The Big Three
They've put out some cheap crap in the past few decades, but they didn't go under (except for Chrysler, almost). Yeah, they lost sales to the other makers, but they stayed afloat. And now they've seen the light and are making decent, reliable cars. So why they goin' under? All I know is the UAW hourly worker salary (all 3 corps.) is $73.20/hr, yeah, and Toyota's hourly rate is $48.00/hr. Just read that today and was amazed. That sure isn't helping.
And now that gas prices are down, I personally am not being affected by this economic downturn whatsoever, except for my 401K and home value, which I'm just going to ride out. Oh sure, costs and prices have gone up, but not at inflationary rates, and so has my salary. So why are people not buying cars? WE ARE! Are we so special, all financially independent? I think not.
Jobs
And to keep jobs in the U.S., how about we lower the corporate tax rate which is the highest, or at least one of the highest, in the world. Who can blame them for going elsewhere to munufacture. But now, the new administration is not only not going to reduce those taxes, but close corporate loopholes...goodbye more jobs!!
Whatever the answer is, the light at the end of the tunnel is still in the far distance.
2SS/RS Black/Black w-Cyber Gray stripes/Auto ordered-10/18/08