iSpeak: U.S. Automakers

Issues + Action
1199SEIU iSpeak
iSpeak: U.S. Automakers

The Big Three US automakers—Ford, GM and Chrysler—are asking Congress for a bailout of $25 billion in taxpayers’ money. Some supporters of the financial industry bailout oppose helping Detroit. They blame Detroit's troubles on expensive union labor and the over reliance on large, gas-guzzling vehicles like SUVs. Their recommendation is to let the U.S auto industry die because it can't compete with foreign manufacturers' hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars.

But some argue that the automobile industry must be saved because it is manufactures an essential product, unlike Wall Street, which produces nothing. During his campaign, President-elect Obama indicated his support for saving the Big Three in exchange for the industry retooling itself to produce hybrids, electric cars and other fuel efficient cars.

What do you think? Should the government—that is, the taxpayers—bail out the Detroit auto industry? If so, under what conditions? If not, why not?

Spending the Obama campaign deployed in Michigan, I had a close-up view of the disastrous affects of layoffs by the Big Three auto makers. If we are going to bail them out there has to be serious oversight and accountability. This country needs a "bail out" of our health care industry more then anything. Facing a 15 billion dollar deficit in New York Sstate should prove that much.

David Holmes
Patient account representative
Maimonides Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY

The Auto Industry must be saved. If it goes under, millions of people will be out of work. The government would then have to spend millions on unemployment benefits.

Calvin Kitay
Medical technologist
New Island Hospital
Bethpage, NY

I believe the auto makers should be bailed out only to the extent of their ability to sell the cars they produce. If there is no a viable market for their products, it would be throwing money away. In this case, the money may be better spent retraining the workers in other industries where there is a need for them.

Horace Thomas
RN
Beth Israel Medical Center
New York City

They should be bailed out but only under strict rules. For example, no big bonuses, no layoffs, and plans to manufacture cars that are fuel-efficient. And please stop making those disgusting SUVs that take up the parkways, parking spots, and are a hindrance for viewing the road when you are behind them.

Marie Christensen
CNA
Mary Manning Walsh
NYC

Over half-a-million employees lost their job in the month of November alone, which spiked the unemployment rate close to seven percent. If we should allow the Big Three auto makers to die would obviously result in an economic disaster added to the already fragile economy. The only option is to bail them out, but it must come with a cost that it is taxpayers’ money and it is not Free.

Lynvol Williams
Psych aide
Healthcare
Rosedale, NY

I agree with President-elect Obama. But Iam also concerned about the many people who will lose their jobs if they are not bailed out. I further think that the people at the top should be replaced for their abuse.

Sandra McCoy
Telecommunications clerk
Montefiore Medical Center-Weiler Division
The Bronx, NY

What do you think?
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