Friday, December 26, 2008

United Autoworkers, Detroit, and your hard-earned dollars

Just read yet another account of how extravagant the Detroit automotive complex has become, what with lavish retirement plans, first-rate health care, unemployment compensation at up to 95% base salary, and $75 an hour pay rates .. now it's the multimillion dollar retreat on Michigan's Black Lake with its own designer golf course. The story reports that union dues built this brothel-like palace for union leaders and top brass .. all from your own dollars which you've spent on overpriced, fuel-hungry American rides.

It looks like the government's gonna fund this glutenous monster's habit too .. much to our chagrin. We all know who's in bed with whom these days and, frankly, it hasn't come as much of a surprise that the big three's gonna get their bailout (that's right - B A I L O U T) despite the fact that most Americans oppose it. We all knew it would happen.

I'm gonna make this one short and sweet instead of harping on how miserable this bailout is from a moral standpoint. Here's the deal:

Even with the money Uncle's gonna take out of our pockets and give to Detroit, we can still kick 'em in the pants and force them into the bankruptcy enema they need so very badly. And it's a simple solution: Just don't buy a new American car for the next two years. Get something from Toyota or Nissan; they make some really nice cars and trucks and you get more for your money. After all, you won't be funding any Black Lake retreats.

Vote with your feet, people. If Detroit hits an all-time sales slump through 2010, they'll have no choice but to finally morph into the industry they should have been all along. Hit the mute button when the Chevy commercials come on; turn the page and skip looking at the Ford truck ad in the paper, and change the station when Chrysler starts that crap on the radio. Don't even look at their products and they won't be able to romance you.

In the end, when you finally do get around to considering buying a new American vehicle, you'll have a better choice than you ever thought possible because they will have reinvented themselves. Won't be a choice.

Don't buy another American vehicle until Fall of '10. It's just that easy.