Comments on: Poll: Most approve of the auto bailout - but no additional funds

By: Tab Cocovillea

Tab Cocovillea — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:22:40 +0000

In case anyone hasnt yet figured it out, our government does not represent "we" the people anymore. To be blunt, we need another revolution in this country to take back the system from doing the bidding of the corporate masters.

By: DAVE IN CA

DAVE IN CA — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:10:44 +0000

and another thing the stipulation that should have been put in this bailout -– close all foreign plants and put them back in the U.S. not in mexico, canada, germany..... i am sick and tired of the outsourcing of jobs to other countries for the sake of labor costs....... our border security sucks to the point that these S.O.B. politicians with infest this country with illegal aliens, give them the right to vote for the sake of that vote to keep there old wrinkled arses in washington..... time to close the doors of this country and send all illegals packing until this country is back on track and steering away from a depression and bankruptcy for all..... and yes i am a republican and supported prop 8 and firmly believe in mine fields at the california border.....

By: Andy Flogan

Andy Flogan — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:03:20 +0000

Seems to me to be a big game, with tax-payers money, to be sure
the fat cats get their "performance" bonuses. 1.3 billion of the
financial bailout went to about 600 execs. as compensation. Not to
mention costly trips and perks. Another huge chunk went to buy out
other banks. The bank bosses question is lending, what lending?

The culture in the car industry is so set, it will many years to change.
Something like this is a slow process, requiring a strong will to achieve, which I don't think they have.

They are so used to building dinosaurs, and relying on their partner
Big Oil, that change is nearly impossible for them, they are so out
of touch with reality.
The one guaranteed thing to happen, is the big boys (and girls) will
get a healthy chunk of the bailout money, as the Bush administration
intended.

By: DAVE IN CA

DAVE IN CA — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:02:26 +0000

you know what? i wasn't polled and if was would tell these idiots to hit the bankruptcy court and kill all union contracts that are holding them hostage........ these morons earn way too much for what they do and if i could get 95% of my pay for sitting on the sideline drinking beer and watching oprah..... i would say that is not a good thing for anyone.... in fact it should be illegal and of course the union is not going to make any change to this being that they are waiting for Mr. Obama to come in and give them what they want and remove all unfair stipulations that have no teeth..... i drill oil wells in california and our industry is really slow i guess when oil falls completely off i should get a bailout too... oh yeah america come spring prepare for some really nice gas prices once the demand increases and you are all paying out of your arses for fuel....... talk about job security for me..... enjoy it now

By: Millie Callilli

Millie Callilli — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:49:32 +0000

By the time Obamer and his far-left minions get through with increasing debt on our country, we will be wishing we had only the auto bailout to worry about.

By: earle,provincetown

earle,provincetown — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:46:30 +0000

Yes, of course no more money,"Quite the Contrarian Opinion" from the public out-cry for social (equity) justice regarding the lopp-sided doleing out of taxpayer money when it came to "Wall Street". Fear not ,the bond-holders are satisfied with the $17+ Billion Dollar gift! Now they can cash out, with at least something,and leave the taxpayer holding the "Bag"! But wait, they'll be back for more when the man with all the answers gets into office,...uugh!

By: RaeofSun

RaeofSun — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:44:41 +0000

I won't say anything new, but just voice that I am one of the majority. They deserved the bailout, like anyone else, plus it leaded to job retention; which is more than I can say for some of the financial companies. But yes, Americans have it right. You can't afford to keep bailing out a company....of any sorts. That's free markets. Only the strong survive. If the auto companies cannot get their act together to form a working business model, then they don't deserve to be here... regardless of the ramifications. Pain may occur, but everything is for the long term. Survival of the fittest.

By: (Former) Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN

(Former) Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:44:10 +0000

I approve of the auto bailout, but I thought the whole ordeal was a case study in hypocrisy. The automobile companies were taken to school over just $15 billion with thousands of conditions, while Wall Street was given $700 billion with no conditions!

By: Joyce

Joyce — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:29:45 +0000

Lending the auto industry funds (also known as the bailout) was the correct thing to do. If the auto industry asks for more help, it is necessary that they put the problem in the UAW's lap. Good wages are great, but not when they are putting the remainder of the USA in jeopardy. Years ago I remember hearing about "feather-bedding" in the railroad industry which to me is similar to paying wages to laid off employees.

Today I see real estate developers are asking for a bailout. I oppose this. Ground continues to be broken for new projects while the economy continues to be falter. C'mon, guys, you should have figured out that you may not get your money back prior to putting the shovel to the ground!

By: susie

susie — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:03:54 +0000

The banks that got the bail out spent some of it on bonuses for the executives, that was wrong!

By: George

George — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:01:14 +0000

I am a 70 year old retired engineer. I have Medicare with a suppplement Blue cross and Blue Shield/ prescripton plan. My out of pocket money for 2008 to cover my wife and I, she uses 5 and I have 4 daily medications a day is $ 15,258.00. I have no Dental or Eye care The sad thing is I am a typical well educated retiree paying approximately 20% of my FIXED RETIREMENT income for insurance. I LIVE IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WITH DOZENS OF RETIRED AUTO WORKERS. THEY HAVE MEDICARE WITH A SUPPLEMENT PLUS DENTAL PLUS EYE CARE TAKING APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TYPICAL MEDICATIONS AS WE DO. THEIR OUT OF POCKET WITH RETIREMENT BENIFITS IS APPROXIMATELY $1,200.00 IN 2008. THIS IS ALL WELL AND GOOD WHEN THE AUTO INDUSTRY WAY MAKING MONEY AND PAYING THEIR OWN WAY BUT NOW IT'S TIME THE AUTO UNION STARTS MAKING CONCESSIONS. NOT ANOTHER BAIL OUT DOLLAR UNTIL THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND THE UNION COME DOWN TO REALITY

By: Who let the kids out?

Who let the kids out? — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:47:26 +0000

If the Ticker doesnt show us that our childrens internet activity should be monitored,nothing will.Its not CNNs role to play policeman to see whos old enough to make comments on here,its lazy parents that should be jailed for allowing kids to play on here and make stupid and hateful comments.

By: Sherrol in Canada

Sherrol in Canada — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:43:35 +0000

@John Galt in Colorado................

Give it a bleeping rest!!!

By: Louis

Louis — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:27:33 +0000

...and a majority of voters supported Bush in 2000 and 2004. Obviously, the judgement of many Americans has contributed to the current problems facing our nation. Think, people, think!! Please examine the issues in more depth, otherwise we will continue to make harmful decisions that affect everyone.

By: John Galt in Colorado

John Galt in Colorado — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:25:38 +0000

WHO IS JOHN GALT? If you cannot answer the question you are part of the problem.

By: matt in a hat

matt in a hat — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:14:34 +0000

Non-union toyota is at a forty year low,now tell me again how its all the unions fault.Even China is taking care of its auto industry and every other nation including Japan..You morons dont have a clue about world economics on here. Its the ECONOMY STUPIDS.

By: Juan Grain

Juan Grain — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:11:41 +0000

The only way they will survive is to make something other than what they are making. They need to build solar energy equipment, wind energy equipment, and natural gas conversion stations and conversions for big rigs engins from diesel to natural gas. while advancing electric & hydrogen vehicles.

That is a win for the big three, they would then be percieved as the companies that helped America get off of it's addiction to fosil fuel. anything else is just urinating in the winds of change.

By: Sherrol in Canada

Sherrol in Canada — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:11:15 +0000

I believe we should be concerned about the big 2 making good on the stipulations that went along with the loan. They only have about 3 months to come up with a master plan to make themselves 'viable'. It gives me the hebegebees.

Our Prime Minister has loaned $4b in taxpayer money to their counterparts here in Canada as well. We feel the same way you guys do, they had better not come back for more and they had better pay that loan back ASAP!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:08:53 +0000

We did a poll at where I work.

We polled 13 people, out of those 13 people, 12 said they are against any auto maker loans / bailout.

Those 13 also had major objections to the UAW. And of those 13 people, 11 were card carrying Union Members.

So, if you take our number, multiply it by the number of registered voters in our area of the world, minus the number of people who may or may not give a rats crap, divide it by the number of certain ethnic backgrounds in our community.
Plus allow for an adjusted percent to allow for non responsive people who have no job, and adjust to equal exactly what you want it to say,,,,,

Our poll said, most object. But then again, twist it back around and you can make a poll say almost anything you want it to.

I wonder how much GM , Chrysler and the UAW paid the people who did this poll???????

By: Da LB

Da LB — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:07:17 +0000

If chrysler had been allowed to go under the first time they wanted and received a bailout, maybe the other 2 would have "woken" up and we wouldnt be in this mess. If it didnt work the first time and in retrospect actually appears to have harmed and hampered the industry, then why are we doing it now?

By: jay

jay — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:51:37 +0000

Johnny got candy, I want some too. Hey, me too! – This is why I hate corporate welfare. You give money away to one group and another asks for it.

Every industry affects other industries, they are all intertwined, but that is their only arguement for bailout money. Chapter 11, put the unions in their place, and make cars people want.

Now the government, many who can't change their own tires, will dictate what the auto industry makes. What is wrong with my country?

By: boered1

boered1 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:41:23 +0000

I approve of it but think we should ahve limited executive pay to a maximum of three times the highest hourly salary, if we are going to go after unions (union busting at its finest) we should go after the group causing the larger problem! The cost added to a car for union labor and compensation is 10% the cost added to a car for salaried labor and compensation is 14% which is the larger problem here folks?!

By: DC Observer

DC Observer — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:40:06 +0000

For those who approve the bailout of a failed company, stand up and give up you retirement funds - LOSERS. The UAW is POISON – GM is a dinosaur -– WAKE UP

By: Francis, Hawaii

Francis, Hawaii — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:22:12 +0000

Make sure this time the executives have to be accountable for every cent. No more of this bonuses and other perks for the executives like those of the financial institutes. This money goes to bring down the company debts and keeping their employess working, no shut down of factories and work for their money!!!

By: Miss Mellie

Miss Mellie — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:18:55 +0000

I thought at first that this article must be a joke. Certainly, 63 percent of Americans can not believe that it is OK to bailout one industry and not another. Where were the bailouts when homebuilders were being put out of business along with the businesses that provide services to them – roofers, tilers, masons, painters, furniture stores, interior designers, mortgage companies, etc.? Hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs when housing slowed down. Where were the big government bailouts then? Why is the auto industry worth saving when most likely it will be a very, very long time before they ever see profits again (if ever).

By: Timothy

Timothy — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:12:04 +0000

Not surprised by this poll. I believe most Americans wonder why we hold the auto industry's feet to the fire but we give a blank check to AIG and WallStreet?? Whats up with that??

By: Change - Yeah Left

Change - Yeah Left — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:42:25 +0000

I didn't approve of it. I don't know anyone who does. They must have done their polling in cities where the auto industry exists. Or where the unions have a stranglehold on the normal person.

By: Mike T. Vaughn

Mike T. Vaughn — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:40:57 +0000

UUHHMMM while the Auto is being trashed, why hasn't AIG been called to the floor for their misappropriations of funds?????? We know they partied with the money and gave bonuses..........Why have they not been called to the floor???????? Does someone in Congress have stock with that company????????

By: Charles Thompson

Charles Thompson — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:40:53 +0000

Comments like the following are not constructive conversation.

It doesn't matter what the average citizen feels or thinks. We have no say in anything at all. At all! Just pay your taxes and shut up.

I feel bad that this person does not think that their voice counts. The Constitution of the United States would strongly say that he or she does have a voice and it makes a difference.

By: Lawrence in Denver

Lawrence in Denver — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:31:01 +0000

I would support extending subsequent loans to the auto industry if they change their business models. If they do not then consider them a lost cause.

~Lawrence in Denver

By: strong

strong — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:29:04 +0000

It doesn't matter what the average citizen feels or thinks. We have no say in anything at all. At all! Just pay your taxes and shut up.

By: al in memphis

al in memphis — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:21:05 +0000

Talk about irony– all the money the auto company spent to resist the changes the government previously tried to promote. If they had just taken some of that money and invested in leading technology, they would not need money from the government they resisted.

Bailouts is what happens when you don't control radical economic extremist (otherwise know as greedy, unregulated businesses) - Free markets are for honerable people.

By: Independant Vet

Independant Vet — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:20:56 +0000

AS LONG AS PEOPLE CAN NOT GET FINANCING . WHAT IS GOING TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. . MOST OF US DO NOT HAVE 20,000 TO SHELL OUT AT ONE TIME. AN WE DO NOT HAVE POLITICAL CONNECTIONS.

I WOULD SAY TO ALL THEM THAT HAVE PLANTS IN MEXICO . SHUT THEM DOWN AND BRING THE WORK BACK HERE.

By: Dayahka

Dayahka — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:17:21 +0000

These companies will probably be bankrupt long before March. Bush only acted because we are in a transition period, in the Christmas season, and winter is here. His lackadaisical approach to regulations and controls of the financial system and auto companies will, however, be his lasting legacy.

By: Practical Gal

Practical Gal — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:10:22 +0000

I don't know who was polled to get this outcome but no one I have spoken to approves. Let's face it, the auto makers (and the union) got themselves into this situation by not planning ahead carefully. What exactly are we bailing out? No one wants taxes increased but where will the money come from? I've heard we have to keep the automakers employed. Who are we building cars for? No one is buying them right now. For the money they want, they offer an inferior product built by overpaid employees who take full advantage of their union benefits. The American auto makers have had since the mid 1970's to come up with a better, fuel efficent car and failed. Instead, their research and development led them to buld bigger and bigger vehicles. They have themselves to blame. If this is a loan, don't look for it to be repaid. In a month, there will be NO improvement AND they won't be able to account for the money (just like the banks and wall street). I'm fed up with all of this.

By: Observant

Observant — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:06:28 +0000

My sampling poll indicates that 99% of the individuals I spoke with are against it. The one person that supported the auto bailout admits that she knows nothing about finances.

By: Cary Lacayo

Cary Lacayo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:05:48 +0000

It's not that I approve...It's the only thing to do under the circumstances. BK isn't the answer, unlike those republicans who wanted it. I am a UAW employee for the Areospace Industry and it makes sick to see this happen, while the ceo's of these company's are failing. The audacity of those so called ceo's to push blame towards the workers.

By: Ed, Santa Fe, NM

Ed, Santa Fe, NM — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:00:20 +0000

BALONEY.... polls have consistently shown Americans to be against these bailouts that go for bonuses, corporate jets, and deep pockets of executives....

By: c from stl

c from stl — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:54:40 +0000

This bailout was not a good move, neither was the financial one....

By: Becky, KS

Becky, KS — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:48:06 +0000

No. The auto bailout is not a good thing. It was the easy way out. Why should the tax payers pay for bad decisions? Bad management? The bankruptcy option is there for this very purpose. I'm disappointed. Taxpayers are tapped out, taxed to death, especially after eight years under Bush. Let the auto makers file for bankruptcy and reorganize. Other corporations do it. They're not special.

By: no more

no more — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:48:01 +0000

The car makers are dying and their burning our money for the funeral.

Stop the Republican and Democrat madness of all of these bailouts.

The government has lost its mind and is running willy-nilly wild throwing around money that doesn't exist. You want to know what started the great depression? a run on the banks because the money was worthless....We're just doing it again. If the government gave me $1Trillion tomorrow would anyone believe that it was real and I could spend it?

This is government funny money...

By: Beverly, NYC

Beverly, NYC — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:43:21 +0000

Talk about throwing good money after bad. The big three should be forced to re-structure. If you were doing a performance review for them they would be unsatisfactory. Auto makers are the only company that can put out crap year after year, issue recalls for said products only after killing purchasers and still feel they have the right to survive. The UAW are also doing a dis-service to their worker by not accepting concessions, $75 dollars an hour for unskilled computerized is ridiculous. Unions have had their day, they are now part of the problem.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:39:38 +0000

Polling: Helping invent news since the dark ages.

By: Buckeye

Buckeye — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:33:51 +0000

What about the banks? Over one hundred of them got over $700 billion and We, The People have no idea what they did with it so far. But we do know that the economic crisis is deepening and the credit market is still frozen. Why no accounting from the banks about what they are doing with the peoples money?

By: John Q

John Q — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:33:05 +0000

It's time American looks after ourselves, when we we fine sending Columbia billions to fight the war on drugs. The war on drugs could be kept out of the US by using those billions to hire boarder agents, and high tech boarder sensors instead of a physical wall. The moneys there, Americans need jobs. A million new jobs need new vehicles, and at the same time, we stop boarder crimes., helping our nation even more.

By: 100% Transparent

100% Transparent — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:31:38 +0000

I personally think they need to halt ANY AND ALL monies to those needing a bail out until they come up with a written agreement that the company is made to sign. They must agree to track and disclose all use of the money. ALL OF IT! It needs to be COMPLETELY transparent. Don't let the companies write the agreement......have a lawyer (non senate) write it and make NO exclusions to the rule of ANY sort.

If they want the bail out, they should be willing to sign it. If they don't want to sign it...then obviously they intend to use it illegally and should be shot on site!

By: William

William — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:31:38 +0000

It must have been a push-poll. I know NO ONE who supports a bail out of the auto industry. It's a bad idea all the way round. The industry has been mismanaged and producing inferior products for 35 years. They aren't going to change overnight -- if they change at all (are you listening Crysler?). The government should allow the Big Three to go under and help entrepreneurs, who would build good, efficient cars, with low-cost long term loans. Now all sorts of business are jumping on the "bail me out" bandwagon. But as soon as they are and they're turning big, fat profits again, they'll start yelping about how the big, bad government and their "socialist" regulations are hurting business.

By: BB

BB — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:26:53 +0000

No more money to corporate or banks. Give it to the people to spend. We will vote for who we want to have it by spending it where we want it spent.