Michael Moore: Goodbye GM [Archive] - The Gemstone IV Players' Corner

View Full Version : Michael Moore: Goodbye GM

Apotheosis

06-01-2009, 03:50 PM

For those of you too lazy to read the link: you suck @ the internet

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=248

I think I have to agree with him on a few of his points.....

Having been in Michigan most of my life, I've seen how the auto industry has had an effect on many generations... on one hand, I feel bad for the people losing their jobs, at the same time, my sympathy with the Unions is minimal..

All in all, I think it's a bad idea for the government to control GM, we have way more problems than the auto industry... laissez faire and all that shit.

Bhuryn

06-01-2009, 03:59 PM

They should all just listen to Ron Paul since he's been telling us shit like this is in the pipeline for years =P.

LMingrone

06-01-2009, 04:05 PM

I don't know whether to blame the company itself or the unions. Fact is they were making way to many cars than the market was looking for.

Around my area alone, there must be fifty car dealerships. Stupid. I've bought three cars in the last six-seven years. All used and lightweight (beaters). Got my first new car a little while ago. A Chevy Cobalt. Doesn't look spiffy, doesn't go fast, doesn't attract the V. Works for what I need is all that matters.

Doesn't hurt that I get to drive an SL600 when I feel the need...the need for speed. (Not mine, I'm a poor MF. Moms lets me take it out when I ask.)

Apotheosis

06-01-2009, 04:17 PM

I don't know whether to blame the company itself or the unions. Fact is they were making way to many cars than the market was looking for.

Both were resposible...

everyone screwed over the next generation of either autoworkers or executives in order to save their own hides.

Androidpk

06-01-2009, 05:29 PM

Doesn't hurt that I get to drive an SL600 when I feel the need...the need for speed. (Not mine, I'm a poor MF. Moms lets me take it out when I ask.)

Is she single.

Jorddyn

06-01-2009, 05:35 PM

everyone screwed over the next generation of either autoworkers or executives in order to save their own hides.

Lots of dealers got hosed as well.

Latrinsorm

06-01-2009, 05:42 PM

Both were resposible...

everyone screwed over the next generation of either autoworkers or executives in order to save their own hides.With this kind of behavior, what makes you think a laissez-faire approach will work?

LMingrone

06-01-2009, 05:42 PM

Is she single. I will kick you in the head for fun!!!

Bhuryn

06-01-2009, 05:44 PM

With this kind of behavior, what makes you think a laissez-faire approach will work?

In a true free market we wouldn't be paying to prop up bad companies. Same result possibly? Sure. One just costs a hell of alot less.

Parkbandit

06-01-2009, 06:34 PM

Back

06-01-2009, 06:41 PM

A good article on why GM failed. (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/after-101-years-why-gm-failed/)

1. Bad financial policies. You might be surprised to learn that GM has been bankrupt since 2006 and has avoided a filing for years thanks to the graces of the banks and bondholders. But for years it has used cars as razors to sell consumers a monthly package of razor blades -- in the form of highly profitable car loans.

And the two Harvard MBAs who drove GM to bankruptcy -- Rick Wagoner and Fritz Henderson -- both rose up from GM's finance division, rather than its vehicle design operation. (Read more about GM's bad financial policies here.)

2. Uncompetitive vehicles. Compared to its toughest competitors -- like Toyota Motor Co. (TM) -- GM's cars were poorly designed and built, took too long to manufacture at costs that were too high, and as a result, fewer people bought them, leaving GM with excess production capacity. (Read more about GM's uncompetitive vehicles here.)

3. Ignoring competition. GM has been ignoring competition -- with a brief interruption (Saturn in the 1980s) -- for about 50 years. At its peak, in 1954, GM controlled 54 percent of the North American vehicle market. Last year, that figure had tumbled to 19 percent. Toyota and its peers took over that market share. (Read more about GM ignoring the competition here.)

4. Failure to innovate. Since GM was focused on profiting from finance, it did not really care that much about building better vehicles. GM's management failed to adapt GM to changes in customer needs, upstart competitors, and new technologies. (Read more about GM's failure to innovate here.)

5. Managing in the bubble. GM managers got promoted by toeing the CEO's line and ignoring external changes. What looked stupid from the perspective of customer and competitors was smart for those bucking for promotions. (Read more about GM's managing in the bubble here.)

Visit the link for more details, obviously.

Lumi

06-02-2009, 10:12 AM

A good article on why GM failed. (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/after-101-years-why-gm-failed/)

Visit the link for more details, obviously.

You, sir, fail at quoted links =P

1. (Read more about GM's bad financial policies here (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/why-gm-failed-1-bad-financial-policies/).)

2. (Read more about GM's uncompetitive vehicles here (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/why-gm-failed-2-uncompetitive-vehicles/).)

3. (Read more about GM ignoring the competition here (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/why-gm-failed-3-ignoring-competition/).)

4. (Read more about GM's failure to innovate here (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/why-gm-failed-4-failure-to-innovate/).)

5. (Read more about GM's managing in the bubble here (http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/05/31/why-gm-failed-5-managing-in-the-bubble/).)

Warriorbird

06-02-2009, 10:17 AM

They should all just listen to Ron Paul since he's been telling us shit like this is in the pipeline for years =P.

Along with "evolution doesn't exist." and Federal Reserve r stealing r soulz!

It may very well be missed amongst the other things he says. He's like one of those wacky Greek disregarded prophets or prophetesses (to get all GS prof title).