In the interest of full disclosure, and as many of my fellow Kossacks are aware, I am a retired US auto industry executive. In response to a request from my former employer (and provider of my pension check), I recently wrote to my Georgia representatives (Senators Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson, and my venerable Congressman John Lewis asking for their support of government loans to the US auto industry.
Saxby Chambliss responded as follows on the flip:
Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX
Thank you for contacting me regarding a financial rescue of the automakers. It is good to hear from you.
During this time of economic volatility various proposals have been offered both by the administration and Congress to stem the downward trend of our economy and provide greater financial stability in our markets. I believe that a bailout of the automobile industry would be an act of merely throwing good money after bad.
Our nation's car companies have deep-seated problems and are in need of fundamental restructuring in order to address the root of their financial troubles. Accordingly, I am opposed to the proposals I have seen which simply write checks to the automobile manufacturers.
That's right, Senator Shameless...aiding the US auto industry and potentially saving millions of jobs, thousands of ancillary support businesses, and dumping billions of dollars in health care and pension liability costs on the doorstep of the federal government is "merely throwing good money after bad".
Can you explain, Senator Shameless, how you can support "just writing checks" for a $700 billion dollar Wall Street bailout for your special interest buddies, but $25 billion to save hundreds of thousands of jobs is "merely throwing good money after bad"?
Senator Shameless, your financial naivete' is astonishing. A reputation for being utterly stupid has manifested itself in your unwillingness to support the US auto industry.
We have to defeat this man and take him down so decisively that he will never rise from his political grave.
If you know anyone in Georgia who is an auto or auto-industry related employee, retiree, or UAW member, please forward a link to this diary or let them know Saxby Chambliss refuses to support the US auto industry.
Although it's anecdotal, yesterday I voted early and was extremely disappointed at the sparse turnout. We absolutely have to double down and make sure all Democratic and Democratic leaning voters in Georgia are contacted and urged to vote for Jim Martin Dec 2 or in early voting now underway. Many are unaware there is even a runoff.
If you are a local, you can come to the Democratic Party of Georgia offices at 1100 Spring St. NE in Midtown to phone bank. If you live out of state or prefer to call from home, there is a Martin phone banking tool now operational on the Obama website here.
You can also help Jim Martin by donating here.
Help GOTV now! Send Saxby Shameless packing on December 2!