Tomorrow the three Detroit car companies get to come back to Congress and try to ask even more politely for $25 billion in order to keep the lights on in some way or another. Â While I had lots of fun the last time they came to town, they really need to get this right. Â The impact of even one of these companies failing outright is massive and (for me at least) unmeasurable. Â Whole towns will suffer if the local plant closes, as at least some surely will. Â These guys have to show some real willingness to change everything about their companies, or they will be laughed out of the room again.Â
I think that the right approach by the car companies will tip things even farther towards wise energy use, renewable technologies and a better environment. Â Cars and transportation are big energy consumers of course, but I think that the sheer visibility of cars and trucks on the road will help to change the day to day thinking of people for the better. Â
I think that later we will look back on events like this with a different perspective. Â Like maybe we will look back in awe and say wow, those guys were in a tight spot and they really made the right decision and look at how much better things are now. Â
Or you never know, they might take the frigging private jets again. Â Actually it seems that at least the Ford CEO learned his lesson, and will be driving to Washington this time. Â Probably in a huge honking special SUV that runs on baby seals and styrofoam.