The Socialist Experiement Continues: Obama Orders Chevrolet and Dodge Out Of NASCAR

Scandalous!

this better be an april fools joke

If you come BEGGING for my money, then you better expect to be managed. I think we should have let them fail, however we should require that the pieces of these firms be sold to American interests only. The production capability would remain American and private, and the government would no longer be mortgaging our future to become a partner in mismanaged and uncompetitive firms. In a free country you should be free to succeed and free to fail. If you beg, you shouldn't get to choose where to spend your handout.

Completely agree with America... they either fail or succeed on their own, but when they want to be rescued, they don't get to be picky...
And by the way socialism, not to be confounded with communism, is when the government does its job of looking after the people who it governs.

They are only so actively involved because GM is asking for money. When I was a kid and I had to ask my dad for money, I would have to show a reasonable plan for payback and show some financial responsibility. It only makes sense.

Any of you that are upset with Obama for this should remember that W Bush started the whole bail-out fiasco.

Badgewhore,

Toyota didn't dumb down anything. They hired the former Chevrolet engine engineers and had them reproduce the engine, then cheated to get an edge early on (only to be found to be cheating as well). There is nothing Toyota about the Toyota Nascars, just as there is nothing Dodge, Ford, or Chevrolet.

The term 'stock car' racing is a farce, as is the series BUT it is great advertising and act as a cost efficient manner for gaining exposure (this is why Toyota wanted in).

The $125 million cost between Chrysler and GM is a drop in the proverbial bucket and I am sure the monies made through this advertising more than make up for the cost.

The problem is that Obama is an upper class, Illinois person and doesn't see the point. He isn't the market that picks up on the advertising that Nascar generates, I also doubt he has ever attended a Nascar race. Given this restriction is being placed on a small portion advertising practice it is obvious that the Obama administration isn't thinking with only their (our) pocketbook but also their 'green' intentions.

Badgewhore,
Capitalism isn't unregulated, in fact, each year business, banking and industry are regulated more and more. Why do you think the mortgage banks are in the fix they're in? They were told to make loans that they on their own never would have.
If you can name another economic system that has done more for every segment of a population then capitalism has, please name it. When you have a culture that allows anyone to get ahead by pursuing there own self interests a wonderful thing happens--the economy grows and enriches an everwidening circle. When the government steps in to "help" and make things "fair," everthing goes to hell. Take a look at the predicament of inner city blacks. The government has been "helping" them for several generations now. The results? The highest crime rates, highest unemployment rates, lowest literacy, highest drug use, etc., etc. It's a travesty. If you measure the crime rate among the black population outside the horror of the inner cities, it's exactly the same as the general population. It's because they don't have all that good help from government.
Please find the country/culture/economic system that does better then what we have here in the US and please move there. By the way it's none of the European countries, for the last decade or more they all have had double digit unemployment rates and they did not enjoy the benefits of the last economic boom. It's because they've saddled themselves with a socialist system. I don't want any part of that (Obama and his cronies do though).

I'm surprised you would even admit that at this point (that you voted for Obama), grysko.

This would kill NASCAR. What would they have? Fords racing against other Fords?

If I were GM and Chrysler, I wouldn't take another cent from the government. Communism is in the air.

what obama did is a step in the right direction at least for now. If i just lost my job and i can't pay my mortgage, wouldn't it be prudent to just talk to my son and tell him that we would have to stop his karting lessons at least until the crisis is over? anyone without any sense of entitlement issues would understand that

Oh,really, was there a need for such a sensationalist title? GM and Chrysler, due to their own mismanagement, are attempting to suck on the bosom of the government in order to save themselves. The government is entitled to attach a list of demands if they are handing BILLIONS of our dollars to these companies. You don't see Obama forcing Ford out of NASCAR, with good reason, Ford isn't clinging on to dear life. (And the fact is, companies in better shape than GM and Chrysler have left auto racing, it's taking the Auto Task Force to nudge Chrysler and GM to do the same?)

Honestly, if GM and Chrysler don't want to honor these demands, I'm sure they were able to reject the government aid that they asked for. They didn't/aren't, so crying socialism isn't helping anybody.

The problem isn't restricting spending but it is looking at the return on investment. Spending $125 million on Nascar advertising for two companies as large as these two is nothing in the long run. The profits generated through this advertising are likely 2-10 fold more than the cost.

If you want to play the "who voted for who" game then blacks must be racist against white people because 96% of blacks voted for obama. As obama continues to burn through our tax dollars and ruin capitalism, those who voted against him seem smarter every day. Capitalism must be free from Government intervention if it is to succeed. Let the automakers fail.

First of all, Hyundaismoke is not to be taken seriously as evidenced by his long list of, at best, idiotic and at worst, racist comments. Secondly, Badgewhore, it's unfortunate you see the world through a racial lens, but if you want to blame "white people" for destroying the economy then you also have to credit white people for creating the economy to begin with. Without the contributions of "white people" to the world you would likely by farming for your own food and wiping your arse with leaves. Don't bother to argue. You know it's true.

1UAW, I acknowledge your point, but to be clear, when I say economy, I'm referring to the current modern economy Hyundaismoke is accusing white people of destroying. Certainly simplified micro economies, such as those that existed in Africa half a millenia ago (of which african slaves themselves were unfortunately part of as they changed hands from fellow african kidnappers to traders and finally to slave holders) have always existed in all parts of the world and will continue regardless of events concerning the global economy.

No, the government shouldn't be giving them money in the first place. The kings of money mismanagement (the government; for the longest time) wants to give our hard earned dollars to companies who have recently fallen deep into the red.

Better yet...why doesn't the government just buy them out (like they did the banks), because we know the government is the benchmark model of efficiency.

Heck, why is there even a private sector? Why doesn't the government just control everything? Wouldn't everything be perfect then?

NASCAR isn't essential to either of their business survival in today's environment. Maybe if it were 25-30 years ago would NASCAR participation really matter.

Honda and Toyota only got into the US racing industry for multiple chances of advertisement during the racing events. They can care less about winning the Nextel Cup Championship as far as research & development is concerned.

They sell the Corolla, Civic, Camry, and Accord. None of which conjures up thoughts of high horsepower & torquey street machines thundering down US highways. Unless you live in Australia, TRD doesn't mean much but a 4x4 pickup.

I think hyundaismoke needs to put down the bigot pipe, with the "racist White Trash" comment.

Adolf Hitler was a racist. Labeling McCain supporters and/or NASCAR fans (it's unclear who you are talking about when you type "those") as "racist White Trash" makes you a bigot. Use the dictionary to learn the difference.

hey badgewho-

GOP does NOT support or would ever think of supporting adolf hitler. where did you ever get that idea? so how about proving that the GOP "likes" hitler, hmm?

Badgewhore,
You're a knucklehead. You obviously don't know what kind of government Hitler ran. Though it was given the fascist label, it was actually a socialist/communist system by every measure. Centralized power, nationalized banking and business, empire building, etc. Lenin wanted Germany in the fold of a global peoples movement (a ruse, he just wanted to dictator--never really cared for the people), but Hitler was too nationalistic and wanted the system for Germany and it's future empire. So when you call someone a fascist, you're realling calling them socialists. The current far left liberal point of view is much, much closer to the nazi system then the conservative point of view.
Unfortunately your man Obama has always been in left side of the liberal movement.
Good luck with your prospects under King Obama.

Either the source for this article is "The Onion" or...

Obama is increasing his attacks on those "Who take comfort in their Religion and their Guns" or....

The author is a day early for "April Fools"

People have such a fascination with the word "socialism." I get the feeling that most people really have no scope of what it really means to be socialist. If these conditions placed on the automakers were truly socialist, then that would mean that these automakers were being forced to agreeing to these measures. They are not being forced to. The government is giving away billions of tax dollars so that these companies can stay afloat, and as with any good lender, the government is ensuring that they see a return on their investment by issuing out the conditions that we have been hearing about.

Rick Wagoner did not have to quit. However, if GM wanted to see any more government loans, then Wagoner had to go. Wagoner could have stayed there, but GM would have been on their own from here on out. That would have been the least "socialist-like" thing to do, but as we saw, Wagoner/GM agreed to comply, so is that really socialist?

If we have not learned anything over the course of this financial crisis, it is that these large corporations cannot be trusted to handle financial matters on their own. I like the accountability being implemented by the government. It should be expected when the taxpayers are flipping the bill.

And just personally, I hate NASCAR, and do not want any of my salaries going towards it.

Totally agree!

Agreed!

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."

Thomas Jefferson

Yeah, and Hitler forced Benz and Audi into racing, so, there must be something going on.

Frankly, anyone who thinks that this represents "socialism" or "comunisim" was smoking crack when history was being taught.

These companies are functionally in receivership. That's what happens.

i think everybody should be reminded that Nazi stood for National Socialist Party. of course, it was put to the extreme...but it started out as a small movement and went from there, and turned into something evil.

Definitely April Fools

I STILL maintain that this is a joke...Car & Driver has pulled stunts like this in the past.

On the other hand...IF this IS true.. NASCAR will be even "BLANDER" than it is now...Kinda like INDY has become (and CHAMP CAR was)

They already have The Common Body "Spec Car" (NOT a Hispanic Slur);)
Like INDY, NASCAR would go with a single engine provider (or a NASCAR provided engine..without a Auto Manufacturer directly attached)

I will watch ANY KIND of car racing (Drag Racing being my LAST CHOICE)

BTW...The "Best" racing last weekend...was the Australian F1...

The writers can't spell politics here.

Bottom Line:
The government should have never been involved in these corporations to begin with. Keep them honest....Just like in life, you can succeed or you can fail. Actions have consequences. Obama is just prolonging the adjustments that need to be made in the economy and devaluing the currency. It also might help if Congress starting reading bills before they vote on them. Have no worries though, a whole staff of tax cheats will have this figured out in no time.

PALIN 2012!!!!

She'll have to settle up her bill with the State of Alaska before she runs for anything. She's already cheated Alaska, what makes you think she won't cheat you?

APRIL'S FOOL!!!
I found a link in another forum, it takes you to C&D. here is the trick, if you go to "next" and then click on "previous" to go back to the so called article, it disappears....
Nice one C&D

this one became obvious quickly as no one else reported on this huge piece of news. But a good one as it's very believable.

Had it not been for my homepage reminding me it was April Fool's, I would have started browsing the web and believing half the stuff I came across!!! This was a good one though!

(still lmao)

OMG, April Fools!

hence the "bmwspies" at the top of the page, i suppose...

Man people were taking this WAY to seriously.

Wow, you're really sad and racist. Remember, at you not with you. Now go have fun with your sister.

I did not miss your point at all, you're just sad and clueless.

Aprils Fools joke.... right?

Although i am not a fan of people stuck in one gear driving round in circles, this is definitely and April fool's joke. Obama would not go that far!

I can't believe most of you took this seriously. Thanks for the laugh this morning.

So we now know what you would do, thanks.

You know what. The government has the right to call the shots. I'm certain that the furor over the AIG bonuses may have helped to bring this about.Let Ford and Toyota duke it out on the track.Neither GM or Chrysler have any business investing in any extraneous expenses while they are getting loans from the government period!If they object then they can give the money back!

Accountability? For taking federal money? It's bad enough that GM is taking the money. What is worse is that the feds are giving it. These bailouts are flatly unconstitutional. The US government has no legal authority whatsoever to bailout ailing businesses. Does not matter a hoot whether it's Bush or Obama. The bailouts are illegal. And please stop suggesting that Bush is a conservative. He isn't and never was. Bush is as much a Socialist as Obama, and McCain would be just as bad as either. Barack Obama (aka President Bozo) is a despotic, socialist, idiot. A puppet for international Socialist elites. He knows nothing about economics and his policies fly in the face of the US Constitution. Socialism itself is unconstitutional because it places the government firmly in control of all aspects of the economy, a power not delegated to the US by the Constitution. Socialism is a crime against humanity, as any objective study of 20th century history will reveal. Obama is trying to buy GM and Chrysler with taxpayer money, foreign loans, and printed paper money. He has no power to do this and neither does Congress. If President Bozo can fire the CEO of GM, then it is time We the People fire President Bozo! And no, the government has no right to call the shots. Governments do not have rights. People have rights and governments have powers delegated to them by the People, and ONLY those powers.

Dude, go back to history 101. Do some more fact finding. Socialism, crimes against humanity? C'mon! The fear machine is full effect I see.

What an absolute IDIOT

Obama was ELCETED because the public was Fed-Up with the way things had been done up till then.

That means he HAS A MANDATE from his electors to do what he sees fit and if he is wrong he will be voted out in 4 years.

Does anybody really have an idea what socialism is? Or do we all just think we know. The United States has never been nor will it ever be a socialist economy! Stop the fear tactics. Obama's just trying to upright our ship. If you're asking for money but you're showing no profit, than you need to dump some of your expenditures, ie. Nascar. If you don't want to listen to Uncle Sam, don't ask for the help. True capitalism means pulling yourself up with your own boot straps and becoming a viable and productive part of the economy. Not asking for money to help bail you out from your stupidity.

And as for stupid, lets not forget how we got in this mess. Thanks G W for not only reducing our tax revenue over 8 years but for spending us into bottomless hole. Budget! What budget? No President has ever fought a war, let alone two, and consistently cut taxes. The tax payers have been getting the reach around for the past 8 years.

Sorry GM but your days are numbered.

History 101? I have a degree in history. Socialism is a system of government wherein control of industry and distribution of wealth are directly controlled by the government. (It is NOT an economic system and simply can not be.) This is what President Bozo is doing at warp speed and what both parties have been doing incrementally for decades. We have historical models of this system and its variants dating back to the Romans. The bottom line is when government controls that much of everyone's lives, government will abuse that power. Communists-Socialists and Nazi-Socialists murdered over 100 million people in the 20th century. These were their own people, not war casualties. Thye were murdered only because they were either opponents of, or an inconvenience to, Socialists and their narcissistic quest for power. Marx was correct in that Socialism must follow capitalism, simply because it can not precede it. Russia tried to bypass capitalism and go directly to socialism and it failed because the socialists had no capitalist economy to steal from. Socialism simply can not exist without a Capitalist economy to steal from. Capitalism builds, and Socialism steals. And when Socialism can not steal, it murders anyone who is politically or philosophically opposed to socialism. Given a choice, people will generally choose to make their own living, without the government. This is why Socialists will not tolerate opposing ideas. Because opposing ideas reveal the hoax that is socialism. Historically, the most corrupt and most violent people have been in government, while private citizens who prosper simply want to be left alone. And you want to give control of our livelihood over to these buffoons and thieves in government? President Bozo is simply not competent to run an auto company. No one in government is, yet you want these yahoos to run a major industry. Your ignorance is astonishing and judgement wreckless. Socialism has been proven by any empirical measure to be a colossal failure and I condemn any effort to impose this tyranny and oppression on these United States.

afrevele, the name calling you use takes the wind right out of your sails. If you are a scholar of some sort you should know better. I am sure I am not the only one who can't even read your posts while they are filled "bozo" this and that.

From Dictionary.com:

so-ciali-sm
–noun 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.


So the government bailing out industries may border on socialism, but taking ownership of businesses and dictating how they shall
be run, salaries paid, who should get loans, etc. clearly is socialist policy.

People on both sides of the political spectrum bought into Obama ordering Detroit out of NASCAR because it was entirely believable, his supporters going as far as backing it as the right thing to do. The left is "not wasting" this crises, seizing control of the commanding heights of the economy for the purpose of furthering political agendas. Don't look for them to give this control up easily.

"So the government bailing out industries may border on socialism, but taking ownership of businesses and dictating how they shall
be run, salaries paid, who should get loans, etc. clearly is socialist policy"

May be with a tad more government oversight or socialistic policies this whole fiasco could of been avoided. Anytime the money and power hungry are enabled and allowed to run rough shot over everybody, bad things happen. This is a time of reckoning.

this is marxism or communism, not socialism. Instead of relying on dictionnary.com you should read some relevant sources such as marx himself.

“May be with a tad more government oversight or socialistic policies this whole fiasco could of been avoided.”

The grenade that blew up the economy were sub-prime loans made at the behest of Congressional housing policy, loans which would not have been made without Congressionally owned and prodded Fannie May and Freddie Mac to purchase and resell them to investors who believed them to be implicitly government backed. i.e. government social policy.

Bankers etc. were complicit in under valuing the risk these government sponsored loans entailed, indulging the government the consumer loans it wanted in trade for very high profits. The pin which pricked the bubble was $140 crude/$4 gasoline, leaving personal budgets too short to service their debts. (Cap & Trade anyone?)

The left’s pattern is to distort markets (government sponsored sub-prime loans), then call for more regulation when this creates havoc. But at least you’re now admitting you want “more government and oversight and socialistic policies”.

Great. We're saving their asses by giving them billions and they plan to spend it on stupid arse nascar? I don't think so. We bailed them out= we can tell them how to run things. That's what happens when someone invests billions into your business. If we let them fail, guess what? no nascar.

Lemme guess? if we do anything other then let rich people run crazy and give crazy tax cuts to rich people, we're socialists??? hahahahaha

All the glenn beck brainwashed idiot watching lunatics can kiss my ass. LMAO

"Lemme guess? if we do anything other then let rich people run crazy and give crazy tax cuts to rich people, we're socialists??? hahahahaha."

when rich people take over the gov't and use the power to further their personal ends, that's Nazism.

when poor people take over the gov't and try to get at least enuff to feed themselves and stay alive, that's "socialism/communism."

when INTELLIGENT people take over the gov't and attempt to end abuses and make INTELLIGENT choices, that's whatever Obama is doing today.

ROFL this has to be one of the best jokes ever! all the hillbillies and rednecks went crazy! haha

Lexusrox123 The Bushes were Hitler's bankers and George bush is Hitler and you are a FRIGGING IDIOT why dont you hmmmm ont this you right wing jackass The GOP supported and took place In KKK activities with the glee only stupid Hicks could embrace.The GOP is to blame for the mess we are in, the policies of the last eight years ring a bell Dummy?

Cool down there tuff guy.

but he IS CORRECT about the Bushes being hitler's buddies. it stopped ONLY when they got a "cease and desist" order from the feds. you know, "trading with the enemy" and all that.

likewise, the bin Bushes were close to the bid Ladens, and allowed them to fly out of the country on 9/12/01, when EVERY OTHER JET was grounded.

this, in return for Osama HELPING our shadow gov't (Papa Bush once headed the CIA) engineer the 9/11 attacks, so we'd have good (as well as FAKE) reasons for going to war. enriching their rich buddies in the "defense" and Big Oily industries. these wars will end up costing THREE TRILLION dollars. and guess who's pocketing much of that loot?