Bailout Watch 535: Nader: PTFOA "Unsafe at Any Speed"

According to the Detroit Free Press, opposition to the Presidential-Task-Force-on-Automobiles-administered Motown meltdown mishegos is “growing.” Who’d a thunk it? But wait! “They” are not voters fed up with dozens of bailout billions shoveled down a Chrysler and GM-shaped rathole. Nor are “they” free marketeers objecting to a sitting president telling a CEO to take a hike. Nope, the Freep is referring to Congress critters representing the Chrysler and GM dealers terminated with extreme prejudice. “Dealers were the focal point of a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday under Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., where industry critic Ralph Nader said the rescue plans were ‘a conclusive death star to tens of thousands of jobs.'” When asked by Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, whether Obama’s auto task force was “unsafe at any speed,” Nader, author of a 1960s exposé by the same moniker on the dangers of the Chevy Corvair, replied: “Can we please stick with my metaphor?” No, seriously, he said, “Yes—worse than that.” Which is almost as nonsensical. [NB: Is there such a thing as a non-conclusive Death Star?] Anyway, here’s what makes this particular special interest group so special . . .

The concern reflects the deep political connections of auto dealers. In the 2007-08 cycle, domestic car dealers and their lobbying arm — the National Automobile Dealers Association — accounted for more than $9 million of the $18 million in federal campaign contributions overall from the automotive sector, according to figures compiled on OpenSecrets.org, the Web site run by the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics.

No question: this is going to get ugly—and stay ugly. For a very long time.