So the CEO’s for the “Big-3” domestic autos were back in Washington this week to throw themselves on the mercy of our all-knowing, all-seeing Senators, most of which don’t know a disc-brake from a radiator.
All of this has been a nauseating process to watch. First, that these companies are even in this position, but secondly, and even more disturbing, is seeing a bunch of puffed-up politicians who are literally enjoying having these big-wigs begging in front of them. And how sick is that?
The final straw for me was when one of the Senators, I forgot which, wanted to know the travel plans of each of these CEO’s returning to Detroit. He wanted to make damn sure that there wasn’t a corporate jet stashed behind a hanger somewhere in Washington, set to whisk these guys away, and that they were ready to get back in the Malibu and head for the Interstate! He actually asked each one of them in order how they were returning home!
I tell you this; there is a sickness in America when we take delight in tearing down executives and others for their personal successes. Yes, I understand that there were many mistakes by these automakers, but 90% of those are part of a legacy of short-sightedness and caving-in to big labor by their long-ago predecessors. These guys today are smarter and tougher, but the past has finally caught up with them in the middle of this recession, and they’ve inherited the mess. These companies are not in trouble because of decisions made five or even ten years ago. These are not the thieves of Wall Street (who by the way, did get a bailout!).
So in typical Socialist fashion, the libs resent the CEO’s, and secretly have a little gleam in their eye when they insist on these execs stopping at Burger King in there hybrids! Don’t think they don’t! Can you imagine how badly they’d like to see the same for the chiefs at Exxon-Mobil or Chevron?!!
There isn’t one single UAW job that is going to be saved by having these guys sell the corporate jets. In fact, jobs will be lost. What about the maintenance and flight crews for them? What about the few business aircraft builders left in the U.S.? Who do they think buy most private aircraft anyway? Not individuals. Not even Senators with their wealth. Corporations do!
But so many people today just can’t stand to see others having what they do not. So they tear them down!
I’ve flown in corporate jets. Employers in my past have owned them, and I’ve had the rare privilege. But now in my particular industry, few companies still have them, but why should I have resentment for those that still do? I admire their success. We should all admire their success. This is what makes America great.
I remember driving by the new Chrysler Technical Center when it was being built. It was huge, impressive and yes, even ostentatious. The CEO’s office was right behind the big glass Pentastar at the top of the tower. And then I can recall being in Mexico on a business trip one time and seeing two beautiful GM-owned business jets sitting, gleaming on the tarmac in such stark contrast to the poor surroundings of the country around it. Why would you not feel pride at either of these sights? But some people just can’t stand that. There are Senators in Washington who would rather see the CEO of Ford, pumping gas in his Focus on the way to his next meeting, then stepping out of a big shiny jet. These are the new Socialists stinking up our government today, and voted-in by the same.
Don’t think I’m conflicted on this issue. I’m still against a bailout, mostly because I’m afraid it will only prolong the issue and have this same pleading and begging happening all over again in six months, but also because the bailout itself is a government controlling way too much. No, it’s time to take these companies down to the foundation and start anew, as painful as it might be.
And I hope to God they come back stronger than ever.
The same capitalism that allows the success of shiny corporate jets also allows for failure. And our government was not intended to ever step into the path of either of those things. This government needs to get the hell out and stay out. So go ahead and deny the automakers their loans Mr. Senator sir, but when you have that next meeting with Mr. Exxon, don’t you dare challenge his profit!
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