longtooth

Reg', I'll admit it fits in with my notion that there's a move afoot to "One World-ism". Aided and abetted by those charged with seeing after the integrity of our sovereign State. Witness the seemingly unregulated nature and tenor of Wall Street. It a Casino for the wealthy, who siphon value more adeptly than any band of 'Goodfellas' could ever have dreamt. That a few regular 'mugs' (us) are tangentially caught up in the intrigue is coincidence. Likewise the Petroleum bubble/scam/speculation-driven lottery. I personally see no reason for such a volatile valuation of that commodity save for the saber-rattling comments by obtuse administration members. My views seem to be the minority opinion. Hmmm. I wonder what 'Joe Average' would say were some pointed questions asked of him?

Ideas, abstract concepts. People who have never had to labor, having no idea what manufacturing entails sitting in judgement of lowly labor. America the idea Nation. Apparently the idea of a collapsing Stock Market, runaway inflation in connection with any commodity you'd care to name, bank failures, housing foreclosures are all a part of some inter-connected master plan which will put us on the road to prosperity. Even though it would appear we're headed for perdition. Ask the IndyMac bank customers. The "Full Faith and Credit of the United States Government". Very catchy.

Even as I am restoring my very own 'street-sweeper' vintage '93 Z28...oh the pain, oh the exclusivity. Oh, drat!!!!!

All of this as many seek to make GM bankruptcy "rumors" a self-fulfilling prophecy. Analysts. Never a hint of dirt under their nails nor a bashed knuckle to their credit. Lord, spare me.

Cobalt/G5 not withstanding? Some appreciate the nuanced appearance of G5 v. Cobalt. I find the shape and overall function of both to be pleasing. I did see a Cobalt sedan fitted with contrasting-color ground effects and that treatment too was eye-catching. Just as Corolla has it's ground effects package with air dams and strakes and such.

Ad blitz along the lines of Malibu. The day Malibu 'landed', it was everywhere. Every section of USA Today in multiples within each section if I recall correctly. I think I still have that issue. From 10-17-07 or thereabouts.

Cruze? Indeed. If they'd gone that way 5 years ago. I'd let it go if the next generation is a clear departure from Cobalt. I remember those commercials for Cobalt circa 2004. Just 4 short years ago. Even though I am not a 20 or 30-something, the images of a fun and playful Cobalt caught my attention. You also mentioned Celebrity. The hardware plant where I worked in the 70's, 80's and 90's was dedicated to manufacturing items such as seat adjusters, door handles, functional and decorative moldings, stamped and roll-formed structural members and a slew of other parts for vehicles across GM's lineup at the time. Celebrity was our 'superstar' during it's lifespan. The manpower (person-power, as there were women working there also) devoted to this effort was considerable at the time. On the date of my hire, there were approximately 4000 souls working on 3 shifts in this city under one roof. I can still recall the sights, sounds and the smell of the place. I was very impressed for a skinny/scared 19 year old just having jumped-ship from college seeking a job for which to sustain a family. That first day was the beginning of a wild ride of sorts. Looking back on it all I see now, as then, that these jobs, these people performing the work were the embodiment of vitality. What was generated there was broadcast very far and wide. Something that 20 Wal*Marts, a like number of Best Buys, Circuit Citys and the like can not match today. The wealth generated benefited more than just 4000 income earning autoworkers. The whole was definitely greater than the sum of all of us. Now, the site where so many worked and throve, the site where commerce once flourished is an enormous concrete pad bleached white by the sun. A dead elephant in an elephant's graveyard of former manufacturing locations littering America. Perhaps one day it'll become an office park or a mall or some-such enterprise. But this hallowed ground will not again see the glory which was Fisher Body Trenton (NJ) ever again. I realize that there is a faction that does not fully appreciate nor understand the working members represented by the UAW. They rail at ghosts. That UAW no longer exists. That America no longer exists. As I see it, the freshman class working in auto plants today will be scared 20-somethings with no idea of what was there once. No lifetime of security secured in exchange for applying one's self. Yes, there was and is a JOBs Bank. Personally I was fortunate to have caught the wave at the right time, always surfing well-ahead of 'The Bank'. As one who labored 'at risk' for layoff depending upon the whims of the market during my time I did puzzle (and chafe too) over this. I witnessed that which I thought abusive. The existence of the JOBs Bank became everyone's favorite pinata seemingly. Well, the chess game in progress currently will eventually obviate the need and purpose for 'The Bank'. It's a different GM and a different America now as we fret the influences well beyond our control i.e. China, India and the rest. Influences which were only glimpsed over the horizon a generation and one half ago and spoken of only in whispers. That volume has risen to a deafening roar as America, convinced that her salvation lies in technology, the selling of information, abstract concepts and financial products eschew getting it's hands dirty or bending it's back unless it involves strengthening it's 'Abs'. An America that made that which it consumed worked well for many generations. Off-shoring our heavy lifting leaves many, union and non-union alike, scrambling for honest work. The game of musical chairs as it applies to gainful employment has so many nervously looking for a seat for when the discordant music stops. NAFTA has eviscerated us. I don't care who authorized it, it's time to re-evaluate what we can do for ourselves. Yes the Chinese and Indians are bidding for more oil and energy. Their need is derived from the requirements of doing for us what we no longer do. A vicious circle. I'm stepping off of my soapbox now.

Everyone I've met that's even tangentially involved with Volt is very enthusiastic regarding it.

Are they, is GM, up to the task?

From the same folks who'd re-write history in saying Pearl Harbor was a training mission gone awry. Sure. banzai.

I appreciate your take on the matter. Additionally, during the 90's the Clintons were hounded here. There's their questionable backing of NAFTA to consider. I am digressing into the realm of politics and though all elements of our society(s) intertwine in business the supporters from both sides are strident in their positions. I just hope that a sane energy policy emerges from this turmoil ongoing presently.

And locally (here in the US) Hillary Clinton was vilified for alleging a vast Right-Wing conspiracy against her and President Clinton. Somewhat apples n' oranges, however someone having the attention and the ear of the media has a mega-boner for GM. Maybe a network of scorned vendors, dealers or whatnot. But it is almost tangible.

Thanks. I hope he lives and works for as long as he desires. Imagine GM if Bob Lutz'd never been there. I admired Mr. Lutz when he went to bat for the GTO about 4 years ago. Different world now. I'm looking forward to the new Cobalt having seen the spy-shots. And the 1.4 critter should do well...thanks again 'Biz. Best to you.

'Biz, is that your best-guess or is this fact? thanks.

As RW stated nearly 3 years ago: "No one buys cars from a bankrupt car company" (close paraphrase). Mr. Wagoner has more tricks up his sleeve I'm sure. I just hope he's artful about it.

Just snagged this from the GM Yahoo Financial site. I'd like to read everyone's take at your convenience. Go GM... http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews...lBrandChannel=0 Adding this link: http://biz.yahoo.com/minyanville/080708/20...gs_id.html?.v=1 The article is entitled "Bureaucratic Gasbags Little Help To Global Warming". It is in regard to California's new scheme to 'rate' vehicles. California: the State Bird is Soot. State Flower is scorched earth. Yes, California, State perpetually aflame.

"thats my rick wagonner"- Yes, that guy does do that. It's Rick Wagoner [single 'N'] that everyone rightfully takes to task.

When I die I hope St. Peter sends someone other than an analyst to pass judgement on me, otherwise I'm literally toast.

Haven't read that article as yet, but I've one question: Where is Mr. Wagoner and what are his thoughts given the renewed urgency?

I believe you. I'd suspect spawning salmon have it easier in accomplishing that upstream run. So, have you suspended that idea for good?

GM chief Elliot 'Pete' Estes would have thought this number 'swell' in 1978 of course knowing that GM would've taken home 5.8 or 6 million sales for it's troubles.

I am sorry for any time where I've offered an over-inflated opinion here or there. But when Millions are listening and reacting to what these so-called experts are saying, it is unconscionable and reflects an inherent evil in our system. One of many. (imo)

With regard to the unseemly nature of our finances. Our corrupt system. (imo)

Allow air to hit the wound. This must be spoken of more often.

By the rocket's or the bandage's red glare. The IEDs exploding at ground level. A celebration and reaffirmation of life. Got Oil? Violence and death are what we export best.