The solution to the auto industry is for the Government to buy the companies for whatever they are worth now ($4 billion or less?)  and turn over ownership to the United Auto Workers.  Let's see how generous they are with pay and benefits when they have to pay them.

the auto industry is in Reagan's "subsidize it".  it has been in the "tax it" and "regulate it" phases for a number of decades. 

good links:

more on automakers:
http://townhall.com/columnists/RichardOlivastro/2008/12/27/domestic_automakers_in_icu

on federal spending
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9842

dems attack on free markets
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9829

year in quotes
http://townhall.com/columnists/BillSteigerwald/2008/12/29/2008_-_the_year_in_quotes

good news
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,473688,00.html

health care rationing
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123060332638041525.html

you are your record
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123060008676141231.html

cuba
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=315532982181405

auto workers own a golf course
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=284004627416260

wait til it is free
http://townhall.com/columnists/GeorgeWill/2009/01/01/if_you_think_health_care_is_expensive

more on bush and bailouts
http://townhall.com/columnists/KenBlackwell/2008/12/31/bushs_big_government_gambit?page=1

more economic lessons
http://townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/12/31/the_art_of_the_impossible

I sent a letter to Ford:



I'd like to thank you for not taking a bailout.  For that I will keep you on my list of potential prospects for a new car.  I will never buy from GM or Chrysler ever.  I currently own an F-150.



This is the response I got.  What a generic reply:



Dear Tim Vande Zande,



Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center to share your insights with us.



Your good news confirms our belief in the importance of exceptional products and services.  When customers like you send us positive feedback, you help reinforce our efforts to build the finest automotive products in the industry.  



We appreciate and thank you for taking the time to write us.



Sometimes e-mail communication does not allow us to gain additional information that may be helpful in responding to your inquiry.  Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday.  Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952. 



Sincerely, 

Joy 

Customer Relationship Center 

Ford Motor Company

Another liberal on Fox saying taxes need to be raised on the rich.  The justification is income inequality.  The top 1% already pay 40% of all taxes.  Before the Reagan and Bush tax cuts, they payed 19%.  All that raising taxes on the rich will do is cause them to shelter their income, instead of investing it.  That will be bad for everyone.

David Letterman used to be my hero.  After all his left-wing rants I cannot stand him anymore.  He is a burned-out, bitter old man.  Now, either I watch Leno or some sports program.

first post is a test