A 30/40 Vision

Written by: Thomas Janowski on Feb 18, 2009 11:40 AM EST

When I first became aware of Howard Dean--the little known former Governor of Vermont running for President--I would listen to his speeches and I would listen to him answer questions.  At first I thought he was in trouble in the way he answered questions.  It seemed that maybe he was dodging questions just like a seasoned political pro.  But something else was going on--something quite unique.  When asked about crime and the need to build more prisons, Howard would start talking about his Success By Six program.  It took some patience, but I finally got it.  Dean saw the entire picture, past, present & future.  His mind tied everything--even things that seemed unrelated--together. 

Unfortunately, I'm not convinced we are seeing that type of vision from Obama--at least not yet.  Or maybe it is just another case where the ultimate goal is still hidden by clouds--for me.  Maybe Obama is tying everything together.  Let's hope.

One topic that needs vision is the continued effort/need to bail out the auto industry.  Once again, GM and Chrysler are extending a hand and asking for money.  I hope it is as humiliating for them as it should be.  High powered and highly paid executives crawling to Washington DC to admit their management has been a failure for decades.  (Don't worry, I don't really believe Detroit executives think they are failures--they are too out of touch to think or believe that.)

The warnings have again been sounded.  GM and Chrysler executives revealed the cars they believe will fuel their turnaround and those vehicles reveal more "head in the sand" mentality.  GM showed off production photos of the Cadillac CTS Coupe--an expensive, luxury car that cannot be considered fuel efficient by any stretch of the imagination.  Chrysler was even worse, showing off their redesigned large Jeep and Chrysler's biggest car, the 300.  Again, neither inexpensive or fuel efficient.  What is the message they are trying to send?  "WE DON'T GET IT?"  Where are the small fuel efficient cars?  Where's the future?  Where's the concern for the environment?

I think Obama needs to take an entirely new approach to the auto industry bailout--one that centers on the consumer, not the unions or the car companies.  Whether Americans know it or not, the easiest way to have more money is to conserve it.  One great way to conserve money would be to buy less gasoline.  One way to buy less gasoline is to drive less, but the more realistic approach would be to put programs in place that urge Americans to trade in their SUVs that get 15/20 city/highway mpg for something American made that gets 30/40 city/highway mpg.  Many will automatically say this just isn't possible--but then, many said Obama could never get elected.  Whether the new fuel efficient car is a hybrid or a diesel or just extremely small, think of the money left over from not having to pay so much for gas.  That kind of cash is an instant kick to the economy.  It is extra money consumers would have every week. 

Obama needs to encourage citizens to become more fuel efficient.  That needs to be the cornerstone of any stimulus for the auto industry.  I believe Obama needs to also judge the progress of the auto industry the entire time he is in office.  All too often, each new model or redesign is larger and heavier.  Why?  Shouldn't we view progress as cars staying the same size, but weighing less and getting better gas mileage with each redesign?

If this is truly the time for change, let's have trickle up economics.  Let's encourage consumers to trade in those SUVs.  Let's show consumers a great way to have extra cash in their pockets to further spur the economy.  Let's reduce our need for Middle Eastern oil.  Let's help the environment.  Let's focus on the entire picture--the past, present and future.

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