The Language of a Bill

Taken from the Auto Bailout Amendment to the Economic Emergency Stabilization Act.

This is going to be a short post.  Can anyone tell me the definition of "timely and aggressive production?" Not to mention the letter that Congress wrote to the CEOs of the three auto companies making them "promise." Promises? Really? Where is the accountability in that? What is the fallout of breaking a promise? Last I checked it wasn't something that people, not to mention CEOs took very seriously. For all we know these three CEOs break promises everyday. Although we didn't hear it in yesterday's testimony, perhaps they promised someone they would give up a jet or two.  Whoever is working as their public image consultant is probably out of job by now. Maybe they can jump on board this big bailout package too? I bet we would know the definition of timely and aggressive if it called for the compensation check disbursement of these CEOs pay. We demand more specifics. I want to know just how long it will take and how quickly we will see the energy efficient cars. I doubt we will get the answer anytime before these guys see their money. 

They're Leaving on a Jet Plane

To the 3 auto execs who descended upon the Capital with hat in hand...spare me with your lame testimonials...

1. Chrysler is not the quintessential American company - stop trying to tug on the patriotic purse strings of the Capitol.

2. Your are winning car and truck of the year regularly - you are also subsidizing schemes where you encourage Americans to buy SUVs and pay for their overpriced gas. Oh, and the "backseat did not just become the best seat"...it became the home for the homeless who lost to foreclosure.

3. You are NOT equal to or better than Toyota and Honda - that is just false. Mr. Ford would be ashamed of the lies.  

So, let me get this right, you three CEOs flew your own private jets to Washington to not only beg for our tax money but also test out your commercials on our Congress? I guess it seemed to work, because you took a few members down a bunny path where they felt it was important to tell the American people what car or van they drove. As Dana Milbank pointed out, it was like Car Talk came to Congress, only without the humor and Boston accents. 

Oh, and by the way, if you want to see a CEO squirm, ask if he or she is willing to work for $1 a year and fly commercial for the rest of their tenure at the table. 

This testimony was a slap in the face of hard-working Americans...on the plant or at a desk.  So, fly back home, have your turkey next week and think long and hard about about your private jets when you are asked what you are thankful for this year. Then, after you have your pumpkin pie, read this bill, again. Got change?