Does this seem about right for the auto industry bailout?

kids electric car spare parts image

Abel Skivv

In most pro sports, the losing-est team of the last season has the first picks from the next years' draft so as to stimulate a balanced competition between a variety of teams - there are also spending caps so as to also not overload one or two teams, otherwise within a couple years it'd obviously be simple to have one or two teams that just dominate the entire NFL for instance, and then continue to dominate, because those teams would most likely have the most perpetual revenue - then suddenly people lose interest in watching two teams dominate the entire sport - wane from boredom, from real competition

it seems that's basically what the auto industry has been over the past 50 years or so - electric cars have been designed and built for decades, cars have been built to run on ethanol since, well since Ford built his Model T because that's what he built it to specifically run on..

but by and large, in terms of government funding, contracts and tax breaks, the "Big Three" have utterly dominated - squashing the true viability of any competition in the market

now, that they're hitting a major "losing streak" how can it be considered fair to grant them even a larger advantage now that alternatives have begun having viability by their own ingenuity, creativity, and demand

the comparison to me seems quite valid

and the idea of a handout to them seems laughable - like giving the Patriots a $100 million handout and top draft picks because they didn't have a three-peat in 2006

and then if a bailout goes through -- shouldn't we taxpayers each get stock certificates?
I fail to see how giving out "corporate welfare" to an obviously failed business concept will "provide jobs" - it's only providing handouts

Answer
I couldn't agree with you more--espicially on the issue of stock certificates to ALL TAXPAYING Americans!!! And you're right about "the Big Three" automakers successfully creating lines of ethanol fuel and electric powered cars--and keeping their secrets locked away for decades; they made cozy bedfellows with American Big Oil.

And you know what they say about bedding the Devil........

I doubt "the Big Three" are anywhere near critical financial straits, given their gleeful years of receiving juicy mega-billion dollar Government grants. Once the successful mass sale of electric cars and trucks hits showrooms---"the Big Three" stand to make behemoth profits beyond their wildest dreams; so they should spare the woeful pitch they'll quickly pay back the "bailout loan".. get up off their azzes and mass sell electric cars.

If there's any faults existent within "the Big Three", I see 4 reasons:

1) They grew too big, too fast---and got too greedy. They carried on for years like they were indestructible gods---hiring too many employees and spending way too much on equipment overhead.

2) They allowed total deregulation of their auto dealerships--who were equally spend reckless, greedy----and unscrupulous, rife with deceptive retail pratices. Dealerships gave "sales incentives" to their dealers--who got very busy scamming customers and hiring mechanics who had a "how much you got, boyahhh??" idealology when it came to per hour labor fees and overpriced part fees.

Who'd ever thought their greatest auto sales / service enemies would be those plentiful "pre-owned" car sales lots with fair sales / service pratices??? Who says nice guys don't finish first???

3) Bad overseas investments made. Dealerships inter-networked with their "Big Three" headquarters and together, they made some dumb overseas investment decisions that left them ripped clean off. And the lesson there kids is: Automakers should not dabble in banking.

4) The automakers are held as weak hostages to their American Big Oil bedfellows. Bad things can happen to your corporation IF you hint at mass sales production of alternative vehicles and electric powered vehicles; these vehicles pose serious threats to Big Oil profits.

I'm sure any one or all these reasons are being worked by "Big Three" lobbyists as "plea pitches" to Congress for bailout loan approval. But given their Republican domination of the auto market, it could be a slim chance they will get their juicy bailout $$$$.

And even if they were to get it, their woeful problems will still be there---evolving to grow larger and worse. They'll be better off defying Big Oil and mass selling electric and ethanol powered vehicles.....and they better get it done on the ASAP.

How should I handle my selfish Spouse?

Q. I am always willing to do everything in my power to help my spouse finanicially but, he will not do that for me. For example, when he's short on money paying our bills or his bills. I always pick up the slack,which I don't have a problem with at all! I've even put my credit on the line for my spouse and he's left me with bills to pay on my own. Eventually, I had to file for bankruptcy! But when it comes to me! It's always an excuse or he tells me he just doesn't have any money to spare for me. But he doesn't make that excuse when it comes to his mother or his siblings. It's like I always come last. I suggested that he gets another job part-time to pay his bills. All I got was"Why should I get another job when I already got one?" "I'm not going to get another job when I already worked hard for 8 hours already!" I've considered just leaving, but I have the kids to consider. I work and go to school and take care of a household. I don't feel like my spouse cares me. I feel like a used ATM.

Answer
In most marriages it technically is the man's responsibility to take care of the family. If he is unwilling to do this then it might be better for you to get your own place. That however does not give you the license to cheat or have boyfriends anymore than it allows him to.
Does he pay the electric, water, rent/housepayment, gas and gas and insurance for the car? Does he buy the food?
If he does these things then any other bill is not necessary.
If you have had to file bankruptcy because of bills other than house bills then something is wrong with both of you.
I find it difficult to see that either of you were thinking clearly when it came to pay for things or buy things so they do not have to go on credit.
I would not have a problem contributing to the house but I would have a problem if he made for example 1000 dollars a month and our bills are only 350 dollars and he is unable to pay for the bills. Where is the money going? Why are you all so over extended? Is it just his siblings and mother?

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Ideas, please on how to save money/make more?

kids electric car spare parts image

Blah!

Can you help me figure out things financially, please? My husband and I feel like we're stuck and falling behind, and we just want to get ahead.

Currently, I work from home and net $545 weekly (my husband nets $520 after taxes/insurance.) We don't have to pay for child care because I work from home. My son is in school all year, but in the summer we will have to pay about $135 a week for full time care.

We just bought a house, and I need to switch jobs. I'm so stressed out I can barely even deal with my family after work anymore, because I'm working 55 hours a week in a job that is burning me out ridiculously (watching 4 kids under 4 all day with no adult interaction and no vacation/sick time.)

In the job market, it appears I'll only be able to make $11-$12 an hour to start, and that's a bit of a pay cut, PLUS adding the expense of childcare.

I'm trying to figure out what to do because I just need to change jobs.. I can't do this much longer, but we can't afford it.

Basically, we will be about $970 short every month if I make $11/hr and we have to pay day care.

Does anyone have ideas either for extra money, or for cutting bills?

Our MONTHLY bill payments are:
$1340 -- mortgage
$420 in miscellaneous credit card/hospital bills (from when I was uninsured) payments
$800 monthly on groceries and gas for the cars
$540 day care
$120 cell phones
$160 on car insurance
$100 electric bill
$160 cable/internet/phone
$340 car payment #1 (I will be trading in to get something cheaper once I find another job; this was a payment on a mini van which i will no longer need if I stop taking kids)

$390 car payment #2 (we can't switch this -- we are in too much debt with this car to trade it.)
$230 gas bill (which should drop drastically in the summer.)

Any ideas on how to save money or make extra money? I've applied to every single nights/weekends part time job I can find, and I think people are reluctant to hire me because I'm not a teenager.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Answer
Unfortunately, in the tough times we're all in, jobs with good salaries are hard to come by. $11 is a nice way to start off if you're a beginner, but I understand that it is not enough every week. You could consider selling items in your spare time such as beauty kits, makeup, etc. from your own home, along with working another job.
As to cutting down bills, I may be able to give you some advice.

First of all, I've heard that the monthly mortgage should be around 30% of your monthly net income ideally. Your mortgage is pretty close to that (if my calculations make sense) so that's a good start.

Credit cards: very hard to pay off if you're not making enough or just barely have enough to survive on. Check all of the cards' interest rates and slowly pay off the interest rate that's highest. In the situation you're in, you might want to consider cutting down on using credit cards, or just living on cash alone. Living on cash is a sure-fire way to pay off your debts and keep you focused and living frugally. However, by living on cash, that does not mean to constantly borrow from family and friends and take from credit cards! Big no-no.

Hospital bills: try to pay them off quickly. they're the equivalent to credit cards if the bill has a high interest rate.

groceries and gas: since you grouped gas and groceries together, I can't help you much on this one. Try budgeting groceries to no more than $100 a week. Use coupons, don't over indulge (don't buy a $50 triple chocolate cake that's made from german chocolate that can barely feed one person), only buy items on sale (some items don't go on sale regularly like baby formula) if possible, go to stores like wal-mart, target, etc.. instead of jewel and whole foods (unless eating organically is really important to you). Try walking to places, riding bikes, taking public transportation, etc. to save on gas. Also, don't travel 20 miles to go shopping for clothes, food, etc.. if there's a perfectly reasonable store closer by and nearer to your home. Marshalls (discount clothing store that sells brand names) is a great and cheap place to shop instead of going to the mall.

Cell phones: My family has 3 cell phones in usage and our monthly total is only $90 a month or less. There are family plans and pay as you go phones available that don't cost much.

Cable/Internet/Phone: All I have to say is that not everybody needs 200+ channels available to them, plus showtime, HBO, and etc.

And that's pretty much all the advice I can give. I hope it all works out for you! :) Live the life that makes you happy and not overly stressed.

can i interview you for english assignment?

Born-to-ru

well for english i have to interview an australian adult and i havent got anyone interesting to interview so i thought id ask someone on yahoo answers..
you dont have to put ya last name or anything just like your first name and the first letter of you last you last name and i also need your age
so here are my questions oh and you dont have to answer any questions you dont want to

1)how are you today?
2)where were you born?
3)whats your favorite hobbie?
4)what type of music do you like?
5)do you know how to cook?
6)whats your favorite type of food?
7)whos your favorite australian?
8)do you work out
9)do you play any sports?
10)whos your favorite sports person
11)what was your first job?
12)have you been overseas and where to?
13)what do you do for a living?
14)if you could have any job what whould it be and why?
15)do you have kids or want kids?
16)whats your favorite movie?
17)who do you want to meet?
18)do you have any pets what are they and also what thier names?
19)where do you want to go for your next holiday?
20)where do you see yourself in 10 years times
21)do you have any siblings?
22)what do you want to do once you retire?
23)describe yourself in 3 word
24)who inspires you
25)whats your cultural background?
26)whats the best thing about living in australia
27)if you could go back in time where whould you go and why?
28)have you won any awards/medals and for what/
29)whats your favorite tv show
30)do you read and what your favorite book?
31)can you dance?
32)whats your favorite animal
33)what are sceared of?
34)do you have any word of wisdom?
35)if you could live anywhere in the world where whould it be and why?
36)what the most embarrasing thing that has ever happend to you?
37)whats one thing you wish you could do?
38)do you somke?
39)do you drink?
40)where the best place you have been too?
41)do you like fishing and camping?
42)do you believe in yourself?
43)whats one thing you could not live without?
44)have you ever faked sick to have a day off wor?
45)what do you do in your spare time?
46)what do you value about been australian?
47)what do you feel are some of the problems facing australia today/
48)who means most to you?
49)what type of car do you drive?
50)the worst song you cant stand listing to?

thanks for any answers .. sorry about it been so long

Answer
1)how are you today?
Excellent, thanks for asking.

2)where were you born?
Tasmania, Australia

3)whats your favorite hobbie?
Playing and composing music on the piano.

4)what type of music do you like?
Electric/dance, ie Clubber's Guide or the Ministry of Sound.

5)do you know how to cook?
Yes.

6)whats your favorite type of food?
Sushi.

7)whos your favorite australian?
Nick McKim.

8)do you work out
Yes.

9)do you play any sports?
No.

10)whos your favorite sports person
Nobody, I don't like/follow sports.

11)what was your first job?
Cashier at a grocery chain.

12)have you been overseas and where to?
America and New Zealand.

13)what do you do for a living?
I'm a student and receive studying benefits from the government.

14)if you could have any job what whould it be and why?
Author, because I love writing.

15)do you have kids or want kids?
No to both.

16)whats your favorite movie?
V For Vendetta.

17)who do you want to meet?
Dylan Moran.

18)do you have any pets what are they and also what thier names?
No, no pets.

19)where do you want to go for your next holiday?
China, anywhere along the coastline.

20)where do you see yourself in 10 years times
Working, travelling.

21)do you have any siblings?
Three. Two sisters and a brother.

22)what do you want to do once you retire?
Lounge around on a tropical island with my remaining superannuation.

23)describe yourself in 3 word
A lazy optimist.

24)who inspires you
My mother.

25)whats your cultural background?
European, primarily Scottish/German.

26)whats the best thing about living in australia
Everyone's so laid-back and chilled.

27)if you could go back in time where whould you go and why?
28 June 1914, to witness the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, because that would be an incredible moment of history to be part of.

28)have you won any awards/medals and for what/
Some awards for playing the piano when I was younger. More recently I graduated from college with Dux of Child Studies, Dux of Sociology and Psychology, Dux of English Writing, Dux of Ancient Civilisations. All of the latter were for receiving the highest marks in the class of that year.

29)whats your favorite tv show
Black Books

30)do you read and what your favorite book?
Yes I read, my favourite book is The Gathering by Isobelle Carmody.

31)can you dance?
No.

32)whats your favorite animal
Domesticated ferrets.

33)what are sceared of?
Growing old alone.

34)do you have any word of wisdom?
The past is just practice.

35)if you could live anywhere in the world where whould it be and why?
I'd love to live anywhere in Asia, particularly China. It's so big and culturally diverse that I'd never be bored.

36)what the most embarrasing thing that has ever happend to you?
Moving away to a big city to 'make a new start' and returning a month later with no money, no job and no prospects.

37)whats one thing you wish you could do?
Organise myself better.

38)do you somke?
No.

39)do you drink?
Haha, yes.

40)where the best place you have been too?
Mt Cook in New Zealand, it was spectacular.

41)do you like fishing and camping?
No to fishing, yes to camping.

42)do you believe in yourself?
Yes.

43)whats one thing you could not live without?
Cadbury chocolate.

44)have you ever faked sick to have a day off work?
Yes.

45)what do you do in your spare time?
Play piano and violin, go out clubbing with mates, have a few drinks.

46)what do you value about been australian?
I believe we have an extremely good welfare system. The government financially supports its elderly, its students, its children and its handicapped.

47)what do you feel are some of the problems facing australia today
Fear that Australia is losing its culture. Some people think that we need to really tighten up our immigration laws because we're flooded with foreigners and losing our culture to them. Others think that we had no culture to begin with, only what the British imposed on us. So it's a real problem, dealing with immigration laws and trying to please everyone.

48)who means most to you?
Family.

49)what type of car do you drive?
I don't drive; I never bothered getting my licence and use public transport to get around.

50)the worst song you cant stand listing to?
My Humps.

Rose R
21

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