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The Big 3 and the domestic issues that will affect them

1221 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM

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Messages Page 123 of 123

#1212 of 1221 Re: What's the most important issue effecting the Big 3 ??? [jd10013] by rockylee

Sep 17, 2007 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: jd10013 (Sep 17, 2007 6:20 am)
3rd world labor, I suppose ?
 
-Rocky

#1213 of 1221 Press gets caught with pedal to metal by rockylee

Oct 20, 2007 (6:23 am)

Welcome to Michigan?
 
For Jim Press, Chrysler LLC's new co-vice-chairman, the welcome has been not quite so welcoming. On one of his first days on the job, Toyota's former top U.S. executive got pulled over for speeding on Interstate 75 in Oakland County. Press confessed he was motoring about 10 miles over the speed limit in the right-hand lane.
 
"I was being passed by a number of cars," Press told reporters at a recent Chrysler event in Las Vegas. He gingerly sought some sympathy from the officer, asking if he "could go with the flow of traffic." The officer simply replied, "You're going over the posted speed limit."
 
At least Press had his Michigan driver's license. And he was driving a Chrysler vehicle -- a Dodge Nitro.
 
Imagine the late show fodder if he had been stopped in a vehicle from the lineup of his former employer.
 
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071020/AUTO01/710200317/1148- /rss25
 
-Rocky
 
P.S. I'm surprised they even pulled him over. Hope he only got a warning.

#1214 of 1221 Re: Press gets caught with pedal to metal [rockylee] by lemko

Oct 20, 2007 (7:22 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Oct 20, 2007 6:23 am)
I'd say driving a Toyota through Detroit would be the fastest way to commit suicide.

#1215 of 1221 Re: Press gets caught with pedal to metal [lemko] by rockylee

Oct 20, 2007 (7:37 am)

Replying to: lemko (Oct 20, 2007 7:22 am)
LOL, perhaps years ago lemko.
 
-Rocky

#1216 of 1221 Re: Press gets caught with pedal to metal [lemko] by hudsonthedog

Oct 22, 2007 (10:29 am)

Replying to: lemko (Oct 20, 2007 7:22 am)
I'd say driving a Toyota through Detroit would be the fastest way to commit suicide.
 
I agree with the previous posting. When I traveled through Detroit 15 years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find a non-Big3 vehicle. Foreign cars were seemingly outnumbered by domestic brand vehicles 99-1. Today, if you drive through Detroit, you'll find the ratio running much closer to 50/50 (with a possible bias toward domestics).

#1217 of 1221 Ford autos to be built Michigan tough by rockylee

Oct 23, 2007 (10:01 am)

In cash-saving move, carmaker moves proving grounds closer to home, testing, improving cars.
 
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/OPINION03/710230332/1- 148/AUTO01
 
-Rocky

#1218 of 1221 35 mpg rule nears reality by rockylee

Dec 14, 2007 (12:39 am)

The bill also will be expensive for automakers, especially for the Big Three, which have lost more than $25 billion in the last two years. The Bush administration said a similar increase could cost the auto industry $114 billion over a decade, including $85 billion for the Big Three. General Motors Corp. said it will cost the company more than $40 billion.
 
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/AUTO01/712140358/1148-
 
GAGRICE, what do you think pal ???? Looks like a giant mess !!!!
 
-Rocky

#1219 of 1221 Detroit 3 plan: by rockylee

Dec 18, 2007 (6:38 pm)

Slash output
If you're a Detroit 3 dealer, don't expect a blowout factory sale this winter. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are planning big first-quarter production cuts -- a clear sign they want to limit factory rebates.
 
-Rocky

#1220 of 1221 Iconic Explorer embarks in new direction by rockylee

Jan 07, 2008 (12:56 am)

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/AUTO01/801050443/1364-
 
I thought we would never see a Explorer, again !!!
 
-Rocky

#1221 of 1221 Excellent Commentary... by lemko

Feb 14, 2008 (11:06 am)

...from a poster at the WalmartBlows site:
 
Those who grew-up as Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation” sacrificed a great deal before and during World War II, to protect us from Nazism and Fascism, but they were greatly rewarded at the end of the conflict. The domestic factories which had pulled together for the war effort had reversed back into peacetime activities, providing good jobs for many a returning vet. Inflation was on the low side, and colleges were more affordable. Then there was the GI Bill which funded many a higher education for a returning vet. Even those who didn’t take advantage of Uncle Sam’s offer, found good jobs in manufacturing and other disciplines. It was a time of boom - both in housing and in birth rates. However, as the “Greatest Generation” depart, so do the good times in the job and career market. Under current laws, corporations have become worldwide behemoths beholding to nobody. Most factory work is now shipped overseas for cheap labor to be resold here. The benefit - products cost less, the cons - more people are laid off, and those with only a high school education are being relegated to part time minimum-wage, working for multinational discount stores who only offer pseudo benefits at best.
 
We’ve gone from the “Greatest Generation“, to the “Free Love Generation“, to the preppy “Me Generation” to the “X-Generation” and going directly into the “Sold-Out Generation” and after that, into the trash. Right now, we are worried that America will soon have a sign on the pedestal of Lady Liberty saying “Foreclosed!...Best Offer Accepted” by the World Banking community.
 
Sadly, much of the last few generations of middle to lower classes are not encouraging their children to be bullish about their futures. Too many parents who spent their youth in the “Hippy Culture” and dropped out, have children that are dropping out because they see no hope in their future. I guess you might call the next generation, “The Accept It Generation” as they adapt to a life of second, and later, third world status.
 
The past eight years under the Bush Administration has been a travesty for America - it shows what can happen when we make poor judgments in picking a President. And the "No Child Left Behind" program is a sick joke. It was only campaign rhetoric, with no thought on how to implement it beyond the election. Simply ask school administrator and teachers what they think of it off the record. We are now paying for it...and we will continue to pay for it into the next Administration. I really pity the next President in her/his Administration - rather then moving ahead, they will be obsessed to repairing the damage left by the current Administration. And what that means for us is getting ready to pay the Piper with interest.
 
So, how will the current President cope with his failed Administration...he won’t! He gets a nice golden parachute for the damage he’s done. And he knows that he and the Republicans can blame the next President for all the problems he left the new administration when it reaches the end of it’s term.
 
But lets get back to that high school student of yours. What can you do as a parent to prepare your child for the future. Be honest, be direct, offer encouragement. First, get your son or daughter to understand the current dilemmas that we face at present by having a fact-filled conversation. Examples of the current political and career environment will help. Point out that a high school experience is the end of their basic training. Encourage them to research their future with just a high school degree compared to a higher degree. Even if you can’t financially help them, you can help them emotionally gain the strength they need to carry on and go forward. Never, ever, discourage your child as to what goals they can attain. A little story on that. My dad didn’t want me to achieve beyond high school...to him college was out of the question. He worked very hard on convincing me to get a factory job beyond graduation. Thankfully, I didn’t buy his idea about my future. And I perceptively knew industries had a slippery slope at best. I also knew that other than a factory, I’d be forced to work in a minimum wage job in a restaurant or store with little, and really no benefits. Our school system had a scholarship program for high school seniors, and if we were interested, to apply for the program. I did! And I went a step further and earned a limited scholarship as well. My dad had a really bad habit of opening my personal mail and reading it. So when I got my award letter and acceptance letter from a state college, he walked into my bedroom with the open letter in hand and said “I really think you should pass on this college thing” as he smirked at my surprise. I sat up in bed and told him to go f#%k himself, I was going to college! Its a sad commentary, and as parents, I hope you don’t make the same mistake!
 
No one can predestine someone’s future. In one psychology, they may not want to have another build themselves up for a disappointment. In other thoughts, a parent may be jealous of their child’s achievements might lessen theirs. But the bigger question is what right does a parent have to discourage their child(s) growth. If its a matter of (many times it is) money, offer them encouragement to seek financial aid, work-study program - and if possible, free meal, board and a quiet place to study. I got none of that - I was forced to pay rent from junior high school onward - and no, the money was not put away to help me - my brothers shared the same fate. I’m glad I took control of my own life!
 
So how do I wrap this up? Well, first, be an encouragement to your child’s educational growth - believe in that child’s potential. Get your daughter(s) and son(s) to understand the real world they face. Let them experience life with a low-paying job in junior high and high school. Ask them where they see their future and how they plan to achieve it - get them thinking! Try to work out a deal with them that one half of their net pay goes to (your child) them...more important, the other half goes for savings bonds to help finance their higher education. One note, even if a child decides not to go to college, encourage them to go to a good trade school, and seek an internship in their area of interest. I did that on my own by hanging out at a local public, and later, network-affiliated television station - my interest was broadcasting - both on the talent and production ends.
 
...at the very least, give your children emotional encouragement to reach for their dreams - and their potential. It will make you a real hero to many generations to come!

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