The irony in Detroit’s plea for taxpayer money

Does anyone else see the irony in GM, Ford, and Chrysler begging the federal government for money?

This is the same industry that has fought government intervention and regulation for decades. The three companies have spent millions lobbying our leaders to have the most relaxed laws and environmental policies possible. They wanted as little interference as possible from Washington.

And, the leaders representing the major manufacturing plants for the Big 3 have been all too happy to do everything possible to shield the industry. No matter the party, these leaders have blocked and fought all initiatives to make greener cars, to increase fuel efficiency and to limit pollution.

Now it’s these very companies and the congressman and senators who represent them who are pleading with the federal government to write them a big, fat check. Now, that they are in dire straights they are welcoming government intervention. They are now all too happy to do whatever it takes to get taxpayer money to keep them afloat.

I’m not sure what the right answer is to this problem. Perhaps a bailout for Detroit will save thousands of jobs and keep the economy going. Or perhaps it will be another colossal waste of our money. But, I am sure of one thing. It takes some real guts (to use a tame word) to fight Washington for years only to come begging for their help when the end is near. It makes it hard to feel much sympathy for Ford, GM, and Chrysler.