Locals may not vote for him, but his reasoning will save the Republican Party - if they take steps to put his words into action. Interesting. On other blogs, many Republicans are voicing his concern for their party. (Democrats are also raising their voices regarding the treatment of 'workers'.)

His reasoning is outside of the main stream Republicanism for now. He can't get elected. During the last election, most of the moderate and centrist Republicans were defeated leaving what leadership was left in the hands of hard-right conservatives. Of course they can do what they want with their Party but it seems to me that this shifts the mainstream though in the Party further to the right even as the rest of the country moves leftward or towards the center.

The net effect of this is an ironclad control by far right purists without moderation by moderates and centrists. Thus you have the Party catering more and more toward the faithful remains, unable to reach out without being labeled RINO or worse. Right now this is expressed in an anti-union sentiment which the D's will portray (rightly) as support for corporate bosses and monied elite and opposing the working class ( a long standing charge against the R's anyway). Most of this anti-union sentiment is expressed by the Southern leadership which, ironically, represents virtually union free areas. In any event there is no political advantage in okaying the $700B bailout for banks and Wall Street and opposing a $15B loan to the auto industry in a union bashing maneuver. Compared to what they've already supported, the money amounts to a rounding error in significance.

Two other characteristics of the Party which we will see are their long standing disdain for the educated elite leading soon to a schism between the intellectual members of the Party (the George Will, Peggy Noonan, Kathleen Parker, Chris Buckley wing) and the yahoo wing who think Joe the Plumber's foreign policy is to be seriously considered and love Sarah Palin. Secondly, we'll see the right wing xenophobia re-emerge when the immigration issue arises again. There is almost a 100% guarantee that the remaining dominant wing of the Party will outdo itself alienating immigrants.

None of this is good for building the Party. It's going to get more and more exclusionary and smaller and smaller for the foreseeable future as it strives for stricter and stricter ideological purity.

As for Rick Williams, he's caught with a centrist message in a state that is on the fringe of contemporary political thought. If Rick can't sell his message in Georgia (which he can't) because of the (IMO) rigidity of right wing control of the Party, what chance or possible message can the Republicans ever project to become competitive in California, Connecticut, Ohio or Michigan again?

As for Rick Williams, he's caught with a centrist message in a state that is on the fringe of contemporary political thought. If Rick can't sell his message in Georgia (which he can't) because of the (IMO) rigidity of right wing control of the Party, what chance or possible message can the Republicans ever project to become competitive in California, Connecticut, Ohio or Michigan again?

Well thought out analysis based on experience with 'southern' politics. I just see a 'different' swing of thought from Republicans in other states as they try to salvage their party. This will be an interesting '4' years.

They same RINO that has Obama contributions attached to his credit card. A union minded arrogant Delta Airline Pilot who blows about as much as the jet engines he throttles up. We all know him as Captain Dick. He is the type of Republican that has destroyed the GOP over the past decade.

I suppose it will not hurt anything if I say that I agree with him, mostly. A tad too much lean towards management as a solution, but other than that, a sensible letter. Good luck Rick.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

I've introduced some of my friends from far-away places to the blogs. They don't quite get it, but they think it's interesting. Carbon, I must tell you that your gentle nature is a hit with them. I didn't prejudice their opinions at all; didn't say I knew you. They just like the Teddy and your humor.

Git. Looks like you'll continue to be able to find oil filters for that sweet Ford of yours. President Bush stayed the execution of the tres grandes til March. You'll come to find that his judgement was spot on with this one.

Git, I find "RINO" to be an intriguing term. I say this because the Republican party is attempting to cast itself as a "Big tent" party; yet they are all too willing to cast the likes of this self-proclaimed airline captain republican, John McCain, and even President Bush out of the tent with this term "RINO." It makes the "big tent" seem more like an efficiency apartment with some pretty strict covenants. At any rate, hope your family is well. Have a great Christmas with your wonderful family, and I hope we're both at the table when Wulfman sips the foo foo latte that me and Tug convince him to order.

Love ya man,

D. H. K.

I have been employed by Ford/Lincoln Mercury dealers since Jan. 1977. Now I'm just a dumb ol' mechanic, but I do believe in brand loyalty, so the news that Ford said no to the bail-out reassures me that I have not "hitched my wagon" to a dead horse.
I'll be sure and pass the kudos on to Lesa, and Mike V..

"Your, yore, you're(not) all idiots." (T.Floyd)
Keep the faith, baby

Ford has done better with managing its business to the point that it does not need help from the "Guv" other than possible lines of credit. But remember, Ford mentioned several times that it was concerned about the viability of the "industry" if Chrysler or GM failed. This would severely hurt Ford's suppliers as well.

On the other hand, the bailout could help Ford since Chrysler and GM will have greater leverage to apply on the UAW and suppliers to reduce costs. As reported by the WSJ

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

Tony, everybody said "no" to the bailout every time they spoke, but that was before they said it MUST be done.

They will try to explain that to the conserve voters next election as I really tried not to vote for it...but I let George do it---he wasn't running again.

As to Ford---you can bet that we aren't going to give money to GM and Chrysler and NONE to Ford. It will happen in Obama's administration as a credit line, not a loan---(I don't know the difference).

Do you really think Ford will find some financing for their cars in three months so they won't need some help? The banks aren't going to do it!
Uncle Sam will put up the financing to buy them!

You know it, I know it, we all know it--that is why we are ticked off!

I am glad to hear that your friends are finding our show enjoyable. Did you let them know that I look just like my picture?

Git, in my family back in PA, we would have rather pushed a Chevy than driven a Ford. What a rivalry that was, with Mopar for the rest of them.
We figured that the only people that drove Fords were the ones that enjoyed fixing vehicles constantly, and the Mopar people liked the funny noise those starters made.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

News has it that Ford said "No Thanks". Guess which one of the Big Three deserves our business. Mrs. Git had her eyes set on one of those fuel efficient Tahoes. Guess whut Git ain't gonna git her?

Ford deserves my personal and fleet business and they've got it. Tony F.... Tell my ole buddy Lesa I said Howdy. She's a gem and she knows how to give a businessman a no hassle, make it easy deal on new Ford trucks and vans! Anybody looking for a new vehicle try out Allen Vigil and ask for the Lesa Camp the Fleet Queen.

D.H.K. The RINO thing is way more complicated than singling out McCain, Bush, and Captain Dick and narrowing it down to an efficiency apartment. It's about principles, fiscal restraints, and smaller government. So when the big tent was opened up...somehow a bunch of big government, deficit loving, RINO's took over and now they look like you guys. But don't worry. Obama isn't going to let Bush out spend him in any way.

Wow, it's been a while, eh? I've missed you guys! Since Tony's passed along your sentiments regarding Lesa, I felt compelled to chime in... She wanted you all to know how much she appreciates the kind words, and wants you all to know that it's customers like you guys that keep us in the business. Thanks so much, God Bless, and Merry Christmas! Git, come see us again soon... Even if it's just to drop in and say hello. I had to tell Lesa that she has sold vehicles to a local celebrity!-- Our own GIT REAL! hehe ; )

**Become a Card-Carrying Member!**

I had to tell Lesa that she has sold vehicles to a local celebrity!-- Our own GIT REAL! hehe

I am harldy the local celebrity. That honor would go to the esteemed Professor Muddle. Heck, he now has his own column on our beloved "C" and rumor has it that Fox news is interviewing him as a sidekick on the new Hannity & Muddle Hour.

Tell Lesa I said "Hey Baby". (Okay folks... there's nothing to read into here. You would have to know Lesa)

**As far as that card-carrying member thang goes.... why not!! I've got nowhere else to go.**

My parents always bought Fords (the Custom, Galaxy 500, Galaxy Station wagon and an Econoline van). My first 3 brand new and bank-financed cars were Fords in the late-1980s-to-mid 1990s. ALL 3 had unfixable problems that had me back and forth to the dealerships. As hard as it was to come to that decision (and it was truly gut-wrenching because I have been raised to buy American), that was enough to swear me off of American autos. I had Toyotas until they started to slip in reliability. Now, I've got a Honda Accord that has been running strong for the last 3 years.

I don't like the idea but I would be less disgusted about bailing out the auto industry IF they would actually stop designing a $20,000+ purchase like it is a disposable item and didn't try to weasel out of the warranty at every turn. (How else do you explain cars that barely got outside of the warranty -- and in my case, 3 that NEVER made it out of warranty -- before breaking down???) I commend the Ford CEO for his honesty but, it is long past time to take that honesty all the way down to the consumer. Until that happens, Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto.

That's not a slam against dealserships or repair shops but in many ways, the industry business model pits the dealer against the manufacturer and the customer in an unending battle to make sure the dealer/mechanic doesn't get stuck holding the financial bag for honoring the warranty.

If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

Funny you should mention that. My first car was one I bought off my grandfather for $300. It just so happened to be a 1967 Baby Blue, 3 speed on the column, 4-door Galaxy 500. The major problem with that car was when you went down the country roads where I grew up my muffler would get drug off by the dried, once muddy ruts in the road. And then there is the issue that a 16 year old kid, a clutch, and a column shift doesn't mix well. I had to pull the steering wheel about once every 3 months to replace this aluminum shift dooly-ma-jiggy. And after dragging the muffler off and not being able to secure it properly with baling wire to where it would hold up; I also had the problem of keeping a stupid donut gasket in place so that when I ran those dirt roads at 60 mph the dust coming from behind me and the sound of my blue tank didn't cause the cattle to stampede when I drove by.

But old blue could sure get airborne really good when hitting the little ramps that were made by the road graders which preceded those old wooden bridges at that time.

Ford has come along way since then. I get great service out of my Ford Truck Fleet. And our Toyota gives our family some outstanding service too.

As for me I am soooo past complaining about foreign car companies. We only have ourselves to blame for the crappy cars, lack of quality, and the price of the shameless unions that the Big 3 tries to get us to buy.

Look at all the non-union plants that Honda, BMW, KIA, and Toyota have built in this country in recent years. Those guys are to be commended in my books. If I were an employee of one of these companies I'd be really ticked at seeing our gumament bailing out these failed business models. Heck if I were a Delta employee I'd be ticked at how they are bailing those jokers out after all Delta went through.

When Republicans get all righteous about fiscal restraints and smaller government, ain't y'all throwing Reagan under the bus too?

Or is it just the thought that counts?

Merry Christmas!

Reagan's Economic growth of 92 months (through 1990) was the longest uninterrupted economic expansion in peacetime in the 20th century. By the end of 1987, America was producing about seven and one-half times more every year than in John Kennedy’s last year as president. Some 17 million new jobs were created from 1981 to 1989. Stock market averages more than doubled. One of Reagan's greatest achievements was ending the Cold War and rebuilding our military after reasons I won't get into here. Rebuilding our military, stemming the spread of communism, and ending the cold war did come at a tremendous expense to our nation. Reagan himself even admitted that his greatest disappointment was the debt he incurred in doing so.

As for me defending the Republicans regarding fiscal restraints I agree that for the most part in the last decade what we've received is lip service. Hmmmmm..... any surprise this rat jumped ship? Now this admission does not come as an endorsement of Democrat economic policies. Anyone can research and come to the conclusion that they've done nothing to dig us out of this ever deepening hell hole of deficit spending. Neither party is willing to cut budgets and reduce the size and scale of government. So as I look at Bush's recent economic actions and the words coming from soon to be President Obama I'm trying to figure out how to adapt and prepare my children for our future Soviet-like economy.

The Reagan Budget: The Deficit That Didn't Have To Be (Note The Date Jeff And The Familiar Comparasions)

Without pointing fingers and making your dad the ultimate economic boogie-man I'm blaming our potential economic demise on the leadership of both parties and originating during the Johnson administration. Both parties have expanded the scope of government, added to the ever ballooning debt, and have done nothing to lead us into a sound economic position.

Even those who mouth-off conservative economic principles have never applied common sense and proven economic methods to their policies. But that comes as not surprise as 'common sense ain't very common these days'.

ain't y'all throwing Reagan under the bus too?

Yes. In some ways I am throwing Reagan under the bus too.

Or is it just the thought that counts?

That seems to be the case my friend. Regretfully, when I hear Republicans these days espousing conservative principles it as if the bell is being rang and the only sound coming out is a muffled blah, blah, blah.

Now why I bother to even discuss this is beyond me. Like it matters anymore. (eyes rolling) Oh well......

Merry Christmas to you too!

You are just like the rest of us, you discuss it because you can't help yourself!

I just like to tweak Republicans (not including your Independent self) when they wax lyrical about what a good conservative Reagan was and then their definition of conservatism, (i.e. smaller government, lower deficits, etc.) excludes RR.

BTW: the growth in GDP under Carter was better than under Reagan. Here are the numbers:

Gross Domestic Product Growth Annualized %

Johnson: 5.43
Kennedy: 4.93
Clinton: 3.58
Carter 3.42
Reagan: 3.37
Ford: 2.75
Nixon: 2.68
Eisenhower: 2.27
Bush 43: 1.90

Republican average: 2.594
Democratic average: 3.862

Notice how no Rep. has reached the Dem. average and no Dem has fallen as low as the Rep. average; although to be sure RR was above average for a Republican.

As for job creation, Carter had the number one annualized % rate of job creation since World War 2.

Democrats are always better for the economy.

Merry Christmas!

A little over a year ago my wife was interested in obtaining a convertible and happened across an ad featuring Lesa in what I believe was Atlanta Business Women’s magazine. Magazine may be something different, but that’s close. Anyway Lesa was then at Gene Evans and my wife called just to inquire about Mustang convertibles. So happens Lesa had one just off lease, low mileage, very clean and good price. Long story short, Lesa was a pleasure to do business with and my wife is very happy with her Mustang. First Ford in our family and first time I haven’t thought the sales person wasn’t a big pain in the ……… Oh, now that she’s moved we go to Vigil for service.

Lesa is a sweetheart and a team player. I bought 2 vehicles from her this past summer and she asked if she could write another salesperson on the order to help him out since times were so tough. She is indeed unlike any sales weasel I've ever dealt with. She is truly a pleasure to work with and knows how to make the deal good for both parties.

Lesa Rocks.... actually she likes Country.

Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

Not ALL of us are sales weasels.. Sometimes things require a woman's touch... ; )

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We've all got to sell our selves, our businesses, and products. I affectionatly call my folks "sales slugs". Though they are more like customer allies or consultants. Merry Christmas! .....Less all of that commercial / materialistic crap that it has become.

You mean there are other car manufacturers; I'm shocked!
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

I think the only difference in GM, Chrysler and Ford is a little time.

Ford asked for and got about 20 billion line of credit which they can draw on a little later---the same thing.

They did not say "no thank you!"

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said his company would not seek the short-term financial assistance...

As reported by the AP.