The Big Three, R.I.P.

So sad and yet so predictable to watch Detroit’s Big Three on their knees pleading for money. It really makes me angry that so many politicians of both parties enabled this sordid behavior for years instead of forcing them to deal with reality and establish a future. All those years lobbying to get SUV special treatment, to circumvent fuel standards, etc.. for short term profit while they were sawing their own legs off. Just pathetic.

But I really care about the state of Michigan and hope that somehow reason can persevere and a solution be found.

The following is from Thomas Friedman’s NYT column… couldn’t agree more and I have been saying similar things for years…

The blame for this travesty not only belongs to the auto executives, but must be shared equally with the entire Michigan delegation in the House and Senate, virtually all of whom, year after year, voted however the Detroit automakers and unions instructed them to vote. That shielded General Motors, Ford and Chrysler from environmental concerns, mileage concerns and the full impact of global competition that could have forced Detroit to adapt long ago.

Indeed, if and when they do have to bury Detroit, I hope that all the current and past representatives and senators from Michigan have to serve as pallbearers. And no one has earned the “honor” of chief pallbearer more than the Michigan Representative John Dingell, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who is more responsible for protecting Detroit to death than any single legislator.