So where are all of these migrant workers going to work here in Michigan that are being recruited in Texas and Florida by Jen Jen and her mob at our expense? Migrant auto workers?
It's been awhile for me posting here, but I still lurk from time to time. My God - what has happened to Michigan?!? o No: I read all sorts of automotive history and find out where manufacturing plants are - or were - and while I can understand (sort of) why so much has folded up I just really hate it. Here in the Chicago area we used to have companies that made consumer electronics, like Zenith - one grandfather worked for them and the other had a T.V. repair business that did major work on Zeniths. With just about ALL home entertainment electronics now made IN CHINA there is NOTHING except perhaps really high end stereo stuff made here. I really feel that in 20 years the auto industry in this country will go the way of consumer electronics. In some ways it's beyond belief. Back to Michigan - it's like a car wreck, except it is a wreck of the whole industry. And Detroit being such a black hole for funds....it's just sad what a great town Detroit was. Check out "The ruins of Detroit" some time - if you dare, do a web search. I myself thought of relocating to Detroit years ago, "Wow - a Victorian Mansion for $20k!" but I have 4 cousins and other friends in the metro area who said it's so bad they just need to be bulldozed. Only ONE company (Chrysler) still has a plant in Detroit proper. I could go on and on. I do feel our economy IS doing well - but not in Michigan, and that saddens me. I have always been proud to say where our cars were built: Oh, my 68' Hurst - made in Lansing. 95' Skylark - Lansing. 69' Grand Prix - Pontiac. 231 C.I. V6 ENGINE, which I refer to as a BUICK 6 in my wife's 2001 Monte Carlo - built in a plant in Flint that was opened in 1905 and due to close in 2009! I should add - not just made, but designed and engineered in MICHIGAN! Some would look at me funny, and I'd say, "What?!? Where is your car made? Toyama?" (My Chevy cop cars were made in either Atlanta or Arlington, TX.) I personally have just switched jobs for more money and a shorter commute - from 24 miles to 2.5 (geez - I could drive a jet car to work, or maybe a Max Wedge, but I'd foul plugs :grin: ) and since I work in the lighting industry this new company deals in LED strip lights, high tech cutting edge stuff - business is BOOMING! As such I hope to have my GP running this year and may make Stanton, although I might just "Shibe" the body work/paint job. I should also add that I've narrowly supported a home with just my income as my wife and I tried to have kids - the kid thing probably isn't going to happen so my wife is back to work after being out of the workforce for several years. She too is close to home. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, yes, times are tough for many of you - do what you can to economize (the short commute does wonders) but don't sell your soul or your dream - car, in this case. KEEP THE FAITH! :TU:
It's a shame to hear of the rough times that my friends are going through. I wish you all the best as the Motor City has taken a hit and sucked the blood out of what is left in the great state of MI. I can only say that my experience in the transportation industry after 911 had put me right where you guys are. A disappearing job with unknown alternatives? I found that that the change was positive and made me more flexible for the next industry down turn that I'll see in 5-10 years. I just think that a job for life doesn't exists anymore. Everything is in constant change. No such thing as security. No security just means more responsibility on my behalf. 20 year plans are now 5 year plans because life changes so fast. The union thing................Sometimes you need one to counter act bad management. Never seen a CEO be over paid while taking money from the help. LOL...................ou: It will be interesting to see of the big 3 were to shed their health care, could they compete with non union car companies? I say no because after I buy their product they they treat the customer like the politicians do. The American car company's and dealerships pretty much emphasized that if you don't like it take a number and get in line. They better reinvent themselves and quick. I think it is going to get worse before it gets better. If it isn't good in the good times it's going to dump in the bad times. Thanks for letting me rant. Jim
