California Dreamin'

I'm reading about some hopping-mad libs today and so naturally I want to write about it. Especially because this involves the most vitriolic libs, those of California, and their UAW pals.

Toyota has announced that it will be closing it's Fremont, CA assembly plant, putting 4,500 UAW members out of work, and eliminating a huge chuck of tax revenue from the state that can least afford it right now. But as most of the state-run media is reporting on the evil actions of the Japanese car-maker, and talking to a bunch of libs and union mouthpieces, why don't we look at a couple of things from another prospective:

Toyota actually brought this plant back to life in 1984, by entering into a joint venture with the old General Motors. GM had actually closed it in 1982, because the UAW would not negotiate to reduce labor cost. The JV between the two companies, called NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing) was able to negotiate some concessions with the UAW because it required a new contract to be set up. This led to 25 years of very stable employment for the UAW, because of Toyota.

After the old GM was taken over by Barack Hussein, the new Government Motors was led into quick bankruptcy where it was decided that it needed to pull out of the Fremont NUMMI relationship.

So where should the blame go? GM pulled out of the deal, and Toyota was left holding the bag, and so they decided to abandon it.

This morning, the ever-delusional Sen. Diane Feinstein and UAW boss Ron Gettelfinger are teaming up to blast Toyota. Predictably off-base. Way off-base.

First, dip Diane should call her president and find out why the location was no longer good business for Government Motors. He can fill her in. After all, no one understands the car biz better than Barry. Did she not support every single move he made when he was nationalizing the U.S. auto industry? Sure she did. And why does she expect Toyota to hang in alone? Toyota is no Barry, but I would say they know a couple of things about building cars competitively.

Then there's Gettlefinger. Of course, none of this problem has anything to do with the UAW according to him. Except that they blew up GM back in 1982 at this plant to start with. Except that they stood by to collect their wages year after year of GM/Toyota losing money at this facility, with no willingness to help share the pain. Except that they, along with their elected messiah are now the largest shareholders by far of the company that pulled out first. No, it's all Toyota's fault. Right. Some things never change.

Finally, Ms. Feinstein had the gall to chastise Toyota about making the announcement right at the end of the "Cash for Clunkers" program, because it turns out that they have made more money off it than any other car-maker! Einstein, er, I mean Feinstein, apparently needs a reminder about who's idea the cash for clunkers was? Another inconvenient truth for the libs.