Auto Execs Fly Private Jets to Ask for Handout
I’m no PR major – I opted for the less financially sound but very rewarding field of journalism. Sigh. But it seems like if you’re going to jaunt on over to Washington to beg for $25 billion in taxpayer money, you might not want to take your expensive private jet.
The chief execs for the Big Three automakers came under fire after an ABC News report revealed they flew to Washington (while seeking financial aid from the government) in private jets. GM CEO Richard Wagoner’s flight alone cost an estimated $20,000. GM alone would like $10-12 billion.
Members of Congress let their displeasure at the display of wealth be known.
“It’s like seeing a guy show up at a soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo,” Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) said. He asked if the group could have, you know, downgraded to a first-class flight. Or perhaps jetpooled.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) asked if any of the three execs would be willing to sell their jets and fly back commercial. There was nothing but silence and stunned looks from the CEOs.
Folks, this kind of financial mismanagement and the apparent indifference to it is why the auto industry is in the shape it is.
5 Comments
I agree with the government on this one. These CEO “big shots” think they are above everyone else. Taking luxury vacations on company money and treating their friends and family to costly dinners and cruises. They are over paid and under worked! I worked for Chrysler and not only is it the managment but the skilled trades men. They expect something for nothing too. I sat and waited for 5 hrs one day for one of the skilled trades to fix my machine. As I was waiting, the one I was waiting for came over to me and asked me if I would like to have lunch with them! I didn’t realize who he was until he came over after lunch to fix the machine that had cost the company a lot of money just sitting there. Not only was the machine down but they were paying me $25.00 an hour just to sit! This kind of stuff goes on all the time in these factories. Then they have the nerve to show up in Washington on privet jets. I do beleive the auto industry is the back bone of our nation. I also beleive these companies need to clean house. Get rid of these employees who don’t appreciate their jobs and hire people who would contribute the the company they are working for. I want to be clear on this, it is not only skilled trades but hourly and salery people also. That was an example of what I experienced. I’m sure I’m not the only one this has happened to. It seems the more money people make the lazier they become. More money for less work,what’s wrong with this picture?
When I heard about this I was just dumbfounded. Private jets? WTH? Jetpooled, lol. Good one.
It’s really, really a shame for our auto industry to be in this state. And if the people in charge don’t get it, I don’t know what’s going to become of it.
Aw, the wittle auto execs are afraid to rub elbows with the commoners. Poor, mistreated, underpaid execs.
*sigh*
You’d think this would have been a great occasion to drive one of their top model cars from Detroit to Washington. They could brag about what great gas mileage it gets and how dependable – oops, never mind.