Brookes: The New Motown
posted at 3:55 pm on June 2, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The establishment of Government Motors has everyone wondering what will become of the American automotive industry. Peter Brookes has an acerbic take on it in today’s Times of London, which hits close to home:
Brookes has a lot going on in this cartoon. Obama and his allies have a sepia-tinged nostalgic ideal of the auto industry, back when Americans didn’t face competition and the unions could call the shots. Now, the US has global competition, and the problem with the American auto industry is huge overhead, caused at least in equal parts by bad management and union decisions. Obama’s takeover of GM essentially puts all the wrong people in charge (including himself, a position from which he demurs — for the moment) on a path to a 1940s economic model that has long since passed. The end result: a GM that looks pretty but is essentially immobile, thanks to a government-union cabal that will make the company into a museum piece sooner rather than later.
For more on this topic, read “Nostalgianomics” by Reason’s Brink Lindsey.
Blowback
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ed, you need to change the title of the post to “Brookes”
joey24007 on June 2, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I’m really glad Barry took this seriously and broke the parasitic union in order to give GM a real shot at surviving and competing in the global marketplace. Wait…what?
elduende on June 2, 2009 at 3:59 PM
The ’53 Buick was a beautiful car. Seeing Barry in one just demolished it’s value. Kind of like what he did with GM.
portlandon on June 2, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Hurts put O in the driver’s seat.
Ford has a better idea–it’s called capitalism.
Steve Z on June 2, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Like, dig the personalized license plate.
CK MacLeod on June 2, 2009 at 4:02 PM
All we have left is Ford.
So we’ll have fun, fun, fun ’till Obama takes our T-Birds away.
Daggett on June 2, 2009 at 4:03 PM
He forgot the downward cliff in front of the car.
Steve Z on June 2, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Looks like a Barack Buick!
canopfor on June 2, 2009 at 4:08 PM
He’s hell bent on establishing a noncompetitive market. Next project,..use government funding to leverage Ford out of business.
a capella on June 2, 2009 at 4:08 PM
That cartoon is racist. /sarc
ctmom on June 2, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Is that 2 doves makin out on the hood,
as a hood ornament!!
canopfor on June 2, 2009 at 4:09 PM
The dead bird hood ornament is classic.
Roc on June 2, 2009 at 4:09 PM
You mean because there aren’t any tires?
Reminds me of National Lampoon Family Vacation, East St. Louis
PappaMac on June 2, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Barry’s
Un-American
Intentional
Car
Killing
jimmy2shoes on June 2, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Expanded Beach Boys (Fun Fun Fun)
Well we had a GM car
But Obama’s gonna make a tin can now
Seems he forgot all about the liberty
Like the original plan now
So Ford is the last thing
Going cruising just as fast as we can now
So we’ll have fun fun fun
‘Til Obama takes the T-Bird away
(Fun fun fun ’til Obama takes the T-Bird away)
Daggett on June 2, 2009 at 4:12 PM
And Cadillac is the best luxury vehicle for the money. What a shame for ALL of our American technology that WE paid for be given to China et.al. for pennies on the million$. One of the reasons domestic cars cost so damn much is because of Democrat legislated regulations.
Since we’re on mourning losses, there’s another human tragedy ot to mourn. This week has too many insane murders hitting us hard.
maverick muse on June 2, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Nothing will stop the worker’s control of the means of production.
It is a necessary part of Uhbamuh’s Utopia.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 2, 2009 at 4:14 PM
There was a car company around about 25 years ago that was just like what Obama’s going to create. They made a car named the “Yugo”. The only good thing about this is I’ll live to see all the UAW go down the toilet where they belong.
TrickyDick on June 2, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Shouldn’t T-bird be Mustang in this modern version? Just sayin’.
jimmy2shoes on June 2, 2009 at 4:15 PM
The cartoon is so apropos since very shortly the nation will be up on blocks.
Dukehoopsfan on June 2, 2009 at 4:18 PM
No, No! Don’t take my good memories of Motown songs and wreck them!
INC on June 2, 2009 at 4:19 PM
So,I guess,rims,tires,and lug nuts
are optional!tee-hee.
canopfor on June 2, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Sorry for Mary Wells but it will probably be Bawney Fwank singing “My Guy” next on the radio.
viking01 on June 2, 2009 at 4:23 PM
I’ll never buy the Obamamobile built by union thugs.
THE CHOSEN ONE on June 2, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Plus never ending government mandates (CAFE standards that have killed tens of thousands, the “Libby Light”[that single light in the back window]), crippling monetary policy, EEOC, and on and on…
Amendment X on June 2, 2009 at 4:27 PM
I’m convinced that much of the reason for the majority Federal ownership of these automakers is to push a hyper-green agenda and cenment it in place. What better way to massively reduce emissions than to have a car that just sits there….
djm1992 on June 2, 2009 at 4:27 PM
I can’t believe “we” sold Hummer to the Chi-coms. That’ll be great for the defense of our Country.
Oh well, why not, Bill and Hill already gave them all our nuclear defense secrets, what’s one more?
Susanboo on June 2, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Read it and weep
What I Learned as a Car Czar
History shows government and automobile manufacturing don’t mix
Brat on June 2, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Yester-UAW.
AnotherOpinion on June 2, 2009 at 4:33 PM
I really don’t know ANYONE who would buy an Obamamobile. I hope they’re serious and either the Government gets out of the business, or GM/Chrysler die a quick and painful death.
Daggett on June 2, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Obama: the new Edsel
faraway on June 2, 2009 at 4:39 PM
My apologies to Chuck Barry:
Riding along in my Obamamobile
My suitcase under the steering wheel
My seat is sinking lower,
The engine came from a lawn mower
Can you imagine the way I felt
Being smothered by the safety belt.
hip shot on June 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Little Red Corvette now has new meaning
faraway on June 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Why won’t they teach history at these schools?
Seriously, what are people learning?
Anyone who’s done a good study of the USSR would know why things like this happen and why they fail, and why they cannot succeed.
Chaz706 on June 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
http://tcsdaily.com/Article.aspx?id=052609A
Why won’t they teach history at these schools?
Chaz706 on June 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Sorry for the poor link, I haven’t figured that out yet, but the article shows why they won’t teach history
hip shot on June 2, 2009 at 4:45 PM
When I get to the point when I have children in this country, I’m going to start something completely different.
I want to home school my children, but I also want them to have contact with other kids… So I was thinking.
Get a whole bunch of homes together where people want to home school their kids and work together. Kids meet other kids, and we know what’s being taught.
Any thoughts, ideas, comments?
Chaz706 on June 2, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Brat, thank you for that site.
As for the above quote, he should know that, when Socialism takes over the public schools, the study of history becomes warped, Statist, anti-capitalist, anti-individual and anti-American.
History is the first casualty of our public schools. Obama and his ilk want State control over the means of production. They will not stop until they get it.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 2, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Can’t happen soon enough to suit me. I just wonder how many more billions of our taxpayer dollars Obama is going to pi$$ away on the GM corpse before it’s finally buried.
AZCoyote on June 2, 2009 at 4:55 PM
When I get to the point when I have children in this country, I’m going to start something completely different.
I want to home school my children, but I also want them to have contact with other kids… So I was thinking.
Get a whole bunch of homes together where people want to home school their kids and work together. Kids meet other kids, and we know what’s being taught.
Any thoughts, ideas, comments?
Chaz706 on June 2, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Funny, I’ve been thinking the same when it’s time for my grandchildren. I’m not going to send them off the the education camps. Additionally I’ll be able to provide them with self defense and firearms training.
Dukehoopsfan on June 2, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Chaz:
I think that is a great idea, having said that, my wife and I never had kids so going through the process is foreign to me. I do know there are already groups of people doing this and there might even be some association of home schoolers. Again, I’m no expert on this. I think a lot also depends on where you live, population density, school conditions, etc. This is from a non-parent.
hip shot on June 2, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Any thoughts, ideas, comments?
Chaz706 on June 2, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Dukehoopsfan on June 2, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Just search “(your state)homeschooling network” or just ask around your community. Networks and support groups are becoming more and more common (and larger, thank goodness).
Brat on June 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM
When Barry finds the people are buying Fords and foreign cars, not Gubmit Motors, he’ll find ways to drive Ford out of business and restrict the sale of foreign cars in the USA market.
And already he’s hinting about ending the used car market.
petefrt on June 2, 2009 at 5:02 PM
And already he’s hinting about ending the used car market.
petefrt on June 2, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Just picked up my second Expedition last month … what a great practical vehicle … guess I’ll be stockpiling parts soon enough!
Dukehoopsfan on June 2, 2009 at 5:08 PM
petefrt on June 2, 2009 at 5:02 PM
I think he was referring to the “cash for clunkers” program.
Brat on June 2, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I’ll never buy an Obamamobile for two reasons…
One: The company will be run like any and every other government agency; wasteful and inefficient. Their products will reflect this fact.
Two: I would never support a communist transition of my country. They could give them out for free and I wouldn’t buy a GM-made Obamamobile.
Claypigeon on June 2, 2009 at 5:12 PM
The Chinese will be driving the cars, and we, with our Fearless Leader’s direction, we’ll be riding our bikes, in our black pajamas.
It’s a new world – trust Uhbamuh. He knows what is best for us.
OhEssYouCowboys on June 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Let’s open the betting on when the New GM will either be back for more federal dollars or strolling back into bankruptcy court.
I’ll put 200 qualoos on 2013… Barry can have this hitting the fan during his re-election year.
DrW on June 2, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Ed,
Can we name ONE bad management decision GM made which didn’t involve the unions raking them over the coals with a threat of a strike or walkout for cutting beneifts or wages or laying people off? I’m just curious what all these bad management decisions were, that didn’t have management with one hand tied behind their backs because they couldn’t cut union wages and benefits which grew far beyond the cost of inflation annually….. and are the primary reason Government Motors has not been competitive for the last 20 yrs.
Just one bad decision named, please.
Subsunk
Subsunk on June 2, 2009 at 5:24 PM
What you describes is known as a homeschool cooperative. Small private schools work well, too.
Ace ODale on June 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Here are a few for you:
–Getting their asses handed to them for 25 years by Honda and Toyota before finally deciding to make a car that can compete with the Camry and Accord
–Killing the Camaro and then waiting until getting their asses kicked by Ford with the redesigned Mustang to bring it back
–Making a series of ugly and unreliable small SUVs (Pontiac Aztek, Buick Rendezvous) while getting their asses kicked by Toyota and Subaru
–Making the bet that financial services, including subprime mortgages, would provide a countercyclical source of profits to the auto business
–Sinking $2 billion into hydrogen fuel cell research and getting their asses kicked by Toyota with hybrid-electrics
I can name you dozens more that had little or nothing to do with the UAW. Yes, GM made some very bad contracts with the UAW, but that is not why its market share fell from over 50% of the U.S. market in the 1970s to under 20% today. GM failed to produce the cars Americans wanted when they wanted them, the quality of its care went into the crapper (some of that is due to union rules, for sure, but much of it was just arrogant management that thought people would buy anything with a GM nameplate on it for too long.) It maintained a huge and bloated white-collar workforce that was not nimble and could not respond quickly to changing market conditions.
rockmom on June 2, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Chaz706 The idea of several families pulling together for home schooling is a big improvement over what we have in individual families doing it.
Personally, I abhor home schooling. A psychologist told me it is an unmitigated disaster. But I hear other opinions, also. Your idea is great since the only problem I have seen with home schooling is a kid’s inability to deal with other kids when they find themselves at college. I also believe that the parents involved in home schooling tend to be control freaks. But not all.
I like private boarding schools but $40,000 per kid adds up. Anyway,I plan to get a nice government/union job at The One’s Motors.
IlikedAUH2O on June 2, 2009 at 5:44 PM
I need to hurry up and get my new Camaro before they are banned by the Big O in favor of this:
smart car crash
Exit question: When smart cars are mandated by the socialist government (and you can bet your SUV its coming), will the international court try our leaders for willful murder of thousands of Americans who would otherwise have been safe in bigger heavier vehicles?
alohapundit on June 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM
As others have mentioned, do a search in your area for homeschooling groups.
Where I live, there are many of them and they are not only well organized, they are growing and are rather successful at getting things done with respect to the county school board’s annoyances and state regulations.
A homeschooling group meets at our church each Friday during the school year for group activities, art, music and some of the higher level subjects that a couple of the parents have the ability to teach.
Help is out there.
But even if you have your kids in the public system you’re not totally without hope if you stay very involved in your kid’s education and are fortunate in your location. The quality varies considerably from state to state and town to town. There IS some good out there outside the West/East Coast, urban, Democratic-corrupted cities. It’s just bloody hard to find.
Kirin on June 2, 2009 at 5:56 PM
I disagree with rockmom. She missed several aces like the Chrysler minivan and how MOTOWN does not have slave labor in Asia making parts, a Japanese government totally in bed with their firms, cheap US labor for assembly over here, in addition to the fact that GMAC made money for GM for decades, the hydrogen cell made more sense than that Prius (which will be a joke in five years) but The One is allergic to electricity generation (like Nuke poewr)and so went the hydrogen fuel cell (that has a fueling station in DC — or it did).
And finally, you want UGLY? You gave two examples like the Aztek and Buick. Well, aside from the fact that the Buick can’t be easily told from 3/4 of its competitors, the Asian models are the ugliest group of sights outside of a NOW convention. And try to tell them apart. And just look, look at Subaru’s idea of a crossover. In your expression, it will kick your ass. And think of the room and elegance of the imports. Breathtaking.
IlikedAUH2O on June 2, 2009 at 6:03 PM
P. S. The wonderful Prius barely made economic sense when gas was $4 a gallon. Why? Just factor in the battery replacement that the dealers kept forgetting to cost for customers. I also heard that you had to get HAZMAT if you had an accident due to the batteries. Frankly, the golf cart experience of riding in a Prius had me thinking that it ran on the AA’s out of a toy but I guess not.
Good timing and the emotion of the public made it a wonderful seller. You could have a real car with other approaches.
IlikedAUH2O on June 2, 2009 at 6:16 PM
About a year ago, Toyota dealers ran commercials for the Prius with people holding up placards reading “Yes” in answer to the question, “Would you buy a Prius again?” That got me thinking of why they would ask that particular question.
It was then I discovered that every hybrid owner must ask him/herself that because the whizbang electro-batteries have a shelf life, dooming them to fail well before a well-maintained gas vehicle with a conventional battery would conk out for good.
In other words, if you love your hybrid and think it will be the last car you’ll ever buy, you’ve got another think coming.
L.N. Smithee on June 2, 2009 at 6:55 PM
I usually have fun chatting up the spokesmodels at the auto shows (they’re an endangered species now — thanks for nothing, feminists!) and remember like it was yesterday spotting a cute brunette standing at a distance next to the Pontiac Aztek.
As I got closer, I got a better look at the Aztek and couldn’t believe my eyes. I looked at the winsome woman and said, “I’m sorry, but I have to say this. This is the UGLIEST car I’ve seen in years! Whose stupid idea was this?” She rolled her eyes, indicating to me that wasn’t the first time someone had said that to her.
L.N. Smithee on June 2, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Homeschoolers have loads of networking contacts and ways to share expertise via your community and/or the Web. (There are lesson plan websites and bibliographies of support materials available for free on the Internet.) Community homeschoolers plan field trips and rely on the talents/professional knowledge of various parents in their groups. A grapevine of sources and other homeschoolers develops fairly readily if you are active in your church, neighborhood, or civic groups. If kids are involved with Girl/Boy Scouts, you have another contact connection.
Our community has a used-book sale to raise funds for the Literacy Council. The table of children’s books is a cornucopia of terrific textbooks. Maybe your local library has such a fundraiser.
(Just some gratuitous advice from a former public school teacher.)
onlineanalyst on June 2, 2009 at 8:47 PM