Michigan is a basket case because the Big 3 put all its eggs in the gas guzzler basket.

[European Socialist]

I think we have an auto industry now that will just be a niche player, while the Asians dominate because of their low costs and fuel efficient designs. It's too bad our state has had such a brain dead main industry for the past 35 years.

[Demeter]

1. Michign Is a Basket Case Because 12 Years of Engler Destroyed

the state government's ability to provide the essentials and to roll with the punches. And the Governor is still fighting all the little Engler wannabes who think they can still gut the state for their own purposes.

[European Socialist]

2. It's hard to roll with punches for six years--I don't blame Engler and Jenny

as much as I do the Big 3.

[MichiganVote]

3. When the legislature and the previous governor refuse to collect enuf' tax

and business doesn't progress to pick up the slack----well, as the republicans say about Iraq

We are where we are.

[PassingFair]

4. The administration has left the auto industry COMPLETELY

unprotected, much like the steel industry in the 80's.

Michigan is SCREWN.

For at least the next 4-10 years, until
another type of industry picks up around
here.

[1gobluedem]

5. Balance of trade is a HUGE issue

Japanese automakers can flood our markets and build factories here thanks to our GOP 'pals' including Engler but their markets are closed to US automakers. They come to 'right to work states,' artificially deflate their currency, hire non-union workers at barely living wages and meager benefits and, yes, the Big 3 end up with a problem. Reagan set out to destroy the working middle class and Engler helped finish the job by letting states like Texas out-negotiate Michigan for major plants.

[European Socialist]

6. Too bad the Big 3 doesn't have the clout on trade issues like they do on fuel mileage.