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It's already a big, steaming, dump.
Author: Raine    Date: 12/19/2008 13:31:52

Let's hope the current administration does not make it worse. With a month to go, there are discussions on how to save the faltering US auto industry. After shooting down the first option in congress, the administration is already talking about last option.
The White House has raised for the first time the prospect of pushing General Motors and Chrysler into a managed bankruptcy as a solution to save the companies from financial collapse.
I hope people can maybe work down the line instead of immediately jumping to a 'final' last option of bankruptcy. "Managed Bankruptcy" is just another word for letting it fail. With any other administration I would believe that they were really trying to help our troubled auto industry, but too many times we have been told one thing only to find out, it meant quite the opposite. It's been a week since congress failed to come up with a plan to save the industry. A week. How things can change in a week.

In that week we have learned that Chrysler shut down it's plants until January 19 of next year, this adding -- even if temporarily -- to the unemployment rolls. GM is halting it's production of the Volt, it's electric car and suppliers are fast running out of the ability to extend credit to the Auto makers. It's a dire situation.
Bush's comments, a month before he leaves office, made it clear that he was worried by the idea of returning to Texas at a time of more economic chaos and the surge in unemployment that a collapse of the companies could cause.

"The autos obviously are very fragile," he said.

He added that he was concerned about what President-elect Barack Obama would face on Jan. 20. "I believe that good policy is not to dump him a major catastrophe in his first day of office," he said.
Really? He doesn't want to *dump* a major catastrophe on PE Obama come January 21? Not mentioning the obvious.. like the fact that the economy IS A MAJOR CATASTROPHE. What is he talking about? Oh yeah... he doesn't want to be the guy known as the Killer of Detroit. Yet, it seems as tho regarding the US automakers, he already kicked it forward.
General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC would get U.S. loans to stay afloat until March under a Bush administration rescue plan that may be unveiled as soon as today, people familiar with the talks said.

The government could take back the money should the automakers not comply with federal restrictions as a condition of receiving the funds, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. The plan isn’t final and may change, the people said.
Enough money to keep them afloat until March. That is well after the current administration leaves town. And long after the new president will be handed the keys to a whole lot of catastrophes left in the wake. He can't get out of DC fast enough at this point.

Last week we heard a lot of talk about how the Big three were being strangled by the Unions, and a large chunk of time went to busting unions for making the companies unprofitable. Sharrod Brown, Bob Corker and other ® senators were behind that charge. They have states with companies like Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Toyota. A lot of taxpayer money was given to get these compaines to build plants here in America. And a lot of time was spent by those states to bust the Unions in Detroit. Turns out:
Toyota's mainstay vehicle operations are likely to post their first ever loss for the fiscal year through March 2009, Japanese media reports said Friday, highlighting the dire conditions faced by global automakers.
Honda is having problems as well. This is not a union problem, it is not a wage problem, it is neo-conservative economic policy problem, and it's global. American economic policies are to blame for this issue, not the American workers.

So when *ush says he is concerened about not dumping anything on Obama's lap, once again -- it means it already happened. It's a big pile of steamy *ush droppings. We can only hope and pray that our US automakers have a few more days, and that *ush didn't destroy that forever too.

On a happy note -- It's Friday! See you inside!

:peace: and
 

85 comments (Latest Comment: 12/20/2008 04:57:09 by livingonli)
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Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 13:52:29
Morning :hug:

Comment by Scoopster on 12/19/2008 13:54:18
Comment by m-hadley on 12/19/2008 13:54:23
Heya 4Fers (really Hot Green Tea)

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, I've been home fighting a nasty case of bronchitis and mulling over whether to drive to DC or not (see my recent blog post). It is looking less and less likely that my friend (no longer grrrl friend :cry:) and I will be heading to DC in January. Anyway, how about that other Bush/Cheney midnight gift to everybody who might need birth control or god-forbid an abortion - it's called the "conscience protection" rule and it virtually guarantees that women, particularly those in rural areas with fewer health care options will have to depend on the whim of those who are supposed to be providing health care services - like flipping a coin to see whether or not you'll be able to receive the morning after pill in case of a rape - arghhhhhhh I will crawl back under a rock, now....

Cheers,

mfaye

Comment by Scoopster on 12/19/2008 13:57:51
Oh really?



So does this mean that if I were a doctor, I could refuse medical treatment to Republicans, ideological conservatives, people who play World of Warcraft, and all those assholes who called me names in high school? Oh yah and "members" of the Skull & Bones Society at Yale who have become President.



How's that slippery slope lookin' now, Bush?

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:07:55
Quote by m-hadley:

Heya 4Fers (really Hot Green Tea)

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, I've been home fighting a nasty case of bronchitis and mulling over whether to drive to DC or not (see my recent blog post). It is looking less and less likely that my friend (no longer grrrl friend :cry:) and I will be heading to DC in January. Anyway, how about that other Bush/Cheney midnight gift to everybody who might need birth control or god-forbid an abortion - it's called the "conscience protection" rule and it virtually guarantees that women, particularly those in rural areas with fewer health care options will have to depend on the whim of those who are supposed to be providing health care services - like flipping a coin to see whether or not you'll be able to receive the morning after pill in case of a rape - arghhhhhhh I will crawl back under a rock, now....

Cheers,

mfaye


:( oh faye...





first and foremost, I want for you to get healthy... I am missing you around these parts, sister.

Second, I am sorry about you and your friend.



And third... I am so dismayed about the Rick Warren thing.

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:12:38
It's a blunderful life... for the very last time!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 14:13:13
first off 0- Indy 5? I laughed my ass off at end of Indy 4, I don't have much hope for a new one.



Second - very nice Shane-O :D

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:13:24
Quote by Scoopster:

Morning guys..



Mark Felt, aka Deep Throat, has died.
May he rest in peace.



Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:17:09
Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 14:18:52
I swear I can not hear Terry Jefferies without laughing

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:20:07


Targets: The terms and conditions established by Treasury will include additional targets that were the subject of Congressional negotiations but did not come to a vote, including:



—Reduce debts by 2/3 via a debt for equity exchange.

—Make one-half of VEBA payments in the form of stock.

—Eliminate the jobs bank.

—Work rules that are competitive with transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.

—Wages that are competitive with those of transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.




That is a little nugget of badness.





Comment by Scoopster on 12/19/2008 14:27:50
Quote by Raine:



Targets: The terms and conditions established by Treasury will include additional targets that were the subject of Congressional negotiations but did not come to a vote, including:



—Reduce debts by 2/3 via a debt for equity exchange.

—Make one-half of VEBA payments in the form of stock.

—Eliminate the jobs bank.

—Work rules that are competitive with transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.

—Wages that are competitive with those of transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.




That is a little nugget of badness.


I should hope that Obama and Geihtner can change that, since they are the ones who will be in charge of the TARP in a month..



And what the hell does "work rules" pertain to? You mean they have to raise their working standards to meet those of the foreign plants? :D

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:33:17
I dunno scoop... at first blush it looks to me as tho it is trying to further weaken the Unions.

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:35:00
Levi's Mom busted on Drug Charges...



Troopers charged Johnston with second-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance -- generally manufacturing or delivering drugs -- as well as fourth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances, or possession.
Sounds like that crazy Meth Capital of the world is literally cranking out it's finest!

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/19/2008 14:37:12
Morning all. Great post this A.M. I just saw the "breaking news" and announcement from Mr. StumbleBush earlier. So, he makes it seem like he's the big hero. Whatever. :rolleyes:



Just reminding Aunt Azalea that we have to be on the blog on Dec. 22 for the blogger joe. We're looking forward to it.



We've decided on a gift for ourselves this year - being that our budget is quite tight - we are going to get a fruit tree to plant. Probably a flowering crabapple.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 14:42:35
Quote by velveeta jones:

Morning all. Great post this A.M. I just saw the "breaking news" and announcement from Mr. StumbleBush earlier. So, he makes it seem like he's the big hero. Whatever. :rolleyes:



Just reminding Aunt Azalea that we have to be on the blog on Dec. 22 for the blogger joe. We're looking forward to it.



We've decided on a gift for ourselves this year - being that our budget is quite tight - we are going to get a fruit tree to plant. Probably a flowering crabapple.






Definatly don't forget about the 22nd! :D



Love flowering crabapple trees, they're so pretty.



Comment by velveeta jones on 12/19/2008 14:45:28
I have gotten hooked on that crazy "Dr. Phil" this morning. On the show: Paul Reickhoff and Tammy Duckworth among others, talking about the horrible treatment of our vets.



Dr. Phil is "shocked and angry".



Oh now you're angry you big dumb texan?

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:48:28
Oh... that reminds me... I received a special delivery in the mail!!!

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 14:54:37
Comment by TriSec on 12/19/2008 15:02:41
Hi folks, Just passing through.



It's going to snow, but school wasn't cancelled; Mrs. TriSec is on the clock in half an hour. Then I'm going to the supermarket to buy additional baking supplies so I can chain myself to the stove today and make cookies, then maybe watch Rudolph.









Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 15:15:02
Jermey Piven's a hottie? hhmmmm, yeah, um not in my book

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 15:27:43
Its a Hans Christian Anderson story Chris.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 15:29:39
as a kid I was so upset that Rupdolph was left out of everything that I wrote him letting him know I would play with him. THen I wrote to Santa to say the other reindeer were being mean.

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 15:30:04
I hate handcutting holiday cards...



Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 15:37:39
Good morning everyone.



mfaye, sorry about the bad news and health. Hope you get better to play with us some more.



The crowd and the fact that I can't get a room pretty much encouraged me to give up any idea of coming to DC for the inaugural.



And I sent my Blogger Joe gift out via Priority Mail yesterday so hopefully it will reach its destination by Monday.

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 15:43:43
It started snowing here 20 minutes ago but the Weather Channel radar has only rain if I was just slightly down in Philly.



Mala, how's the weather in DC?

Comment by BobR on 12/19/2008 15:47:51
Quote by livingonli:

It started snowing here 20 minutes ago but the Weather Channel radar has only rain if I was just slightly down in Philly.



Mala, how's the weather in DC?


It's really warm in Atlanta. I'm sitting in a T-shirt with the fan on and I'm still hot.



It's kind of hard to maintain a Christmas spirit when you're wearing shorts.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 15:50:06
Quote by livingonli:

It started snowing here 20 minutes ago but the Weather Channel radar has only rain if I was just slightly down in Philly.



Mala, how's the weather in DC?






Currently. Rainy

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 15:53:42
Quote by BobR:

Quote by livingonli:

It started snowing here 20 minutes ago but the Weather Channel radar has only rain if I was just slightly down in Philly.



Mala, how's the weather in DC?


It's really warm in Atlanta. I'm sitting in a T-shirt with the fan on and I'm still hot.



It's kind of hard to maintain a Christmas spirit when you're wearing shorts.


It must be really hard to get the Christmas spirit in Miami Beach where you might still be going for a swim.

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 15:56:47
Steve is totally wrong. Chris is probably the most tolerant about Rick Warren of everyoen on the show.







Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 16:16:31
Where did everyone go?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 16:17:04
still here, just working too :)

Comment by BobR on 12/19/2008 16:17:45
Quote by livingonli:

Where did everyone go?


earning a buck or two...

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 16:28:10
dude has he not heard of Mathew Shepard?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 16:28:34
Thank you Steph

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 16:29:50
The salt mine has dragged everyone in.

Comment by TriSec on 12/19/2008 16:41:41
Back from the stupidmarket....no snow in Waltham yet, but you'd think this city never saw a snowflake before?



I've been in West Palm Beach for Xmas; it is an interesting experience, for sure. But then again, I was there during the "Great Freeze of 1989", and was treated to the rare sight of icicles on palm trees. (got to 28º that night.)





Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 16:51:14
Jacksonville?

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 17:21:39
Quote by wickedpam:

Jacksonville?






Snowflakes have been seen here.



The Blizzard of 89.



So much snow all the bridges were closed down.

Comment by Shane-O on 12/19/2008 17:31:22
Bush, a "white knight" - my ass.



Paulson says Congress needs to release the remaining $350 Billion.



Couldn't see that one coming, after the announcement of the auto "bail-out."

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 17:59:11
Rabi Batra coming up on Thom Hartmann.

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 18:01:09
I have the WGN News on. Look at the snow in Chicago.

Comment by BobR on 12/19/2008 18:06:11
Quote by Mondobubba:







Snowflakes have been seen here.



The Blizzard of 89.



So much snow all the bridges were closed down.


Of course, "so much snow" is relative. It only takes a couple inches to shut down The South. Northerners always get a big laugh out of that. I did too when I first moved down here... until I realized they are NOT equipped to handle the snow.



But economically - it makes sense. Up north you have a need for a lot of plows and sand/salt trucks for several months of the year - every year. Last year, it didn't snow enough in Atlanta to require a plow or salt truck even once. So why buy and maintain a fleet of vehicles that will never get used? Better to equip the trucks you already have (for other purposes) with plows or salt spreaders on those rare occasions that you need them.



That means that you can only really keep the interstates and major roads clear. So the city shuts down for two days, the stores sell out of milk eggs and bread, and everyone enjoys an impromptu vacation...



... except for the assholes that think that they're Too Important for the office to do without them, and the retards that think their 4-wheel drive truck or SUV will handle everything ("jes lahk on the TV!"), and they drive 65 MPH as if the roads are dry.



THAT'S why I always stay home.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 18:07:37
Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by wickedpam:

Jacksonville?






Snowflakes have been seen here.



The Blizzard of 89.



So much snow all the bridges were closed down.




Steph had this story earlier -





Man accused of Listerine-fueled bender in Wal-Mart bathroom

Comment by Random on 12/19/2008 18:10:46
Hello Everyone, miss me?

Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 18:15:08
Quote by Random:

Hello Everyone, miss me?


Of course we did.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/19/2008 18:15:59
I really want to know what the heck Thom is typing in the background

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 18:24:42
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Mondobubba:

Quote by wickedpam:

Jacksonville?






Snowflakes have been seen here.



The Blizzard of 89.



So much snow all the bridges were closed down.




Steph had this story earlier -





Man accused of Listerine-fueled bender in Wal-Mart bathroom




Oh dear :Mrs Miller: I know exactly where that Wal-Mart is!

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 18:49:48
OK... cards sent... next up... Wrapping presents for mailing. I live on the edge...

Comment by Raine on 12/19/2008 18:51:28
Quote by Shane-O:

Bush, a "white knight" - my ass.



Paulson says Congress needs to release the remaining $350 Billion.



Couldn't see that one coming, after the announcement of the auto "bail-out."
It's all more of the same rip off.



They are also asking for MORE Labor concessions.

Sonnabiatches.