Autoblog is Slightly Miffed at TTAC– With a Vengeance!

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

After Peter DeLorenzo’s fusillade, Autoblog’s TTAC upbraiding comes as something of a relief. As we’ve been picking on Sam Abuelsamid for some time (in the most morally self-righteous sort of way), I suppose it’s only fair that he takes his shot at our generally, shall we say, “skeptical” attitude towards a Detroit bailout. Of course, he can’t mention us by name… “Those cheering for Detroit’s demise may want to reconsider,” the headline chides, ever-so-gently. Bless. “Many analysts and commentators have seemingly been cheering for the imminent demise of the Detroit-based automakers. Something that needs to be realized amidst all this talk of low-interest loans and bailout money is how interconnected the auto industry is and how it affects our economy as a whole.” Not to offend Sam’s delicate sensibilities, but I don’t recall many commentators– here or otherwise– saying “fuck ’em.” But hey, he did say “seemingly,” and we like that kind of humility. And it could be, yes, wait, it is, time for an Autoblog Cassandra Watch! “Yes, the Detroit 3 have made a lot of stupid product decisions over the years and wasted a lot of money, but allowing the free market to pull them under will create a ripple effect that reaches more than just the shores of the Detroit River.” Nasty free market! Don’t you just HATE IT? Well, some people do. They may want to reconsider. You know; take a look around and ask themselves, well, how did I get here?

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Dougjp Dougjp on Nov 12, 2008

    Oh, that cheerleader....um, oh, sorry, was there an automotive story here too? Or just kids playing games? I know, its a journalist thing. I can't concentrate at the present time :)

  • JuniorMint JuniorMint on Nov 13, 2008
    Shall I link to the comment today that essentially said that the Japanese are smarter than people in Michigan? Not to nitpick, but if we're going by international standardized test scores, the Japanese ARE smarter than people in Michigan. Does it still count as an "attack" if it's true? Or does that label apply to anything you're not happy about?
  • Barberoux Barberoux on Nov 13, 2008

    “fuck ‘em.” That’s a bit blunt. GMs demise will cost many jobs but is it right for the government to prop up poor business practices. GM had years to change their product line to add more fuel efficient cars but the easy profit was in trucks and SUVs so they ignored the writing on the wall and profiteered. American businesses fail because they don’t invest money back into their products. They don’t continually improve. Pioneers stereos succeeded because they were a better product at the time and if they don’t keep up with the competition they will be out of business. If given a choice between two equal products I would buy American but often the American product is junk. If the government wants to put money into the car companies they could offer tax credits for trading in gas guzzlers for fuel efficient cars. They could offer research grants into hybrid technology. They could offer low interest loans for buying domestic fuel efficient cars. Just giving Detroit cash would only cause executives to buy pants with deeper pockets they can stuff. Giving GM cash would reward the piss poor management that got GM into their difficulties.

  • Dilbert Dilbert on Nov 13, 2008

    talk about a buttaface!

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