Right now in Washington, D.C., we are seeing nothing short of the deconstruction of America’s free-market system. To be blunt, the strong arm tactics of the Obama Administration’s Auto Task Force are crushing the dreams of many American business owners – and simultaneously putting our future prosperity in jeopardy.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve spoken with the GM and Chrysler car dealerships from my district that have been targeted for total or partial closure by President Obama’s Auto Task Force. They were given no reason, and really no recourse to challenge their closure. It is as if someone threw a dart at a dartboard to decide which dealerships would be given a pink slip. In fact, we still do not know the formula used to determine which dealers would remain open, and which ones would close.
At one dealership in my district, the owner received an envelope from FedEx with a closure agreement inside, informing them that their highly profitable and nearly century-old business was slated for closure, and that they had twelve days to sign the agreement, or face the consequences.
Unbelievably, if they chose not to sign the agreement by the prescribed date, GM would not offer a warranty on any of the remaining cars on their lot. If they challenged the contract in court, the dealers would not only have to pay for their own legal fees, but GM’s as well, to the tune of $1,500 per hour – and that was whether they won or lost. And, even if they opted to sign the agreement, they were obligated to send GM their customer lists and service customer lists. It is a lose-lose deal for the owners who are taking it on the chin no matter what their decision.
As the owners stressed to me – tactics like this are not the America they know and love. Columnist Michael Barone likened the actions of the Obama Auto Task Force to the tactics of a “gangster government,” and I couldn’t agree more.
In crafting their deals, government trampled long-held legal principles. For instance, unsecured creditors, the United Auto Workers labor union, were jumped ahead of secured creditors, the teachers and police officers’ pension funds in Indiana, in bankruptcy court. Government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers. And, government certainly shouldn’t be ignoring established law simply because it suits their political ambitions.
It is unthinkable, but today consumers and businessmen aren’t deciding what cars should be manufactured or what dealerships should be successful or how much advertising is enough. Government is making these decisions.
Simply put, politics and business operate in different ways and are vulnerable to different influences as they strive to reach very different goals. Each Member of Congress in Washington is looking out for his or her own state or district’s interests and sometimes that works against the interest of the company they are now essentially running. When Congress stepped into the Board Room, it set itself up to try to achieve two sometimes contradictory goals – protect their constituents and save this company. Government is simply ill-equipped to try to be both the governor and the governed – and it surely can’t do both well.
I am a proud cosponsor of the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 that would honor a car companies previous commitments to local car dealers. I have written to both President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and asked them to reverse course. And, I’m looking into whatever legal options might be available for Congress to give these dealerships a fighting chance. These businesses are community landmarks, important job providers, and local economic catalysts. They deserve better treatment from their government than arbitrary pink slips that wipe out a lifetime’s work and investment.
The American Dream is in need of saving, and it’s up to all of us to work hard to save it.
Michele Bachmann represents Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
thank you for your hard work
Bill@cityonahillpolitics Monday, July 6th at 1:03PM EDT (link)Thank you Rep Bachmann for standing for freedom and liberty!
Bill
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Somebody needs to stand up for the rule of law
izoneguy Monday, July 6th at 1:11PM EDT (link)It will be very telling when we see how Congress reacts to your bill.
All Americans should boycott GM & Chrysler. Trade in your GM & Chrysler for a Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc…..
“When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Thomas Jefferson
Thank you, Ma'am.
nessa Monday, July 6th at 1:14PM EDT (link)For both the bill you’re sponsoring and for letting us know about it here.
Allow me to offer my condolences on Minnesota’s new Senator.
“If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
Contributor to The Minority Report
God bless you for offering up the repeal bill
LJ "Beaglescout" Miller Wednesday, July 8th at 9:45AM EDT (link)>>I am a proud cosponsor of the Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 that would honor a car companies previous commitments to local car dealers. <<
When conservatives take back the government from the hard left interlopers who have it now, Repeal will have to be our rallying cry. The anti-business, anti-individual, anti-people bills that have been passed in the last six months will destroy the heart of this nation if they are not repealed en masse. The juggernaut of new bad laws on the advance shows no signs of slowing. Repeal has to be on the table, along with secession and state sovereignty, as the nice side of the good cop bad cop routine.
“Each of us has a natural right, from God, to defend his person, his liberty, and his property.”
Logic would indicate that the Obama regime might be...
penguin2 Monday, July 6th at 1:31PM EDT (link)concerned about further job losses. The numbers are not going to get better, at least until well into 2010. After all, there are just so many government jobs they can create, I think…
Thank you for keeping us updated. Congresswoman, I am wondering how your Dem colleagues in the House can walk down the hallways of that hallowed building, and look you in the eye. Are there no true Americans left amongst them?
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
Benjamin Franklin
The Obama regime does not use logic
izoneguy Monday, July 6th at 1:37PM EDT (link)Obama wants to take America into a hard depression. They cannot govern without a crisis to take advantage off.
“When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Thomas Jefferson
He can only push so far before revolution.
Xasteius Monday, July 6th at 5:27PM EDT (link)Or would I be the only one?
Don’t leave the party, hijack it back!
Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
When I grow up, I don’t want to be Reagan. I want to be Art Chance.
~Aaron Gardner
thank you Representative Bachmann
David Hinz Monday, July 6th at 1:52PM EDT (link)we need the leadership you are demonstrating in Congress.
The Minority Report — The HinzSight Report — TMRB.tv — MFOB “Miss Tagart, do you know the hallmark of the second-rater? It’s resentment of another man’s achievement.”
Ditto nt
djemi Monday, July 6th at 3:42PM EDT (link)“If I can’t shoot rabbits,then I can’t shoot fascist”
“With age, comes Wisdom, but only if you are paying Attention, son” my ‘Old Man’
RS Help files (h/t JLenardDetroit) Grassroots in Michigan
Moes Strategy
Thanks from a MN resident.
Common_Cents Monday, July 6th at 2:05PM EDT (link)I’m glad you are working for what led our country to greatness, against those that wish to tear it down.
Seeing Obama get elected and Franken even getting close to being elected, let alone be a member of the senate, made me realize we have SEVERE problems with our current system.
I believe the problem is too much federal power, too many “Elected Elites” in DC.
We need conservatives in DC to start the process of returning more power to the state and local levels where we can better keep an eye on them.
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
Reid the cry baby from Nevada cried on the radio after introducing Pants on Fire Franken ,he didn't like the party of NO
bobojake Monday, July 6th at 3:28PM EDT (link)Well reid I’ll take the party of NO’s with Michele Bachmann over the PARTY OF NO-NO-Accountability, obama, reid, peloski ,murray, schummmmmmmmmmmmmmmer and don’t forget joe obiden.
A SHOUT OUT TO MICHELE FOR THE JOB SHE IS DOING.
THANK YOU
google Pants on Fire Franken what he is made up.
Thank you for coming, Rep Bachmann
Karina Monday, July 6th at 3:44PM EDT (link)You have a tough job and I appreciate the work you’re doing. It’s very important for us to spread the word about this bill and get the decision reversed. It affects not only the dealerships but the communities and family run businesses throughout our country. Think about all the youth sports teams these dealerships sponsor. The non profit programs they support. The mom and pop restaurants their employees patron. The local property taxes which benefit schools and road construction. Talk about a trickle down effect. This is a great example of Obamanomics trickle down poverty.
Time to hit the phones again, folks!
Stop confusing me with the facts, I’m making up my own imagination. ~My grandmother who voted for Obama
What about the rest of us?
Ben White Monday, July 6th at 5:15PM EDT (link)What about the American Dream for those of us who aren’t car dealers?
America is no longer the land of opportunity, and it goes way beyond the car business. No American business is going to expand or hire employees because they know they’ll be targeted if they make a profit and the socialists will stop at nothing to make sure that profit is taken away or ended. There’s no sector of the economy safe from government takeover or regulatory destruction, not energy, not mining, not manufacturing, not banking, not health care, not retail, nothing.
You are a bright light shining from the black hole that is Washington
AceInTX Monday, July 6th at 5:21PM EDT (link)Thank you!
House Conservatives Fund
Michael Williams for Senate
Toomey US Senate
SarahPAC
Thank You Rep. Bachmann
uncledad Monday, July 6th at 5:40PM EDT (link)The more time you spend posting hyper partisan blogs on hyper partisan websites the less time you are spending writing draconian legislation that benefits the moneyed special interests that have bought and paid for your support. Keep up the good work!
Again I warn, this guy needs a BLAM or a G'bye...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 5:41PM EDT (link)this guy is stinking up the place
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
You know I have a condition, when I see a troll and no one blams him...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 5:51PM EDT (link)I can not move on, it is like looking at graffiti on a brand new building. Please knock this guy off the map, he has a real problem in understanding what draconian legislation is (Cap n Tax), Porkulus what else has been passed in the last 6 months?
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
Draconian
uncledad Monday, July 6th at 5:55PM EDT (link)Draconian
Dra*co”ni*an\, a. Pertaining to Draco, a famous lawgiver of Athens, 621 b. c.
Draconian code, or Draconian laws, a code of laws made by Draco. Their measures were so severe that they were said to be written in letters of blood; hence, any laws of excessive rigor.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Yes, TROLL draconian I know what it means it is a subjective term used...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 5:57PM EDT (link)by the left, and yes the Democrats are quite familiar with projecting that term onto Conservatives.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
And you think Obama isn't extracting his pound of flesh from the taxpayers.
ocleverone Monday, July 6th at 5:58PM EDT (link)Jeez, you aren’t worth the time.
To me, “consensus” seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects … There are still people in my party who believe in “consensus” politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors … I mean it. — Margaret Thatcher
ocleverone, I am waiting for someone to G'bye this troll, ahem (Neil)...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 6:03PM EDT (link)this is the third time he has made comments that eludes to his impropriety. I can spot a fake usually on their first comment. They fit the template of a lefty loon, especially when they break out the term draconian term used all the time by his ilk.
BTW, you stood me up the other day. No note under my windshield wiper?
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
DTOM, I saw your comments and knew that you would be all over him.
ocleverone Monday, July 6th at 6:22PM EDT (link)You did good buds.
I apologize for Tuesday. It was my MCOTEA day. I didn’t get to see the light of day. Whew…I hate month’s end.
To me, “consensus” seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects … There are still people in my party who believe in “consensus” politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors … I mean it. — Margaret Thatcher
No problem...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 8:22PM EDT (link)I know something came up, it is the way of our business. Tell Maj G. Ashbrok over at MCOTEA you know one of the engineers in NLW-FP.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
G'bye.
Neil Stevens Monday, July 6th at 6:06PM EDT (link)Real people don’t say “moneyed special interests.” Only paid shills reading off of pre-printed astroturf forms say that.
Goodbye astroturf troll. and Hail Leader! Hail Victory! Under Obama, America rises again!
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
I have done my house cleaning for the day...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 6:07PM EDT (link)time to eat dinner, thanks Neil.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
Ahhhhhh, sigh of relief
E Pluribus Unum Monday, July 6th at 6:09PM EDT (link)It’s like getting a big itch, right in the middle of your back, scratched, ain’t it.
Carthago delenda est
that analogy does fit the feeling exactly...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 6:14PM EDT (link)and that itch was causing me to look very needy. Phew!
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
You picked up on him right away.
penguin2 Monday, July 6th at 6:35PM EDT (link)He certainly broke the first rule “be respectful, or be banned” Talking like that to a Congresswoman on our site, beyond the pale!
P.S. DTOM, just wanted to say glad everything worked out. I enjoy reading your late night comments.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
Benjamin Franklin
not going to get rid of me...
DONTREADONME Monday, July 6th at 8:24PM EDT (link)that easily I guess penquin2. thanks for your comments back then.
“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth
No problem. I wanted to help if I could. (nt)
penguin2 Monday, July 6th at 9:02PM EDT (link)Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
Benjamin Franklin
By the way I made an error here
Neil Stevens Monday, July 6th at 6:13PM EDT (link)I should have said America Wakes Up!
Want to run for conservatives? Give.
There Is No Crisis
Thank you Rep Bachmann for all of your hard work and focus.
ocleverone Monday, July 6th at 5:44PM EDT (link)You are one of the truly good “guys” in DC.
Thanks for posting and good luck.
To me, “consensus” seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects … There are still people in my party who believe in “consensus” politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors … I mean it. — Margaret Thatcher
Rep Bachmann
Jay_Cee Monday, July 6th at 5:55PM EDT (link)should take the Barney Frank approach:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124416281882387463.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I’m not particularly sympathetic towards the dealerships - but if they are going to be closed - then they should be closed fairly and apolitically. None of this NIMBY garbage.
I ain't ever
Hipple_Rev_Paul_T Monday, July 6th at 7:11PM EDT (link)gonna drive no obamacar
I’m just glad good folk like Dale Earnhardt didn’t see none of this while he was still alive
for His glory
i lol'd
Politics1001 Tuesday, July 7th at 7:23AM EDT (link)@ hippie paul’s comment
“Anyone who isn’t a Liberal before the age of 30 has no heart …. and anyone who is still a Liberal after the age of 30 has no brain”.
Congressman Bachmann, thank you for being a bright ray of sunshine
eburke Wednesday, July 8th at 11:58AM EDT (link)in a state which just sent Al Franken to the US Senate (what in the world were we thinking?)
These are the kinds of ‘common people’ issues that allow us to play offense against the onslaught of the Obama Administration against the free-market system.
I’d be interested in hear Congressman Walz’s take on your bill. After the 20 minute exchange I had with one of his staffers on Cap & Trade where he proudly stated that the ‘profit motive’ was ‘immoral’ when it came to health care and energy policy (I think that officially either makes Tim a socialist himself or he hires them) I’m wondering if he truly cares enough about the ‘little people’ in CD 1 that he’s always bleating about to actually cosponsor a bill that will help them.
“All that need be done for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
“Dead fish go with the flow” ~ izoneguy
“We have a Statue of Liberty not a Statue of Necessity” ~ ColdWarrior
The Birth of the "Thugocracy"
Brent Teichman Wednesday, July 8th at 12:26PM EDT (link)Thank you so much, Ms. Bachmann for all you are doing. You are a ray of hope in these otherwise troubling times. There is no question that this administration has issued in a whole new era of a mob-like mentality, or “thugocracy,” if you will. We are seeing it more and more every day. Now is the time to strap on the armour and keep fighting. We pray for you each and every day. Keep fighting the good fight.
“It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” –Sam Adams