Re: Plug In America Wants Automakers to Retool for the Future

> All,
> Do you think we should bail out the big three and save a boat-load of
> jobs?
>
> Here is a really easy way to contact you congress critters and tell them
> that you want the big three to build plug-in high brides and pure eelectric
> vehicles, per the Plug In America link below.
> The text that goes to congress follows.
> Suck Amps,
> BB
>
> -----Forwarded Message-----
> >From: Jay Friedland
> >Sent: Nov 20, 2008 3:04 AM
> >To: thehawkeye@...
> >
> >David (Battery Boy),
> >
> >American automakers are begging for a bailout. And they have a significant
> amount of money headed their way. A $25 billion loan was approved by
> Congress in September.
> >
> >This money was designed to help the auto companies retool for the
> manufacture of fuel-efficient vehicles.  These are vehicles that Americans
> want and need now more than ever.
> >
> >Now the automakers are asking to use that money for short-term cash flow
> needs.  In other words, at the brink of bankruptcy, the automakers are still
> resisting technological change and wishing for business as usual.  GM CEO
> Rick Wagoner admits his company is burning through "$5 billion each month."
>  How does GM expect to repay taxpayers, and compete in tomorrow's showrooms,
> without undergoing change?
> >
> >Congress is back in session today, Thursday. They may retain the existing
> fuel-efficiency provisions, or could decide to give the automakers the $25
> billion with no strings attached.
> >
> >Congress doesn't want to risk being blamed for "letting the carmakers go
> under", and so may drop the fuel-efficiency requirements. They need to hear
> from us that we support keeping the requirements in place.  They need to
> understand we want our American automakers to gear up for the cars of the
> future.
> >
> >Visit our "No Bailout Without Strings" page:
> http://action.pluginamerica.org/t/5960/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=337
> >
> >Enter your ZIP and you will get a form that makes it easy to send an
> immediate message to your local representatives.  Please act now.
> >
> >Thank you for your continued support,
> >
> >Jay Friedland
> >Legislative Director
> >Plug In America
>
> <text from above action>
>
> We want to see the American automobile industry successfully transform into
> the future.
>
> Only a bailout bill with strings attached which require and accelerate the
> transition to cleaner plug-in hybrids and electric cars can drive the auto
> industry forward.  We need green jobs for American workers and a more
> secure, less petroleum-dependent America.  Please ensure billions of
> taxpayer dollars are spent wisely by requiring auto manufacturers to retool
> for the production of plug-in hybrids and electric cars which run on clean,
> affordable, domestic electricity.  In WWII, the auto industry converted
> almost overnight to produce airplanes and equipment for the war effort.  We
> face no less of a global challenge today with respect to climate change, and
> we need this key industry to step up and do what is best for the country.
> Funding provided by Congress with appropriate conditions can create this
> change.
> Thank you,
>
> <end text>
>
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