Did you ever think Ben Stein would agree with Barack Obama on auto

[mountain_fair]

industry? I didn't, but I only see Stein once in awhile. He is a fiscal conservative, but had good reasons why Bush is wrong and Obama is right on this one. Your thoughts--especially conservatives

[American Fiscal Conservat]

I could give a rats behind what Ben Stein thinks. I still say no bailout. How many billions should we invest in the auto industry? Especially when people cannot afford to buy their vehicles now. Can you guarantee they will not fail after a bailout? No, I did not think so, especially GM! Should tax dollars go to paying for union members health car or pensions? If so maybe the rest of the country would like a piece of that pie. Government health care and pensions for everybody, WOOHOO!

[pablo_asawa]

Buying out a failing America makes sense..Pay me now or pay me later ...either way it is going to cost you..In a full blown depression
the cost of a welfare state would be astronomical

[a_wood80]

What?  You mean Ben Stein is capable of thinking for himself and formulating his own opinions?

I disagree with him, but that doesn't mean he can't have his own opinion.

I personally don't see any reason to prolong the death of an industry that refuses to adapt to its market.  I saw a commercial for the new Hummer last night, but I haven't seen any commercials in a while about any fuel efficient vehicles coming out of the big 3.  The last one of those I saw was for the Escalade hybrid.

Senator Levin said today on Meet the Press that bankruptcy of the auto industry would cost the taxpayer $200 billion.  Congress already charged us $700 billion; just take the 200 out of that.

[Jimmmminy]

Why not let the auto companies fail?  You could create jobs by putting that bailout money toward repairing our roads and bridges.  That is a much better use for taxpayer dollars than flushing it away in the dying auto industry.

[crookmatt]

I'm also a fiscal conservative, and I agree with Ben Stein.  Besides Bush has never really been a fiscal conservative (he spent more than any other president for for heck's sake!).  

Even if I knew noting about economics, Ben Stein has a Ph.D in economics while Bush was a C average college student.  Who would you trust for economic advice?

[daddio]

my 2 cents is no bailout.
i didn't like the first round for the airlines after 9-11, and all the subsequent ones either.  if it comes out of the 700b already allocated, fine.

and i want accountability, but htf are they gonna do that?

but my logic is probably flawed in ways i can't understand.  trying to keep an open mind, if you know what i mean.

[Themis]

Who is Ben Stein and why should I care what he days?

I bet you like him because he is agreeing with Obama.

I say let the auto companies file bankruptcy it will be good for them. They will emerge leaner and stronger for it. Spend the money on re-education for those who lose their jobs.

[David S]

I think they are both wrong.  I seldom disagree with Ben Stein but there are other auto manufacturers here that are solvent and in the case of a national disaster could be nationalized.  The big three have held us up, failed to innovate when needed and have been the victim of union bullying for too long.  Let the pigs die.  The stock is worthless anyway.