptional strains on their personal finances, and many of us have seen the value of our retirement accounts fall at an alarming rate. But the way forward to a strong economy is clear, and I am hopeful that Congress will make the correct decisions in implementing pro-growth policies. First of all, we must get back to our roots of our economic strength: producing. Whether its agriculture or manufacturing, we must begin creating value again. We cannot -- and will not -- continue to finance economic growth through more and more credit card debt and increasingly unaffordable mortgages, paid for by the complex financial derivatives that got us into this crisis. While the free market will lead the way in providing economic growth, the government must create an environment that allows the economy to grow. We simply cannot afford to continue to lose jobs overseas. We must ensure our trading partners play fairly and stick to the rules of trade agreements. We cannot allow trading partners like China to continue their unfair trade practices and currency manipulation. In addition, China’s continued use of discriminatory tax regimes and complicated licensing and quota regimes against importers to China represent unfulfilled commitments China made upon its accession to the WTO. Congress and the Administration must work together to lower the trade barriers of our trading partners so that we can expand our exports. I am confident that, given a level playing field, American industry can succeed in the global marketplace. To help our economy grow and expand our manufacturing base, we must reduce government red-tape and our corporate tax rates, which are among the highest in the world. Our policies must reward innovation, investment, and growth through low taxes, strong protections of property rights, and freedom from burdensome regulations. For example, I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4995, the Middle Class Jobs Protection Act of 2008, as introduced by Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia. Among other provisions, this legislation would reduce the maximum corporate income tax rate to 25 percent. While the road ahead is not easy, the path forward is clear. We must get back to basics, lower our taxes, cut red-tape, and move towards energy independence through alternative energy research, expansion of our nuclear power capability, and domestic energy exploration. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind should Congress consider providing taxpayer funds to American automakers. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me whenever you have concerns about any issue under consideration in Congress.

Best Wishes,

Representative J. Gresham Barrett

i know its a mass mail out deal but it shows where he stands at least

[Camino LS6]

Better than the generic economic issues mailing I got back that never even mentioned the auto industry at all.