AL, KY, IN, MS Governors are crying out for Toyota

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Feb 12, 2010 | 06:54 PM

#31

25thTA

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 174

From: Southeast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Chadwick

Japan didn't kill our manufacturing and industrial base. China did.

Actually, before we opened up trade with China (early 90's, Clinton administration), Japan had already taken a lot of the manufacturing jobs. As far back as can I remember (1960's), a lot of everyday things said "made in Japan" on them which wasn't an endearing statement at all. When trade opened up with China, their labor was much cheaper than Japan's and they took over building all of the junk we buy. Japan's economy suffered around that time too. It's just a matter of time before China's high value products like cars get to be world class. When that happens, they'll start exporting them here and big bad Toyota is going to start feeling like poor old General Motors.

Feb 13, 2010 | 09:15 AM

#32

Bob Cosby

Registered User

Joined: Nov 1998

Posts: 3,252

From: Knoxville, TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by 25thTA

You mean about as much conflict of interest as governors with Toyota plants in their states?

The states have a vested interest in any company that employees their citizens. No doubt about that - it is in THEIR INTEREST for Toyota to do well. Got it. However, the state politicians in question here do not have a controlling interest in Toyota, such as the Federal Gov't does with GM. The Federal Gov't then investigates the biggest competitor to GM - Toyota. That then becomes a conflict of interest, not just a 'vested interest'.

Perhaps you can't see the difference?

And no, I'm not defending them nor Toyota. This situation is simply one of those unintended consequences of the Federal Gov't stepping in and essentially buying a large US company.

Feb 13, 2010 | 10:32 AM

#33

bkpliskin

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 654

From: Snow Belt, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Cosby

No I'm not saying its a conspiracy. Did you read what I wrote, or what you wanted to read?

My concern....again....is that with the government owning a large portion of GM and Chrysler (whether they are actually running anything or not), the potential for conflict of interest, or appearance of conflict of interest (and perception is reality in the eyes of the perceiver) is a valid point.

IMHO, if the situation were reversed, some of ya'll would be crying bloody murder at whatever gov't (which owned a majority stake in one or more of that countries car makers) was handling a hypothetical safety-related recall of American-made cars in whatever country it was in. Or course, that is easy to deny, as it isn't happening, but I digress.

Disagree if you wish. I'm fine with that.

Bob

Bob, was this a pun? I don't believe humble is in your vocabulary.