To many our nation is at a crossroads, the economy is sinking and the auto industry is on the brink of self destruction.
Historically we have seen this before, where the US creates an industry, only to lose dominance decades later from one reason or another. Cases in point could easily be made from the television manufacturing, steel production, computers, and others. All had a significant presence almost exclusively in the US only virtually disappear decades later.
But are the Detroit three automotive makers destined for extinction too? While I doubt they will all three go under soon, there is the reality that at least one will not make it through the next year. These are very dark times for the industry.
But times of crisis can also galvanize the nation and be a first step to greatness. If you think not, then you need to look no further than the early 60’s when the US was hopelessly out classed in the space race. Back then the Soviet Union had already beaten the nation into orbit, and was achieving almost every key milestone in sight. It seemed like the US as a nation was destined to failure in what was considered a vital technological race.
However in 1961 president John F. Kennedy made a historic challenge to the nation. The commitment was to land a man on the moon in under a decade. How could this be done? No human had been in space before, and technology hadn’t even been invented for much of what was needed. But by committing the resources and the talent we made this impossible task a reality in nine short years. We invented the technology needed and became a world leader in the aerospace industry. This single accomplishment has yet to be matched almost 40 years later by any nation.
So historically as a nation we have done the impossible. So why can’t this generation do it again? With new leadership and a new tone in the White House starting next month, why can’t President Obama make the next race to be a world leader be the automotive industry? We already will have government involvement in place with an Auto Czar. So why not take it to next level and commit the nation to once again become leaders in this all important industry?
Since our reader are the most connected and knowledgeable around. Tell us how we can do this in record time. Remember we have done the impossible before, just how can we do it again?