Fellow Patriots,
It would take most of us a while to think about one thing the government does well- with good reason. They don’t do many things well. But instead of fixing what they are already responsible for, the political elite decided to get into the car making business. The result? General Motors now has to spend $12,200 in tax dollars just to make a car!
General Motors has so far taken $52.9 BILLION taxpayer dollars since December of 2008. The intended purpose of this funding was “to prevent a significant disruption of the American automotive industry,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
This unprecedented distribution of wealth has resulted in government owning 61% of GM equity.
The good folks of Michigan certainly need help. Jobs are in shortage, and paying the bills is becoming increasingly more difficult.
What Michigan needs is a responsible auto industry that can become profitable, self sustainable and efficient in ways that provide more private jobs and economic success.
To make matters worse, the Auto Show in Detroit this weekend will cost an estimated $10 MILLION to put on!!!
Please join us (if you live in the area) in Detroit on Monday, January 11th, to make a peaceful yet clear statement against Government takeover of America.
An official Facebook Event/Group has been set up here.
If you cannot make it, please help is spread the word through Twitter by using the “hashtag” #govmotors to tell your followers about the event.
For Liberty,
-Eric Odom
RESOURCES: National TaxPayers Union has a ton of information about this.
The federal government has distributed some $80 billion of taxpayer funds thus far to the U.S. auto industry since December 2008 – about $800 per American taxpaying family. The intended purpose of this funding was “to prevent a significant disruption of the American automotive industry,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).[1] Virtually all of the money has gone to just three firms – General Motors, Chrysler and GMAC – with GM alone receiving more than $50 billion. The bailout is by no means over; GMAC is in line for a further major transfusion.
Most of these federal funds have been channeled by the U. S. Treasury through the Automotive Industry Financing Program, a part of the larger Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The funding has involved both loans and equity investments. As a result, the federal government is now a major stockholder in each of the three firms
Several folks have also confirmed that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid will both be in Detroit on Monday.
Note: The Taxpayer Rally in Detroit is a partnership event put on by United Taxpayers of Michigan, Common Sense in Government, American Liberty Alliance, National Taxpayers Union and several local tea party groups.
Does anyone know anyone in the media who will write an article about taxpayer approval of spending? Or do a poll on it? Or something.
Isn’t that what those media people do? Write about stuff?
Here’s a shoutout to all those heroes who will be winning the battle in Detroit.
I’m not from Detroit, so I don’t know how Detroiters feel about these arguments:
Do they like the idea of going to 32 hour workweeks, and sharing the work?
Are they looking to the Tea Party and Republicans for leadership?
They’re paying taxes for every second that Republicans don’t act.
Republicans could form a coalition that supports taxpayer approval of spending.
We Tea Partiers would do it ourselves, but it seems that government has stopped listening to us.
Am I the only one who talks around here?
Anyway, Kudlow lays an egg on the front page of realclearpolitics.
Washington Needs Dose of Common Sense
“And take a cue from FedEx CEO Fred Smith, who wants to revive the manufacturing and transportation industries with immediate cash-expensing tax write-offs for investment in new equipment.”
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/01/09/time_to_de-stimulate_99836.html
I continue to believe that the Tea Party is about taxpayer approval of spending.
So this comment is only indirectly related to the battle at hand. But it brings the question of consequences into play.
If we have all these workers who aren’t doing anything, why not go to 32 hour work weeks?
You’ve got a bunch of people killing themselves to pay for a bunch of people doing nothing.
My feelings won’t be hurt at all if you hate the idea of 32 hour work weeks. I’m just putting it out there.
scsguy says:
January 9, 2010 at 7:23 am
What it would look like is this:
If there are only verbal attacks GM looses another 1-3 points of market share in the next year. If violence ensues and someone is hurt GM loses minimum 5 points probably more. If someone is seriously injured or killed GM may find it’s way back into bankruptcy. The politicians know this, why do you think that the protest permit was approved for the Renaissance Center and not the actual site of the show?
——————-
All may become irrelevant as soon as taxpayer approval of spending is top of Americans minds.
From memory, Rasmussen did a poll. Something like 90% of Americans trusted their neighbor more than the “political class.”
Do Republicans really want to sit back and let Obama get the credit for taxpayer approval of spending?
Do you think he will hesitate for one moment to kill the Republican party?
Tea Party indirectly hits front page of realclearpolitics again.
Some more shoddy journalism from the Times.
G.O.P. Grief and Grieving
By CHARLES M. BLOW
Published: January 8, 2010
“The attack on the Republican establishment by the tea party folks grabs the gaze like a really bad horror flick”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/opinion/09blow.html?ref=opinion
Mr. Blow is hiding like a scared little schoolgirl.
Please stop playing with your skirt, Mr. Blow, and LISTEN for a moment.
I suggest to you the Tea Party is about taxpayer approval of spending.
Have you ever heard of representing both sides of the story?
Who do you work for, again? Oh yeah…
I will agree with you on this, Mr. Blow. The Republican party has shied from the battle. Do you have an extra skirt for them?
My apologies to all the ladies whose grapefruit stones dwarf the Republicans pebbles.
Publius says:
JANUARY 7, 2010 AT 11:22 AM
All of those points may be valid, but again, it is a question of strategy and ethics. I’m originally from the Detroit area, so I am well aware of the socialist/union mentality there. Your message won’t be heard in Washington.
Take the fight to where the problem began, not at it’s end.
What it would look like is this:
If there are only verbal attacks GM looses another 1-3 points of market share in the next year. If violence ensues and someone is hurt GM loses minimum 5 points probably more. If someone is seriously injured or killed GM may find it’s way back into bankruptcy. The politicians know this, why do you think that the protest permit was approved for the Renaissance Center and not the actual site of the show?
GM, Chrysler Ford and the UAW started this when they went to congress the first time with their tin cups and asked for the “bridge loan” to “profitability. To be fair Ford only wanted a “line of credit”, but anyway you slice it this gaggle of pirates all wanted the politicians to take money out of the general public’s pocket to “help out the industry and the nation”. In hind sight all that was accomplished with the vast amount of tax payer money–and most seem to forget the aid given and to being given to GMAC which is basically being funneled right back into GM– is the subsidization of the standard of living for the the employees at GM at the expense of the general public. A general public which on average is compensated much less than the average GM employee. Chrysler–for now– is Fiat’s problem, but GM’s continued subsidization is still the average American tax payer’s problem.
What it comes down to is this:
You are either a liberal hack and believe government involvement operating outside business law and Constitutional Law is in some sick twisted minutia a good thing for the nation EVERY American or you don’t. If you don’t subscribe to the illogical liberal mind set and are able to go to these events I would highly recommend attending.
Freakin’ hilarious article about bureacrats:
http://www.easttexasreview.com/newspaper.htm?ArticleID=755
Interesting comments and news articles out there on the web.
“Tea party” results through Google and Yahoo News pops tons of stuff up.
We’re getting closer and closer to taxpayer approval of spending.
I still don’t know the penetration rate.
How many Americans have heard of taxpayer approval of spending?
How many agree with it?
What are the objections of those who disagree?
The media is spreading the word. And yes we, the humble commentors, are part of that media.
Never thought I would miss not being in Michigan in the Winter! Wish I could join the Patriots in this protest….I will be supporting you and spreading the word online!
Tea Party on front page of Fox News. Just Google tea party, and stuff keeps coming up.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/01/08/tea-party-movement-poised-strong-start/?test=latestnews
Publius says:
January 8, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Spiking, you sound more and more like a liberal every time you comment. Your posts support decisions and ideas that are based on emotion, not logic and reason.
———-
This comment may upset a few people, but it’s better to get it out in the open.
The Tea Party will draw support from Democrats and Republicans.
With Instant Run-off Voting, all the Tea Party has to do is be more popular than Republicans.
Democrats would prefer a Tea Partier over a Republican.
Spiking, you sound more and more like a liberal every time you comment. Your posts support decisions and ideas that are based on emotion, not logic and reason.
Concerned says:
January 8, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Better have a LOT of Cameras rolling and streaming if possible boys and girls.
You are heading into the Belly of the Beast with this one.
—————-
It’s very effective publicity.
They could hand out Tea Party manifestos:
1. Taxpayer approval of spending
2. Instant Run-off voting
3. $100K seed money for new candidates
4. Not being forced to pay for GM cars!
Better have a LOT of Cameras rolling and streaming if possible boys and girls.
You are heading into the Belly of the Beast with this one.
Publius says:
January 8, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Spiking, (Junior) you obviously have not been around long enough to pull yourself out of your very naive and idealistic mindset. Good luck with that.
—————-
You know what the difference is between me and a DC politician?
I’m not afraid to lose.
Spiking, (Junior) you obviously have not been around long enough to pull yourself out of your very naive and idealistic mindset. Good luck with that.
Publius says:
January 8, 2010 at 3:11 pm
if the Challenger were to go extinct tomorrow, would they be missed?
————-
In your scenario, the Tea Party is clearly the Leader.
We have the polls on our side. The energy. The transparency. The media. Truth. Justice. History. Intelligence. Common Sense. Work ethic.
If the Tea Party were to go extinct tomorrow, another one would rise up the following day.
This does not require a bloody revolution. This requires Congressmen who believe in Taxpayer approval of spending.
“Spiking”– I know your thinking is very limited on these issues, so I’ll try to illustrate as best I can:
When you have a group, business, organization, brand, [what have you], that has an external player representing their interests when called upon in important discussions, for better or for worse, it speaks volumes about what people really think of you. It would be like having a representative of Coke speaking on behalf of Pepsi or Dr. Pepper.
To speak to the earlier issue I mentioned, the movement is still seen as an Underdog to the status quo and the media, not as the Challenger or Leader, as you seem to have asserted. The GOP makes this mistake constantly and gets their ass handed to them over and over again, just like the Dems. The quickest way to determine where you stand is by asking this simple question: if the Challenger were to go extinct tomorrow, would they be missed? If it cannot be answered in concrete terms, the answer is that they are still an Underdog.
In the world of branding, for example, there are four classifications by which competitors fall under.
1. The Underdog
2. The Challenger
3. The Leader
4. The Ex-Champ
The Underdog has no clearly differentiated brand and product proposition, competes on price, promotion, or some other functional dimensions, and is danger of being acquired or eliminated.
In this case, they will most likely be “acquired” by the GOP.
Also, Challengers do not have external players like Gingrich or Palin (Ex-Champ) holding their seat at the table. The Challengers are there, representing themselves.
You’ll continue to get a good dose of this as the weeks and months wear on, when talk shows come up on the topic of the future of the tea party movement. The names won’t read: George Will, David Brooks, and Eric Odom. It will read: George Will, David Brooks, and… Newt Gingrich, Ed Gillespie or Michael Steele, or worse, Markos Moulitsas.
Publius says:
January 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm
The status quo has no one to listen to, because the movement is leaderless.
——–
The American people are leading the movement. Some are helping more than others.
Listen! Not all employees at G.M. are liberals or democrats. I myself am a Christian.There are also hundreds, if not thousands of other Christians who work at G.M. also, who had NOTHING to do with this bailout of G.M. Saying that….Why must some Americans boycott G.M. and throw INNOCENT people, such as myself, out on the street trying to find another job in this economy? Did I do something wrong? Would you like to see yourself out of a job if your company’s leadership made the errors and you had NOTHING to do with it? Matthew 6:12
Spiking, LOL–the question is not on the topic of public support, it’s whether or not there is really a negotiation, or even a conversation, that is taking place.
In your mind, I see that there is. In reality, it is nothing more than speculative at this point. You need to find someone who knows how to take the movement from that of Underdog to Challenger. Doing so requires more than knowledge of web development or IT. Get it? It’s a complex marketing challenge. Comprende?
You could argue that there is a collective conversation by way of what has transpired with public rallies and demonstrations, but that is in no way indicative of giving you or anyone else in the movement a seat at the table, because you have no clout, no reputation, no experience that forces them to listen to you, [Eric], Steve, or whoever is attempting to assume a leadership role in the movement.
The smartest thing that anyone could do right now is to find someone who fulfills that capacity, recruit them to your fold, and push forward. When the time arrives for a more indepth conversation, they will contact them and ask for dialog.
The status quo has no one to listen to, because the movement is leaderless.
You want to rock the boat, and show people that you and others here are effective leaders? Admit that you don’t have the capacity to pull it off, and find someone who can and will do it for you.
I find it funny how people use the word “capitalism” for eveything. I’m all for capitalism, but in this instance it’s not…it’s called greed. The greed model in the U.S. is not working. Jobs are being sent overseas and the import/export disparity is sickening. All for the sake of “Capitalism” what a joke
Publius, let’s talk specifics, shall we?
1. Taxpayer approval of spending
2. Instant Run-off voting
3. $100K seed money for new candidates
4. Not being forced to pay for GM cars!
What do you think the public level of support is for each of these items?
LOL–Spiking, “awaiting their response” versus negotiating are not the same thing, pal. Wake up.
Publius, we are negotiating right now.
The Tea Party manifesto is right here, for the whole country to see.
1. Taxpayer approval of spending
2. Instant Run-off voting
3. $100K seed money for new candidates
4. Not being forced to pay for GM cars!
We await responses from Democrats and Republicans.
A lot of people just don’t want to wait any longer.
For them, the only options are declaring their candidacy for the House of Representatives. Or pooling money for someone who will.
I find it odd that you don’t have the courtesy to address the Tea Party manifesto. Are you some kind of hack?
I was looking for open minded americans and trying to find out more about the tea party movement and I find this. Of the stuff to protest you pick this.
You act like the only people paying for the show is the government and gm. Did you look at the sponsor list, exhibitor list, etc… I’m pretty sure their are a lot of people paying for the detroit autoshow other than detroit and the government.
You’d probably here about Local Detroit business’s already hurting going out because they don’t get the revenue that comes into the city because of the show every year.
The government had to do something about GM. Whether they did the right thing or not I’m not getting into but they did it. Of all the things the government’s done lately that is not on the top of my concerns. At least there are a lot less people sitting at home getting unemployment for doing nothing and hundreds of other american business are able to stay afloat during these times from GM staying.
Protesting at the Detroit show only puts a shadow over the Detroit Automakers when we are supposed to be making the world see how great our Detroit Automakers are and encourage them to buy American. It’s like cutting your own foot off.
I came to this site to be inspired and am leaving it for good more dis- heartened than I was before.
Spiking, don’t make me laugh. Neither party has any incentive to “negotiate”, and certainly not with anyone affiliated with this site.
Also, you’re helping to prove my point that the pea brains who are running things here are not as interested in collaboration and openness as they say, and your remark along with Steve’s reflects that dissent or opposing views are not well tolerated here.
Jerri Blank says:
January 7, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Is this a joke or parody site?
——–
Jerri, the Tea Party wants to engage with Democrats and Republicans.
You’re probably frustrated that change isn’t happening more quickly.
But we’re not trying to kick Democrats and Republicans out. At least not yet.
We await their reply to the Tea Party manifesto.
Publius, we are in negotiations with Democrats and Republicans. They have not yet given a formal reply to the Tea Party manifesto. But the media loves it.
The train has left the station. It sounds like you are on some other train.
Personally, I like debate and encourage you to keep posting. But I don’t think anyone is listening to you. And they may be tired of you.
@Spiking–Better ideas are deserving to those who have earned them and are qualified to lead. Of course, some don’t even want leaders, even though they are assuming that position, so I’m not even sure where to go with that.
Publius says:
January 7, 2010 at 11:22 am
All of those points may be valid, but again, it is a question of strategy and ethics. I’m originally from the Detroit area, so I am well aware of the socialist/union mentality there. Your message won’t be heard in Washington.
Take the fight to where the problem began, not at it’s end.
——–
Publius, it is important to remember that the American people and the media are on OUR side.
No one wants to be forced to pay for GM cars.
We had more front page articles on realclearpolitics today.
We have a real, positive message of change.
A Tea Party presence will highlight that the Tea Party can get the job done. And our current government can’t.
We’re in the driver’s seat, now. The American people are desperate for an election.
The only people that can stop us are ourselves. Please unite behind the Tea Party manifesto.
It’s not fair to everyone else if you are simply going to criticize without offering better ideas.
The root of the problems we are experiencing in Michigan now can be found in the free trade agreement. Remember Ross Perot? He predicted this great sucking sound from all the jobs it has sent out of America. The only people who have benefited from free trade are the rich who now produce products on the cheap outside the US then bring them back here to sell to Americans. However, they did not realize that without jobs, Americans cannot afford to buy their over-priced, cheaply made products let alone pay their mortgages!!!!
Who makes all the laws and who lobbies for these companies? The ones who are personally benefiting from them. We cannot trust people who have enacted laws like these to do what is right for America. They have proven they will always protect their own interests first. Our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves. We need to START THE REVOLUTION.
Sounds like Pubis is worried about a few UAW’s, whatever, like they want more bad press themselves.
Where ever we can enlighten people we will. The more people we inform here, the more people will show up in DC when it is time for that.
I am from Detroit and have a great deal of family still living there (not the city, but the suburbs as few actually live in the city). None of them wanted this bailout. This includes friends that work at the auto plants (or ‘worked’ as they’ve been laid off).
All of them want a stop to government intervention, in part because it doesn’t (ever) work. While the ideal is a protest in front of the US Treasury, Congress, and Obama, it seems that a protest at the auto show is less expensive and starts the message.
BTW, there is no way to survive this administration if those living there do not dump their governor. She is the most ineffective, gov’t subsidy loving, irrational person in office in the state. Of course, Kilpatrict rivaled her, but he is no longer in office.
PS What did the City Council do with that $500,000,000 that Obama sent in June?
One other point worth serious thought: imagine what it would look like on national TV if by chance the local UAW chapters showed up and started to be confrontational with your protest. On one side, they might look bad, but on the other, you have no way of controlling the outcome, including what those on your side may do, which would start 2010 with some negative press for the movement and a further indication that there is no one credible behind the wheel.
Is this a joke or parody site?
All of those points may be valid, but again, it is a question of strategy and ethics. I’m originally from the Detroit area, so I am well aware of the socialist/union mentality there. Your message won’t be heard in Washington.
Take the fight to where the problem began, not at it’s end.
I agree with Eric - when McCain pulled out of Michigan it was a mistake. The Tea Party must reach every place. The auto show is a perfect place. I only wish I could join you. I bet those workers know their days are numbers, their jobs are going to Canada and Mexico, the workers can feel the disdain in America for the bailouts. The Dem. run Michigan needs a change. Palin had a huge turn out for her book signing in Michigan, people waiting for days, just to get a taste of hope. The tea party offers hope, as did Palin. Please go.
One other thought. I move that we declare a Tea Party Manifesto!
1. Taxpayer approval of spending
2. Instant Run-off voting
3. $100K seed money for new candidates
4. Not being forced to pay for GM cars!
Twitter and email and talk and blog, etc. the above 4 Action Plans for all Americans, TODAY, to everyone you know.
Or if you have a better idea, get out here and say it.
I’m off to work.
As a liberty loving resident of Michigan, Monday represents the perfect opportunity to let Lansing and Washington know that the people of Michigan are creative, inventive and capable. But we. Need government to get out of the way. Detroit, unfortunately, represents the worst of what happens when goverenment is not held accountable~ corruption, waste, debt… Yup all that is wrong with government represented in one place. Hope and change can be found within the people of Detoit, Michigan and America, not the goverment.
Great post, Eric!
I believe there are a number of groups out there. Not to mention a couple of hundred million Americans. Who want more representation from government.
1. Taxpayer approval of spending
2. Instant Run-off voting
3. $100K seed money for new candidates
4. Not being forced to pay for GM cars! LOL.
Publius, we must stand up against this everywhere, not just in washington. This coruption is spread far and wide. These bailouts undermine the entire capitalistic system. We should have let them drown instead of allowing them to drag us down with them. I should not have to be responsible for 800 dollars worth of the car someone else is purchasing. This redistribution of wealth is not the way!
No, not trying to be disruptive, Eric. Just trying to add a little clarity to the mix. I think we both want the same thing, the question is why road are you taking?
I’m happy to offer ideas provided that you can first define your objective(s). Do you have a web site or blog that spells it out?
Publius, still waiting on that email that includes all of your ideas on how to take this movement to the next level.
Or a link to your blog, site, or organization would help as well.
Unless, of course, your intention is simply to be disruptive and critical of everyone else’s actions.
With regards to your comments, as in all other cases with you, we’re just going to have to agree to disagree. And I’m perfectly fine with that.
Understood. And it’s another great example of what a leaderless movement operating under another feel-good/ad hoc strategy will produce.
Why in the world would they think that they’re going to find a captive audience there, when so many people in Michigan, the Detroit area especially, are depending on that bailout and perhaps others like it to protect their livelihood?
I’d also venture the opinion that people there do not want to be made to feel wrong for going to the Auto Show or considering the purchase of a GM or American car; ill-timed and off-color.
The real fight is in DC, not Detroit.
Publius, it’s the locals working this protest. Michigan Taxpayers groups and the local tea party organizers.
Wendy Day is the key local organizer.
I have a feeling you and I will soon hold the record for most comments on Tax Day Tea Party.
*shrug*
Yes, but your primary audience of decision-makers in Congress is.
What you’ll find in Detroit is a lot of blue collar types who are very sympathetic to GM, dealerships and unions. Protesting their bailout there might not bode well with the locals.
Detroit also has a huge shortage of cops to protect you if one of the local UAW unions decides to show up to bust your balls, so be prepared.
The auto show is not in D.C.
Why Detroit? Why not DC? That’s where this mess all started. Congress and Obama are the ones behind it, GM merely agreed to go along for the ride.