Obama Cracks Whip on GM, Force Breeds Chrysler/Fiat

The U.S government dangles money in front of two ailing car manufacturers and then makes demands. It reminds me of that kid on the playground who says "Here, you can have this.....but first you have to eat mud". I'm sure you all have read the general story. If not, basically, Obama forced Rick Wagoner, former GM CEO, out of office. He is also forcing Chrysler to partner with Italian automaker, Fiat, or the 'administration will walk away'. In so many words, 'my way or the highway'.

Obama says the government has no intention of running GM, period. I would agree, why run a company when you can make them do whatever you want without the hassle of running it? Ditto for Chrysler.

All of this is going to affect GM and Chrysler employees, family of employees, and retirees. My grandfather and grandmother both, who raised me for 20 years, worked at Chrysler for 30 years and 15 years, respectively. They receive their pensions every month and rely almost solely on that income.

Should Chrysler fail to come into partnership, and the Obama Administration decides to cut and leave them behind, what then? Everything that they have is based around their pensions and benefits. If Chrysler officially goes belly up, much of America's retirees would follow suit. After 45 years of combined hard work and dedication, they would be thrown out with the bath water. That, of course, is worst case scenario. However, judging by the past few months, I believe anything is possible.

My grandparents are part of a very large group of retirees watching closely, listening, and praying for something good to happen. Alas, it seems every time they turn on the T.V they are disappointed and grow even more wary as the headlines read grim for the Big Three.

Their budget has tightened significantly as well. They have sold quite a few of their belongings in order to be prepared for any catastrophe. They live month to month now. Travel is non-existent, eating out is eating now grilling in the back yard, and new lawn equipment/cars/etc? Absolutely out of the question. At least until their is a more clear future. They have had to buckle down, and batten the hatches until the light at the end of the tunnel is seen.

This is not an uncommon story, either. Families across the country are feeling it. Glued to their TVs and computer screens waiting for an update and their wallets on lock-down. We can only hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst.