Vehicle sales in the United States fell last month to their lowest level in 16 years. By far, the biggest losers were GM, Ford, and Chrysler (see here). Their survival is a legitimate topic. Apologists are certain to find explanations without guilt. Nationalists are certain to think in terms of protecting American industry. Conservatives will join with Nationalists to promote an 'America first' approach. They will seek government protection. Their desire is laudable, but they are wrong. The not so 'Big 3' have operated in an atmosphere of cynicism, imperial hubris, and a blatant disregard for the consumer. It is mute testimony to the effects of competition that has wrought this result.

The Yankee ingenuity that made America great died in these companies a long time ago, replaced by complacency and a belief in selling the sizzle not the steak.

This is my country we're talking about and it brings me no joy to speak thus. I want us to be great. I want us to be the America that the world looks up to. I want us to be the land of opportunity for all. To get there we must stop being the land of corporate opportunists. We must embrace change. We must believe again in hard work and fair play. Why? Because if we fail the future for many Americans is very dark.