An AIG Sweatshirt and a Merrill Lynch Ball Cap?

So this guy comes into Dunkin Donuts in his AIG sweatshirt, and his date has on a Merrill Lynch ball cap. I guess there was something about the couple that just caught my eye because I see them over and over and over again.

It is just me, or do those reminders of AIG and Merrill Lynch and their recent corporate blunders raise your blood pressure up a notch or two? You kind of want to go over and say, "Folks, I don't like your company and I doubt I'd like your company for a cup of coffee either."

That got me to thinking. How does America feel about me and my Chrysler/Dodge ball cap, jacket, t-shirt and officially-licensed Mopar underwear?

Just something to think about and respond to after you read the Wall Street Journal's "Mean Street" editorial. Take a few minutes to read. This link will take you to the Wall Street Journal Online's piece, "Chrysler's Italian Job."

So, before you leave the house today, will you grab that Chrysler-logoed ball cap?

What is the answer for Chrysler?

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Comments

Comment #1 (Posted by RHestand)

IMHO, Chrysler has earned it, so they should get it. Bankruptcy.
I have been a total gearhead my whole life, love anything mechanical, and IMO Chrysler has practiced and utilized a "Penny wise, and dollar stupid " mentality since the 1960s.
Average to excellent drivetrains, poor to miserably poor, bodys, interiors, suspention,steering, electrical,and many misc. small details.
Frankly, I would have never concidered owning another Chrysler product,( regretfully, we've owned several, over the years) if it were not for the Cummins engines.
All concidered, I'm surprised they have lasted this long.
As far as bankruptcy and parts availability, I'm sure I'll be able to deal with it.
This comment may seem a bit harsh, but it is way I see it.
Ray
Comment #2 (Posted by Adventure Bob)

Theres several reasons for the current economic situation, but most of them stem form unions and the fact that were now in a true world market where the US isnt ready to compete. Its really difficult to justify $25 an hour to put together a commodity product that can be built just as well in another location paying $5 an hour. Theres nothing special about detroit that makes the skill set for auto manufacture worth so much more thn anywhere else in the world. Oh by the way if the big three would make cars people wanted to buy, at a cost that was profitable, they wouldnt have this problem. Its basic economics.
Comment #3 (Posted by Former Employee)

I quit Merrill Lynch after 11 years in December. I became embarassed to be associated with that brand. It can happen to any brand, watch the stewardship of a company closely! image. FYI: I drive a 05' Chev 2500HD LT CC with 150k....mild tune, it hauls our truck camper and boat.
Comment #4 (Posted by Tholtz)

Yeah well, Chrysler is guilty of running their business poorly, with their head stuck in the sand, just like GM & Ford. Merrill Lynch is borderline if not corrupt and morally bankrupt.
Comment #5 (Posted by grouchrc)

No matter what the auto industry, and others did wrong I can't imagine our "leaders" in congress being able to correct the problem.
Comment #6 (Posted by Andy)

I'd wear Dodge/Cummins. Shoot, the truck is a pretty obvious statement about how I feel. A t-shirt or ball cap is certainley appropriate. Financial problems aside, doesn't change how I feel about the product
Comment #7 (Posted by Steve S)

I don't wear the gear to show my support of Dodge/Chrysler, I wear it because I am proud of my truck(s). My personal opinion is that the UAW is part of the cause of all of the US Automakers problems. Too many years of concessions and pay hikes. As for them making gas hogs, we asked for it. As in my company (boats), we have to adjust to the market. If the market asks for more HP and doesn't care the price, thats what you build. None of the car makers thought that gas would go up that high, that fast.
Comment #8 (Posted by Lew)

As a 31+ years employee/retiree I take exception to the miss statements and out right fabrications I am reading. First the wages paid are on par with the Foreign transplants. And secondly who among you would work for the $5.00 an hour it supposedly takes to build a vehicle out of the country and could you support a family on it? My Pention was hard earned for all thoes years I was pounding Steel on two and sometimes three and four machines at once. You people talk about the Unions being at fault but are you so nieve to think that non union employers pay what they do out of the kindness of their hearts, that they truly care about there employess and not the bottom line. Wake up!!! They pay what they do so the Unions can't organize. So let the big Three go and hope the rest of the jobs that are reliant on those jobs don't go with them, Maybe we need those soup lines again. By the way where do you think that Cummins diesel is made. The MOON!!!!
Comment #9 (Posted by Paul Lohr)

Robert, you should be more specific about AIG. If you would like to lay some allegations, make them specific so they can be dealt with on a specific basis.

The common myth is that AIG bonuses were paid with tax payer dollars and for some reason should not have been paid. There are a few key facts that should change one's opinion on the AIG bonuses situation (which really there is no situation). First, original TARP legislation gave the Treasury full authority and placed no targets or limits on how bailout dollars should be used (shouldn't you be angry about this?). Second, legislation was added (by Democrats) that ensured bonuses would be paid. Third, the bonuses were a normal part of AIG's business, nothing different or unusual. Don't take my word for it, research it yourself. To those reading Robert's original post and this posting, remember that inaccurate information is usually free. Know the truth through facts rather than basing your logic on the feelings of someone else.
Comment #10 (Posted by Robert Patton)

Paul, look at the date on this blog. This was written on January 30, 2009 well before the bonus blow-up.

I re-read my original post to determine if allegations and blame were unfairly placed on AIG or Merrill Lynch. I am in agreement. There are no specifics mentioned. The blog is just that - an entry of commentary. The harshest thing that I had to say was "corporate blunders."

Now, are you wearing your Chrysler/Dodge ball cap, jacket, t-shirt and officially-licensed Mopar underwear today?

Robert Patton
Editor, Turbo Diesel Register

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