The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 5 of 17)

p>Isn't capitalism grand? br> -- John Schneider br> Bristow, Virginia /p> p> Eric Peters's recent article about the demise of GM, its SUV line of vehicles, and Detroit reminded me of my one foray into owning a gas friendly GM subcompact. In 1982 I purchased a Pontiac T-1000. It was Pontiac's version of the Chevette. If I remember correctly it cost around $4800 and got maybe 35mpg on the open highway. I suppose my driving habits were normal. Both city and highway; I took a few long road trips in it, but mainly used to it get to work and back. By 1985, the rear suspension was shot; I fought a losing battle to rust despite regular washings; I had the engine rebuilt due to a leaky oil pump � on my way home from work one day about all but one quart leaked out ruining the engine. By the time the idiot light came on the damage was done; I also had a complete brake job done at 25,000 miles. By the time the car was paid off in 1986 I gave the car to my sister as it wasn't worth $250. Needless to say I never bought another GM vehicle or another economical subcompact. I know 28 years is a long time, but the memory of that piece of sh%t haunted me all these years. I think Adam Sandler wrote "An Ode to My Car" with that particular model in mind. I vowed I would never again drive another vehicle with an engine the size of a Singer sewing machine. Give me a Ford Excursion or Plymouth Fury any day. br> -- JP br> Indiana /p>

If Congress had an iota of common sense, they'd see the demise of GM and Ford for exactly what it is: a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of short-term thinking. That's precisely what has informed their incoherent energy policies for the last thirty years, and they still don't get it.

p>Ford and GM will be forced to deal directly with the consequences of their decisions: either adjust to reality or go out of business. Congress, unfortunately, can make our lives miserable indefinitely. br> -- Arnold Ahlert br> Boca Raton, Florida

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