Washington, Under the Hood (National Review, 11.02.09)
Detroit - When Washington bailed out General Motors and Chrysler, the Obama administration promised that government's role would be to make loans to ensure that the companies became viable, profitable entities again. That promise was as believable as the idea that Washington can provide universal health care and cut federal spending - and sure enough, Washington pols have been eager to play auto mechanic.
A few examples:
Greenback mandates. While D.C. pols insist on the one hand that Detroit build the green cars politicians want, federal pay caps are making it difficult for the automakers to keep key green-friendly executives. Case in point: the ultra-green, electric Chevy Volt program has lost two top execs in the last two months. Last week, Frank Weber, the German-born engineer in charge of the Volt, moved back to his mother country to work for Opel. Just a month before, Bob Kruse, executive director of engineering for all GM plug-ins, left for the consulting industry. . . .
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