Is it possible that the Big 3 CEOs are trying to take us for a ride? Why not, you say? After all, the bankers did the same. They've already received $350 billion and what have they done with it? Lots of dividends, bonuses and acquisitions. Not so much lending. Bankers Bernanke and Paulsen are getting embarrassed.
So here come the Detroit brass to plead their case to a skeptical Congress. Please, give us $25 measly billion, because we're really excited about our new cars. The cars no one wants, even if they could afford them.
But what is truly remarkable about their appearance is how the CEOs got there. By private jets. Yes, the three CEOs traveled from Detroit to DC on their three private company jets. Please give us $25 billion!
Is it much wonder that American Auto Industry is going the way of the Dodo?
Here is a fun article that should take you all along a quick memory ride. It does feature some stinky vehicles:
And while we are contemplating the life force of Detroit, let's dip back into US News for a slightly different take:
All this discussion about automobiles makes one recall the imagery of cars in various rock songs. Here is one of the very first, and best by one of the kings, Chuck Berry:
What's truly hilarious about that clip is how he's surrounded by a couple of hundred white-starched white kids who are regarding him much the same as a medical school auditorium full of students contemplate the actions of a surgeon professor. Blank stares. Not even a toe tap. Where was this recorded, Belgium? Even Berry's pickup band is a bunch of old white guys. Weird.
Speaking of weird, we leave you with this pre-Thanksgiving piece by the redoubtable Sarah Palin - there's a blast from the past. She's giving an interview in Alaska. But what's fascinating are the turkeys being beheaded directly behind her. (No, no comments about Republicans here.) Morbidly funny stuff.
And here's the Quote of the Day:
"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business."
-- Henry Ford
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