Asking for a Handout

Lemme get this straight: The Big Three auto companies want big bucks – $25 billion taxpayer bucks – to bail them out from a swirling mix of financial rot, but the CEO’s of these companies each flew to Washington to ask for help in their private jets?

Hmmm. Something here smells vaguely of cheap cologne.

Spending $20,000 per plane ride sent a thunderous counter-signal to lawmakers and taxpayers. These companies either don’t need our money – or more likely – they’re not responsible and capable enough to spend it. Either way their words and actions are in stark conflict.

Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York said it best: “It’s almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious.”

I know, I know. We have little choice but to bail out the three stooges. Failing to do so would bring more financial pain to the U.S. Economy. There are simply too many hard-working Americans needing the jobs that these three companies create. I get it.

But I say we attach certain conditions to the bailout. Let’s leave the fat cat CEO’s without a meal ticket. No perks. No toys. No six-figure pay.

Better yet, how about reducing their income down to the level of an automotive factory worker? Maybe they should know what it really feels like to have to cut back. Just sayin’.