Say no to the UAW
Posted by ML on June 1st, 2007
Apparently the UAW (United Auto Workers union) has been running radio ads urging people to call their congressmen to prevent the implementation of tougher gas mileage standards for cars and trucks, in the guise of protecting “American jobs”, of course. This ticks me to no end. Two points need to be made:
- Domestic automakers’ staunch opposition to higher mileage standards was very much part of their falling behind foreign competition, notably Toyota, in making vehicles that people actually want.
- By churning out gas guzzlers they contribute to the rise in gasoline prices, thus hitting my pocket book directly.
And now they have the gall to ask me to preserve their jobs? Or is it the gold-plated health plans they really want to keep? Haven’t they learned anything now that Daimler had to pay Cerberus to take Chrysler off their hands?
It is often said that in a democracy, sensible policies can be derailed despite their aggregate benefit, because the small minority who stands to lose are vocal in opposition while the great majority to whom the benefit is real but diffuse, falls silent. Well, this blogger refuses to be silent.
Raising automobile fuel efficiency is the simplest and most cost-effective way to lower energy prices. If you agree with that, let your congressmen know that you support higher gas mileages. Ask them to say no to the UAW.
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June 1st, 2007 at 5:44 am
sent it here
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home
June 1st, 2007 at 10:28 am
As a DaimlerChrysler (soon to be Chrysler only) employee I applaud you. Chrysler has for years been feeding the ‘gas gussling’ fire that has caused us to become uncompetitive, environmentally unsound, and a geopolitical liability. It is only right and good that this ends. I’m working to make that happen from inside the company. I hope Cerebrus leads us unto a new path.
twoway
June 2nd, 2007 at 2:45 am
Wait one minute. Be careful how you use the word democracy. I think what you are talking about is representational democracy. Where I live here in Switzerland we have democracy and things are a bit different. Here the UAW and its little letter to congress would have no effect whatsoever…
June 2nd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Christian,
I also live in Switzerland.
“In a democracy, sensible policies can be derailed despite their aggregate benefit, because the small minority who stands to lose are vocal in opposition while the great majority to whom the benefit is real but diffuse, falls silent”, rings rather true to me.
Keep in mind that he is:
a) talking about US politics,
and that
b) this is true for us as well. why are farm subsidies still so high? why are there still so many state sanctioned monopolies?
ciao,
twoway
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:59 pm
All,
Thanks for the comments. I doubt US will ever have a “direct democracy” like Switzerland — the sheer size of this country stands in the way. However, as Twoway pointed out, a direct democracy is still subject to human follies. Democracy is not above human nature, it’s just better than the alternatives.
I’m surprised this blog has readers from Switzerland, at least two no less!
Best, ML
June 3rd, 2007 at 3:11 pm
The best way to respond is simply to NOT buy American cars until the UAW rethinks its preposterous position (in addition to writing your representative).
Excellent post. Thanks for raising the issue.