I think before people rant about non-union overseas car manufacturers, you need to realize that most overseas manufacturers actually *GASP* take care of their workers and have very decent benefits packages without the need for a union.

So honestly, if most UAW workers went to a "non-union" shop in the U.S. they would be treated quite well.

That's what's sick about this whole mess. It shows how the U.S. really doesn't take care of its workers unless forced to the wall.

Truth.

Oh believe me, I understand that - my point was that the Senators from the States that had the foreign manufacturers (I think Kentucky and Georgia?) were the ones trying hard to defeat the bailout, thus bringing down the US manufacturers and solidifying their constituents products in the US market. The senators did so by railing against the UAW - and not really the manufacturers themselves. Thus blaming the Union for the problems the US car companies are in.

Funny thing is - there was a hourly cost comparison of UAW and foreign car companies and the UAW people actually make less in some cases.

I just hope that, if the Big 3 do go under, Obama can put some kind of plan into effect where the out of work auto employees and the factorys can be kept in business somehow.
Building horse-drawn carriages or something.

on principal, i'm against the Gov't bail out of the automakers...

but...

I am very concerned that if the automakers are allowed to go BK, what that woud mean to the struggling economy. Nail in the coffin? It's naive to think that another blow to the economy will not affect us all.

Well, if you look at some of what Obama has been talking about, there's great potential using those workers, plants and skills to create pieces for an energy efficient infrastructure. Beyond making energy efficient cars, building an infrastructure that allows easy transport of energy from the southwest to the rest of the country. That's a massive issue. A large swath of endlessly sun-drenched land that could be home to tons of solar farms, but no clear way on how to store to move that energy.

Major thread derail......... (mostly caused by me - sorry)

Okay - back on track! I am STILL out of work......

Next?

I believe Obama has expressed repeatedly that an agency similar to Roosevelt's WPA is something he'd consider if push comes to shove. If it does happen, it will be fun to sit back and watch the heads of conservatives explode. they're still smarting over the first 'New Deal.'