We should not bailout auto companies

By Carl F Irwin Jr.
Published: November 18, 2008

An open letter to Congress:

I am totally against bailout money for the auto industry! These companies have not had the heart of the American public as a goal. They, along with their unions, have placed themselves off the worldwide competitive shelf. Benefits including erectile dysfunction medications and other “needs” are not a requirement for remaining healthy. Hourly wages that are 15 times the wages of non-American autoworkers make the American products overpriced.

The auto industry and its unions need to restructure their business with goals that include:

* Products that attain less than 50 miles per gallon within three years

* Benefits that are competitive worldwide within one year

* Salaries and bonuses that are reasonable and based on results, not good feelings

This should be accomplished without any money from the bailout fund. If a company fails and goes into bankruptcy then the other companies can pick up the slack.

The state of Michigan has prostituted itself to this industry and it needs to help itself overcome its own problems. It’s more important to help the poor victims of Katrina who are still homeless and living in despicable conditions!

Carl F Irwin Jr.

Waynesboro