Money can’t buy them love (or “how cash alone won’t cure Detroit”)
Nov 20, 2008 Uncategorized
Yes, the big three auto makers are in a bad way. But money alone can’t solve their problems.
First, let’s be very clear, this is a product of our own making. If this was just a matter of tight credit and unmotivated buyers then all the auto makers would be hurting. Not the case.
There are several problems. First is that Detroit stopped leading the automotive world to pursue the easy dollar making large, inefficient vehicles. They lagged behind the other auto makers in their R&D of alternative fuels and technology. Instead of striving for efficiency, they happily sold America cars that stroked our cowboy, tough-guy, off-road, macho, bullshit ego
But they also are dealing with an auto workers union that is killing them. Retirement, benefits, and high wages make doing business hard. So they renegotiated, but the new deal doesn’t take effect until 2010.
So they want low interest loans so they don’t go bankrupt. Their case is if they file for chapter 11, then no one will want to buy their cars, which will propel them toward chapter 7 – shut down.
My gut reaction is to tell them to piss off. Beyond them reaping what they’ve sown, giving them money to continue to do the same thing that they have always done is not going to help.
How about this, we give $1000 tax rebates to people who buy efficient American cars. That way the big three have to compete for that money, and it spurs competition for greener vehicles. The US government could write 25 MILLION $1000 checks to help average people buy cars.
Even a straight loan would be alright IF the money comes with strings. Strong strings that will force them to drive their companies into the 21st century.
The big 3 going out of business is not an option that I enjoy. It would be a shock to our already hurting economy. 1.6 million workers would likley loose their jobs (our entire workforce is 140 million).
Of course Detroit will wine and bitch about not being able to retool to make more efficient cars. But who’s fault is that? Who had the poor vision to keep making cars like it was 1950? As Toyota and Honda were learning how to make electric motors, and fuel efficient cars, Ford released the Explorer, then the Expedition, then the ginormus Excursion. Chevy retooled their work truck, the Suburban, to become a 14MPG luxury SUV.
The way I see it, it time for Detroit to change or die.
Gore for Secretary of Energy
Nov 19, 2008 Uncategorized
Nobel Peace Prize winning Al Gore should become the next Secretary of Energy for Obama. Who would be better to lead the US to energy independence and to a carbon free future? What clearer message to our fellow citizens and the world could Obama make to show that we are serious about global warming?
Imagine if we went back to leading the world instead of fighting against it, and setting an example for the rest to follow.
Apparently Obama has already considered. Please Obama, nominate him. Please Al, take the post.
The Biggest Decision: order or tradition
Nov 18, 2008 Uncategorized
My son will see the Star Wars movies in a couple of years and I am faced with the biggest question of my life. Do I have him watch them in their release order that I saw them in (episodes 4-6, then 1-3) OR do I show him them in their chronological order?
I am torn. Seeing the story of young Luke, Han and Leia was a nice introduction to Star Wars. Seeing them in their release order gives me a sense of continuity.
But the story is ultimately about the redemtion of the father by the son. Seeing the fall of Anakin gives greater meaning to episode 4. When you see grown Luke and Lea, and the anger filled Vader, you understand their history. You also empathize with Vader. He is driven by pain and anger. If you don’t know what he has been thru, then he is just the bad guy in the black helmet.
Any help is appreciated.
We like gays, just not married gays.
Nov 16, 2008 Religion, Society
(I still believe in equality – by “we” I mean the population of the US)
A report from this summer at gallup.com reveals that Americans, on the whole, think that homosexuality is acceptable, and that we should not discriminate against them in the workplace, but apparently marriage is right out.
Man, I love polls.
Classical Confession
Nov 16, 2008 Observations
I have to confess, my limited knowledge of classical music and opera is informed mostly by Bugs Bunny cartoons. Seriously, I learned all I know about the Barber of Seville or Ride of the Valkyries on Sunday morning.
But I this ignorance has gone TOO FAR! This morning, when having a lovley brunch, the classical guitarist played Beethoven’s Fur Elise, and all I could think of is Jack Black’s Classico.
Cause when you rule, you fucking school,
All of the fools, out of their jewels
Cause if you think it’s time to,
If you think it’s time to,
If you think it’s time to fucking rooooock!
That is just a sad state of affairs.
The memory span of the black community?
Nov 15, 2008 Religion, Society
43 years ago the civil rights act legally banned racial prejudice in the United States. 43 years later the black community has gone from fighting bigotry, and prejudice to taking the role of the bigot.
An Asociated Press poll indicated that seven in ten black voters in California voted to deny gays equal rights under the law thru the passage of Prop 8.
I am shocked that the black community could be so ruthlessly hypocritical. The shame those 7 in 10 should feel.
So 43 years, eh? I guess that’s how long it takes for one community to forget about it’s epic struggle to achieve civil right. To forget what it means to be held down. To be denied. To forget how much prejudice hurts people.
Might I remind us that 40 years ago it would have been against the law for Barak Obama’s parents to marry. And now the people who are celebrating the election of the first black man to office, on the same day helped deny another group of people the very same freedoms that they stuggled for 40 years ago.
The irony is overwhelming.
I’d say it myself, but Keith says it so much better…
We suffer from chronic 9/11itis.
Nov 12, 2008 Politics, Society
Shortly after 9/11, many of my friends developed what I called acute 9/11itis. People that were once rational, thoughtful individuals were transformed overnight into raving hawks, hellbent on blowing something… ANYTHING, up!
For most people, the crippling effects wore off quickly. Rationality set in and people realized that running off like Rambo without a jock strap might not be the best way to respond. Now, I won’t suggest that the US should not go after enemies that are committing crimes against it. I am merely suggesting that there are many ways to win the “war on terror”.
But some people never recovered, and their acute case became chronic. Symptoms seem to include wild swings toward the political right, a sudden need to join the NRA, a blinding support for any military action proposed by President Bush, and a sudden urge to be born again.
But the most unsettling symptom seems to be a deep seated fear. A fear that cripples their rationality, and fills them with righteous anger. This fear is a lever that seems to enable the US leadership to limit our civil rights, wiretap our phone calls, and set up offshore detention centers.
I know there are books full of psychological diseases. Is there an official name for this one?
How bad is it?
Nov 11, 2008 Society
As the years go by, I realize more and more that I give my fellow man waaaay too much credit. Apparently I live in a protective bubble away from all the self-obsessed and un-compassionate people.
The most recent wake up call came as I watched the movie “Lord of War.” Now I know that this movie is an exaggeration, but it is based on a real story. I marveled as the main character showed a total lack of ability to extend his actions beyond himself. He completely failed to see how his own actions contributed to a more violent and brutal world.
Now you may say “come on John” not everyone is selling AK-47s to African counties to fuel civil wars.” I’d have to agree with you. But we live in a nation where people can’t connect their actions to the state of the nation and the world.
People fail to connect their gigantic, gas-guzzling SUVs with climate change and dependence on foreign oil. They fail to see how their over consumption and their buying patterns are affecting our economy, our environment and our future.
Tell me I’m wrong. Please.
Three great ecards you can send your friends now that Obama has won
Nov 11, 2008 Politics, Society
All from http://someecards.com/
Who Did You Think You Were Voting For?
Nov 10, 2008 Politics
George W Bush can now officially be called the “Best Worst President Ever” has broken the US Presidential approval rating record for the the lowest approval rating ever. 19%! (He also holds the highest disapproval rating) The amazing thing is that he even beat out Richard Nixon after he was shown to be a criminal.
In the case of Nixon, I can image that the Republican party felt betrayed and let down. Their commander in chief revealed as a petty criminal. I can see why his approval rating fell to 24%.
But who exactly did the people who voted for Bush think they were voting for? What did he do that was unexpected? As far as I can see, he did exactly what he has been doing since he was elected.
Perplexed.