Barnicle on MSNBC defended the auto workers against Andy Card...

[LittleApple81]

I was insulted to the max that Andy Card (Bush helper) attacked the auto industry's labor unions as the cause of the problem... and Barnicle defended the workers... good for him.

[Kahuna]

1. My email to Morning Joe about Card...

Subject: On CAFE Standards, Card need to STFU!

As I recall, it was the president that he served that refused to increase CAFE, gave tax credits for the purchose of Humvees, and whose administration spokesperson, Ari Fleischer assured us that it was our "God given right" to drive gass guzzlers. Oh! And all the republicans in congress agreed with these policies.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. Andy Card is a Bush drone.

You can't spend that much time near Bush without losing yout mind.

Good for Mike.

[jbane]

3. Unions are part of the problem

And they will have their come to Jesus moment very soon. Wages and benefits too high too long.
Sorry but you can't keep sucking blood out of a dead body.

[godai]

4. Yes, average salary/benefits $71 for GM vs $47 for Toyota.

From yesterday's WP. Everyone needs to contribute to the GM solution, including the workers, who appear to be overpaid by today's standards. If not, GM remains a health care and retirement company that happens to make cars.

[LittleApple81]

5. Wouldn't it be better to have ALL the companies pay decent salaries that make middle class possib le

instead of reducing the salaries and benefits of the ones who do?

[godai]

6. No, if no changes at GM, they can't survive. Toyota = $100K!

$71 an hour translates into $140,000 a year. I realize that's all not salary but it's way too much for a repetitive job like building cars. It's killing GM, about $1500 added for each car, to pay for these benefits.

Data from 2005:
http://www.npr.org/news/specials/gmvstoyota/

[LanternWaste]

7. I was under the impression than the UAW

I was under the impression than the UAW has been making concession after concession for more than twenty years... :shrug: