Senator Correspondence

[jillithian]

Senator Coleman and I have been corresponding a lot, lately. I've sent him a couple of emails recently (along with similar emails to my representatives) and he's been kind enough to respond (or, has some well appointed staff members). The Congress.org website can be dangerous in the hands of an opinionated and demanding woman such as myself.

My most recent email I've sent him:

I oppose the $25 billion in emergency loans to the auto industry because
bad management should NOT be rewarded. These car companies are hurting
because they haven't actually had to COMPETE with any foreign car
companies due to the funds the government has already sent them over the
years. Let's get American cars competitive again! If they don't have to
fight for their own existence - like any other company out there - they
get complacent, uncompetitive and too big - like they are now.

Sincerely,


Jill

And his very informative response:

Dear Mrs. [redacted]:

Thank you for contacting me with your deep concerns about a government bailout for the auto industry. I certainly share your concerns and oppose the plan crafted by Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV).

With a major automaker in our state, I am extremely concerned about the economic impact from the failure of one or more of the three U.S. automakers. That said, I will not support any taxpayer provided assistance to troubled automakers and others in the industry that is not accompanied with an ironclad assurance that the industry make fundamental changes to ensure its long-term viability.

The fact is, the current business model in Detroit doesn't work for the time we live in. Automakers simply must restructure for the 21st century. There must be a shared effort by all - management, labor, creditors, dealers and others - in order to ensure the necessary changes.

When executives of GM, Ford and Chrysler came before Congress during the week of November 17, I found it deeply troubling and offensive that they were unable to give any real commitment to the restructuring necessary to ensure long-term success. They failed even to be candid about the amount of assistance needed and whether they will need more funds in the future. To come to Congress and ask for billions in taxpayer support without providing clear and honest answers to the most basic of questions is indefensible.

As you may know, on Thursday, November 20, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) postponed a vote on their auto rescue bill and instead announced that in order for Congress to consider emergency taxpayer supported assistance, the Big 3 must first provide a long-term viability plan by December 2. I am currently awaiting the submission of this plan, and also monitoring the work of Senators Bond, Voinovich, Levin and Stabenow who are attempting to craft a compromise.

One possibility we should consider is pre-packaged bankruptcy as suggested by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and others. Under this approach, the government would provide financial assistance in return for a bankruptcy-like reorganization that will enable the Big 3 to reemerge as profitable companies.

Please know that I will not support any financial rescue plan that merely extends business as usual. It would simply be unacceptable to ask taxpayers for their support if Detroit continues with its failed ways.

I appreciate hearing from you and if I may be of further assistance to you or your family in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate

It took me a second to remember that we have a threatened Ford plant in St. Paul (viksin and princeaeneas both lived near it for a while). It seems the more I learn in my Internation Business Management class, the less I am for government bailouts. The history of Nokia is interesting in that they came from a highly competitive environment and had to be competitive in order to succeed and survive. However, I think the failure of the $600 billion financial bailout is looming large in the minds of Congress right now - and rightly so! - and they are finally looking at it in a financially smart way. Banks shouldn't give out money and loans willy nilly without seeing how the money will be used. Governments shouldn't either.

In similar news, the recount resumes today. Looks like Senator Coleman may be beating Mr. Franken by only tens of votes. Talk about every vote counts!

Comments

[cogshiftingman.livejournal.com]

How very gratifying to receive such a detailed reply.

Why don't we just slap a huge tax on imported cars? The funds so raised could then go to help the US car companies. Seems obvious to me.

[thetim.livejournal.com]

Have you emailed Klobuchar about this as well? My guess is that she is of the same opinion, but I could be wrong.

Also, this isn't really related to much of anything, but if you ever feel the need to travel to Washington, you can get a "special" tour of the U.S. Capitol if you set it up through your Senator's office. You get to see slightly more than if you take the normal public tour.

[jillithian.livejournal.com]

I DID actually send the same thing to MS. Klobuchar, but I think I'm on her "Do Not Reply" list as she does not agree with me about gay marriage.

[verucagonff.livejournal.com]

Agreed. If the autos go, it will hurt. Big time. Especially here. But things need to balance out and get under control and business as usual will not take us there.