That is the funny part; I agree with you fully that we as a nation have lost focus. The government bail-outs are well-sold socialism plans plain and simple. What I see many folks seemingly ignoring or at least making light of is the impact of the loss of our nations industrial base. Off-shore corproations that invest here have some positive impact by creating jobs, but the proceedes from their success ultimately do not benefit the US economy or our citizens.

My point is that the financial system bail-outs are very different. While they are obviously a critical part of the global finanacial system, the industrial base of our nation will be the key (as it has always been) to our long-term success.

It is my assertion that if we stand idly by and allow this critial part of our nation's economy faulter, we are done. This should be the opportunity to finally finish what was started nearly a decade ago; the cleaning up and leaning down of the American Automotive Industry making them more reflexive and responsive. If I had any say in the decision making process (which as a taxpayer I obviously don't), I would support an assistance package that would have to include the re-structure of the organizations, incentives (and frankly mandates) for domestic job creation in design and manufacturing and obviously a re-payment plan (with interest).

I still firmly believe that if the American Automotive industry is left for dead in the desert that is our current economy, my kids are destined to inherit foreign control of the nation I love and fight for. Melodramatic, perhaps but that's where we are heading....


v/r

Allen