.png)
By Jim Geraghty, Apr. 8, 2014, Nationalreview.com
The American government should not own a car company.
That was a wise stance back in 2008, before Barack Obama was
elected president; it was a wise stance from 2009 through 2013, when the U.S.
government owned a large but gradually shrinking portion of General Motors
stock; and it is a wise stance today. Sadly, those who liked the era of
“Government Motors” are determined to avoid any serious examination of that
policy — perhaps because President Obama and his fans have persuaded themselves
that the auto-industry bailout was one of the biggest successes of his
presidency.
That argument was metaphorically kicked in the crotch this
month when the public learned that GM continued to make cars with a
life-threatening defect during the era of government ownership. Joe Biden liked
to boast, “Osama bin Laden is dead and GM is alive!” Indeed he is dead, and so
are 13 people
who were involved in car accidents linked to a defective ignition switch.
Automakers recall cars with some regularity, but this episode
is different in scale, seriousness, and skullduggery. In mid-February, GM
announced the recall of almost 800,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s,
because of a flaw in the ignition switch. GM explained that a heavy key
ring or key chain can pull the key into the Off position if the car hits a
bump. This would turn the engine off, creating high risk of an accident; even
worse, the car’s power steering, power-assisted brakes, and airbags won’t
function with the engine off.
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement