As the domestic auto industry falls into desperate straits, and the federal government decides whether to bail them out, we need to take a look at one of the root causes of this crisis.
John Dingell.
As the longtime chairman of the House committee on Energy and Commerce, Dingell has stymied real efforts to force the "Big 3" (GM, Ford, Chrysler) to learn from the disaster of the 70s. Meanwhile, those companies have repeatedly refused to look at what was right in front of their faces. As a result, they are in serious trouble.
I'm not fond of the idea of bailing out the very people who, through their short-sightedness and stupidity, have caused the problems their companies are facing. We should learn from the failures of the current $700 billion bailout. Any federal money spent to bail out the auto industry should come with serious strings:
First, a requirement that the auto industry invest in creating high-speed, electrified rail lines for both passenger and freight rail.
Second, a requirement that by the 2012 model year, the majority of cars and trucks produced meet significantly higher mileage standards (something that could be done with currently available technology), and by the 2015 model year all cars and trucks meet those standards.
Third, a requirement that by the 2020 model year a significant percentage of cars and trucks produced run on some non-fossil fuel method. This should be combined with a public-private research effort to make this not only possible and economically feasible, but also exportable.
*****************
The problem with these needs is that John Dingell is just as short-sighted and stupid on this issue as the top management of the "Big 3". He has demonstrated time and time again that he doesn't want progress.
Fortunately, Henry Waxman is mounting a challenge to Dingell's chairmanship of that vital committee -- and you can help. Contract your House member (you can find out who represents you at http://www.house.gov) and let him/her know you support Henry Waxman to chair the Energy and Commerce committee.
