I was just listening to a GM worker who was interviewed on NPR this morning. He said that he was sad that the factory that he'd worked in for the past 30-something years was closing and that he'd always imagined that his children would work there one day. He said that he partially blamed the executives but that he also blamed his friends and neighbors. He said it wasn't right that they'd be collecting a GM pension but buying non-GM cars like Toyotas and Hondas.

I was listening to this as I was sitting in my Toyota (after having been a Jeep buyer most of my life) and I had to laugh. If any American company could have offered me what I got when I bought my Matrix 5 years ago, I would have been happy to buy it. We are no prophets - but 5 years ago we traded in our gas-guzzling Jeep Unlimited for the Matrix and I'm so glad we did. 75K miles later, it's still running beautifully and I'm proud to recommend our dealer to anyone who asks because they provide amazing service and pricing. Who can say that about an american car company?

It's really too bad that it's come to this, but people seem to be so slow to change unless forced to. I'm sorry for all those people who are losing jobs and suffering, but this change is necessary. This economy is bloated. Things need to scale back and if that has to start with car companies, ultimately, it's probably a good thing even if it's going to be painful getting to that point.