A bailout that actually helps the average guy
By Troublegum
@Troublegum (641)
United States
November 25, 2008 3:42pm CST
Ok I heard someone today in jest suggest that the government just ought to buy everyone a car, but hey maybe it is a thought. If we are really going to just give the auto industy a huge hunk of cash, why don't we instead just buy every american family a car. I realize that this would cost more, so maybe we should adapt it a little so that we buy everyone a car on their 21st birthday, or something along those lines. The government is shelling out a lot cash, but that was in the works anyway. So lets make the auto makers work for it and produce the cars and find a way to make a profit, the american person gets a car. etc. etc.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
25 Nov 08
That would be nice. Although, I'm not sure I'd want one from the big 3.. who knows when it'll break down... need major repairs... those things don't last that long, lol. I'd rather have the cash;)
1 person likes this
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
25 Nov 08
I'd rateher have the cash too, also note that the whole FORD=Fix Or Repair Daily thing is a bit outdated and most of the US manufactures are beating out Toyota & Honda in Customer satisfaction, and the German companies who used to have such stellar reviews are starting to have a lot of quality controll issues.
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
25 Nov 08
Well, we have been burned by them one too many times. Cost us a lot of money, could have cost me my life plus that of my unborn child. All we got was a too bad. It would take a much better track record for us to switch back to buying a car from any of them.
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
26 Nov 08
Reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, especially if they are the only source consulted. The people who write those reviews are bought and paid for. Look how well the ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor's and Moody's helped investors and banks with their advice. There is a reason why massive numbers of consumers continue to shun the "Detroit Three" and their vehicles.
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
26 Nov 08
And this at a time when most sane governments are attempting to decrease the amount of carbon emissions in the air, and in which oil is rapidly becoming a scarce commodity. I'm not sure the side-effects won't be worse than the disease.
Lash
1 person likes this
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
27 Nov 08
People are driving cars anyway, and since old cars have worse emissions than new ones, I'm not sure it really matters.
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
26 Nov 08
It's a novel idea, but I'm afraid that it won't work. The "Detroit Three" are in terrible trouble. They all have a very high cash-burn rate. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli told the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking that Chrysler is burning through cash at a rate between 4 and 5 billion dollars. The "Detroit Three" require bailouts as well as consumers to continue buying there cars in order to continue operations. If the goal is to help the "Detroit Three" continue business as usual and avoid desperately needed restructuring, then get prepared to break out your wallet because they will need bailout after bailout after bailout.
How did the first round of help given to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac work out? What was that I heard about today? Something about another $800 billion bailout package??? $100 billion of which the fed will use to buy debt issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and a further $500 billion to buy mortgage securities backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae...
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
27 Nov 08
I think you are probably right, I'm no expert, but from what I have gatered probably their best solution is to file bacrupsy so they can renegotiate untion contracts so that they aren't losing money on every car they sell.
@zshornick (113)
• United States
25 Nov 08
I agree somewhat. I'd only have an issue with all of the extra cars on the road. That would cause a lot of problems. Traffic, CO2, etc.
I also am against those early tax refund checks. Putting more money into the economy lessens the value of the dollar, thus hurting the economy. I think same could go for the cars possibly.
I agree wholeheartedly, though that the car companies must give something back in return for the money, though. It should be some sort of trade or SALE rather than the gift that it really is.
1 person likes this
@frenchcountry (134)
• United States
24 Jan 09
Oh my what an idea..
I think we all still need to reduce our driving , fuel prices again are going up , more people are on the roads since gas dropped in half or more in some areas. Why cant we as Americans be consumer wise on our spending of our hard earned dollars on fuel and fuel guzzlers. I don't think it matters what you drive as long as you are savvy about it. We have a farm and need a pick up and trailer. but we have motorcycles to drive in the summer they are not as handy you cant lock your purchases up and you have to plan shopping carefully but we do it to do our part in saving fuel. We also burn downed trees when they are available to save on our heat. Can everyone out there say they are doing their part to save on our natural resources. That should be a major concern. save money in your pocket as well.
Sorry to rant This discussion just touched a nerve
