[tweakmonkey]

I saw that the $700 billion bailout will once again rescue the horribly inefficient and terrible American auto industry (I thought it was all about AIG and the banks before).

Obama Asks Bush to Back Rescue of Automakers - washingtonpost.com

The US auto industry is dead. These companies lose money constantly. They are over-extended, make bad cars that fall apart, pollute and waste gas. The laborers are overpaid. The competition from overseas has dominated the American brands for over 10 years. You'd probably have to cut about 75% of the makes/models/employees to make the companies stand a chance against what's coming from Japan, Korea, and Europe, then fire the whole board of directors, CEO, etc. and hire someone who's got a clue what the world needs right now.

All I'm wondering is, will the "big 3" American auto industry ever give up? Or will the government bail them out indefinitely? Think of all those single-screw-turning laborers that could be used to do something more productive... not to mention tax payers' money not going to this hopeless cause to keep a bunch of $40/hour laborers and fat cat CEOs happy.

PS - Why are all the good American cars sold in Europe, and not here?

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by tweakmonkey

PS - Why are all the good American cars sold in Europe, and not here?

that's one thing i've NEVER understood. It makes no sense at all. Of all people, we should get the good american cars.

I think american cars have their place. They are cheap. That's about it. I can buy a decent old american car for nothing ($1000). Ya it's a risk how long it will last but all used cars are. I've gotten a couple of $2500 Accords in the past and had issues as well. So, for now, I just get cheap ass american cars. Ya I'm sure it's costing me in the long run but I don't have the luxury of buying a more expensive car.

that's about all american cars are good for though. if I was buying somewhat new, I'd never buy american. I'd say the only reason that people buy newer american cars is that they have good a good job of making them look good (for the most part).

[Dustin]

I'll put this as plainly as I can:

(North) Americans are fat, lazy, impatient and ignorant slobs. The vehicles we create represent our nation: Wasteful, cheaply made throw-away transportation with absolutely 0 value. Just like us.

The GLORY DAYS of American manufacturing was the muscle-car era and just look how that represents us. Huge, wasteful piles of mass good for only one thing. Just like us.

Everyone else has evolved and we have not. Period.

Plus how can any business do well when unions are paying workers $40/hr to do fuck all? My ex-girlfriend's dad used to make $30/hr to manufacture toilet paper, I thought that was a FUCKING DISGRACE...

[nidex]

Originally Posted by tweakmonkey

PS - Why are all the good American cars sold in Europe, and not here?

I have been wondering this for years. They shouldn't get a bailout, period. It's not our fault that they can't make cars that compete with Japanese and European cars. People are obviously going to buy what's better; if they can't compete that's their problem.

[tweakmonkey]

Originally Posted by nidex

They shouldn't get a bailout, period. It's not our fault that they can't make cars that compete with Japanese and European cars. People are obviously going to buy what's better; if they can't compete that's their problem.

Isn't it cool to know our tax dollars are funding the development of the new Suburban, Hummer H2, and Dodge Caravan? Boy does that seem like a great use of MY MONEY.

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by tweakmonkey

Isn't it cool to know our tax dollars are funding the development of the new Suburban, Hummer H2, and Dodge Caravan? Boy does that seem like a great use of MY MONEY.

ya i agree but unfortunately, we are in the minority:

Falling Gas Prices Jump-Start GM SUV Sales - Automotive News Story - WSOC Charlotte

[Dustin]

Hahahaha is that article for real? We'll never learn....

[tweakmonkey]

Originally Posted by Chainblade

ya i agree but unfortunately, we are in the minority:

Falling Gas Prices Jump-Start GM SUV Sales - Automotive News Story - WSOC Charlotte

Wow, people are crazy. I hope gas prices hit $5 within the next year.

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by tweakmonkey

Wow, people are crazy. I hope gas prices hit $5 within the next year.

i'm all for this but personally, not now for me. I'm at like $20 for over a week before I get paid again. I'm having to not eat as much. If gas goes up again, i'm screwed. I'm already in danger of not being able to make a big bill like rent, car insurance, or something like that.

i'm desperately looking for a 3rd job (after my normal 8-5 and my computer business on the side) but I haven't gotten one yet.

until, somehow, I can make a change where i have more money, I can't have gas go up again. I find it laughable that people are alread going back to their SUVs or wanting to buy new ones. Evidently, they aren't aware of the recession and aren't scared that gas prices will go up again...dumb asses....

[tweakmonkey]

Yeah and the gas price *will* go up. We have such cheap gas this week compared to most of the world... people need a real wake-up call. They got one ($4.50/gallon 87 octane) but they ignored it and went back to their SUVs just a month later.

That sucks you're that broke. Any time I got in a situation like that I had to downsize my life considerably. It's not a fun place to be.

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by tweakmonkey

Yeah and the gas price *will* go up. We have such cheap gas this week compared to most of the world... people need a real wake-up call. They got one ($4.50/gallon 87 octane) but they ignored it and went back to their SUVs just a month later.

That sucks you're that broke. Any time I got in a situation like that I had to downsize my life considerably. It's not a fun place to be.

ya...problem is, I have down sized my life considerably. there isn't anything more to really downsize.

i agree, american needs a HUGE wakeup call with this gas thing. I just wish it would hold out a tad bit longer haha.

I really thought americans were going to learn their lesson and continue to not drive as much and not buy SUVs. that really says a lot about the american people. makes me sick.

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by Chainblade

ya...problem is, I have down sized my life considerably. there isn't anything more to really downsize.

There's always more to downsize, it just depends how far you are willing to go my friend.

[MSP]

This is what happens when you let government get mixed up with big business like that. Free market factors should be allowed to do their job, and at least one of the Big 3 would die and the other 2 would finally be forced to restructure, eject the unions, and start making quality cars again. The US auto industry is like a diseased limb that we're unwilling to amputate. When you have fuckers making $50 an hour to sweep floors you know you have a problem.

[Chainblade]

Originally Posted by Dustin

There's always more to downsize, it just depends how far you are willing to go my friend.

true, and I'm working on the BIGGEST downsize as we speak (aka my g/f)...after i'm on my own, I'll be fine. In fact, even with just one job, I'll have $500+ a month extra. that will be a hell of a change.

[Dustin]

Exactly man! Life becomes much more enjoyable when money isn't a daily stress; trust me I know.

It feels good to have a few thousand in the bank just sitting around rather than being in the negatives at the end of the month

[tweakmonkey]

Originally Posted by MSP

This is what happens when you let government get mixed up with big business like that. Free market factors should be allowed to do their job, and at least one of the Big 3 would die and the other 2 would finally be forced to restructure, eject the unions, and start making quality cars again. The US auto industry is like a diseased limb that we're unwilling to amputate. When you have fuckers making $50 an hour to sweep floors you know you have a problem.

It's amazing how seldom we hear these words in mainstream media (well, I guess it's pretty tainted ). Govt/media is unrealistic about how bad the auto industry is and instead looks at it as a necessity to keep the U.S. afloat. The life support for this system is welllll past the point that we should've pulled the plug.

Sure some people would be without jobs, but they'd eventually find something more productive to do.

That reminds me! I was listening to the radio yesterday and they interviewed a married woman who works at an airplane factory in Illinois (I believe). She was just laid off. Her job was small parts assembly, probably putting a couple screws in or spot-soldering a couple points on an assembly line. She didn't mention her salary, but did mention that this was the FOURTH time she's been laid off since she started her career with this same company. Each time the economy turned down a bit, she was fired.

I was thinking, "maybe she's just not a very good worker if she's one who gets tossed out every time they downsize"... then the radio announcer asked her, "What will you do now that you're unemployed?"

Her response: "I'm going to re-decorate my bathroom". I kid you not.

Then she said "I'll probably look for another job on-and-off". YOU LAZY FUCK. I'D FIRE YOU TOO.

[Chainblade]

that story pisses me off, dan. god. there are people struggling to make even the basic ends meet and she can afford to re-decorate her bathroom when she doesn't even have a job!

and, yes, dustin, I look forward to having money for a change! I wont' "really" have it as I'll be paying off debt (at a super fast rate) but it will be nice that I can go buy toilet paper, instead of "borrowing" it from my work haha.

[Miller]

i think UAW workers are up to $78.21 or something an hour with wage and benefits, that's ridiculous

[Dustin]

You gotta be fucking shitting me