December 5, 2008 With help now, U.S. automakers will lead BY JOHN DINGELL The nation is debating the merits of yet another bailout of Wall Street. Meanwhile the rescue plan for Main Street -- an economic stimulus package and a loan for the Detroit Three automakers -- continues to stall in Congress. It is troubling that while a consensus developed that Wall Street giants such as Citigroup and AIG must be rescued, there are those still arguing that Detroit should not get a loan that would preserve American jobs, including not only those of autoworkers but of millions of other Americans. One in 10 jobs in this country is directly related to the auto industry, and the automakers account for 4% of our GDP. And while some of the Detroit Three's critics refuse to acknowledge it, the domestic automakers are already developing products and technology that lead the global marketplace. The collapse of our automotive industry would be a devastating blow to an already crippled economy, and could mean the permanent loss of the kind of good-paying manufacturing jobs that built the middle class. There is no substitute for a job that can make you proud. Generations of Americans who worked at textile plants, in television factories, and for America's great manufacturers could tell you this -- but you will not find them behind the shackled gates of those factories. Perhaps you will see them running the cash register at Wal-Mart or behind the counter at a local diner. Today could be the last stand for American manufacturing and our last connection to those who gave the world the Industrial Revolution and served as the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II. As the auto executives continue to make their case, we must not forget about the millions of men and women whose livelihood is dependent on a strong and thriving manufacturing sector. When testifying before Congress two weeks ago, the CEOs of General Motors, Chrysler and Ford did a poor job of making that case. In their answers and even in their use of company planes, they clearly did not appear to understand that this is not business as usual. In essence, because of the current extraordinary economic crisis, which we now know is officially a recession, the taxpayer has become the lender of last resort for these companies. The CEOs must present their thinking and action plans to match the challenges our auto industry faces. This includes communicating better the global plan they do have for success. My colleagues are right to demand that auto executives be able to comprehensively answer tough questions. Taxpayers deserve honest answers about how the government loan money would be spent. As a congressman from metro Detroit, I have seen first-hand how the companies are prepared for the next generation of advanced technology vehicles. The auto manufacturers don't need to convince me that they are on the right track, but they must make their case to the American people. Ford, Chrysler and GM are creating a new breed of green automobiles, and with those cars come millions of green jobs. These cars, like the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and a line of electric cars from Chrysler that includes a Jeep Wrangler, will be industry leaders. I know there is a generation that feels we have lost the innovation battle to our international competitors. This misperception has highlighted the need to do a better job of telling the "American car story." Fortunately, I am convinced that if America's automakers can weather the current financial crisis, they will be at the forefront of the global competition, creating the most energy-efficient vehicles on the road. Those vehicles will generate more than just money; they will create pride for those who make them, for the dealers that sell them, and for consumers all over the world who will drive them. Other countries are helping save their own auto industries as national treasures. We cannot remain a great nation unless we also do so. Our nation, our economy, and our industry have a bright future. We must seize it with strength and vigor. Our country, our children, and our future demand it.