Well GM and Chrysler are talking with the government about restructuring. The government is talking about infrastructure renewal to create jobs. But they must be two totally different Departments of the government. The upcoming Auto restructuring deal will massacre jobs, close plants and restore shareholder confidence. But don't hold your breath on the Obama infrastructure boost. Oh, there's something in it for big auto: $30 billion of Highway spending, compared to less than $10billion for mass transit/rail. Hopefully they create enough jobs to offset the massive auto plant closures proposed.
A lot of people voted for Obama hoping that he would turn around the old, wasteful, car-centric, economy and vastly stimulate both energy efficiency and undermine dependence on fossil fuels. Lip-service is what we are getting. Another opportunity is lost and time is running out for our environment.
The Big Three Auto companies have squandered and bribed, and where they've been able to - destroyed the chances for a sane and effective public transportation system in this country. They should have their private ownership taken away from them and allow the auto workers with local and national representatives draw up a plan to convert their industry into socially-useful production and save and expand jobs. While the shareholders run industry, and government, many, many more jobs will be destroyed.
Rob Rooke, Unemployed Carpenter: with lots of skills in an capitalist economy unable to utilize them.
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