I think it is interesting to look back to the pivotal decision of our U.S. government to support 1.2 billion dollars in loans to a bloated and tottering Chrysler Corporation in 1979.
What was really achieved?
For a few years Detroit had some more jobs (now displaced all over the world), America had earned a small ammount pride in our ability to come back from the brink (it was, of course, our money being loaned), and Congress actually took a stand on something controversial. Not to mention that America found a REAL leader that was not afraid to attack the future (Mr. Iacoca).
Where are we now?
Chrysler as a corporation is no longer an American company, some wealthy Chrysler stockholders have been able to stay wealthy, and Daimler Benz calls the shots now from Germany.
They (now DCX)jettison jobs and companies as fast as you can say Heil! American Motors/Eagle Company - GONE, Plymouth Company - GONE. Now Chrysler itself is downsizing what little American workforce they have (what is happening to the Polish workers they imported to Alabama at 1/2 wages?), while the first of possibly many whole cars manifactured in Germany is rolled off the docks to be sold as Chrysler(Crossfire).
It is healthy to have perspective when we look at the present. I know it is hard for me to realize that buying Chrysler is no longer the patriotic choice, unless of course,you are a German national.
