The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
I laughed and laughed this morning, when I read this headline in the Washington Post:
Was politics behind the government's decision to preserve the UAW's pensions?
Well, that is a puzzler, I guess, for some. The question just occurred to them, of course, but they do a great impression of the plodding Inspector from all of those old English mystery novels as they try to figure it all out. Here's how they put it together:
IT IS ONE of the enduring puzzles surrounding the bailout of General Motors: Why did retired salaried personnel of a former GM division, Delphi, receive a fraction of their promised pension benefits, while Delphi's retired hourly personnel, members of the United Auto Workers, got 100 percent, paid for in part by the "new" taxpayer-supported GM?
Was it really an "enduring puzzle," fellow members of Ricochet? Be honest: how many of you struggled to puzzle out why the Obama administration would carve out a special -- and ruinous -- dispensation for Big Labor? How many of this happy community just can't figure out how union campaign contributions work?
It's fun to watch them sift the clues. Sort of like when I toss the tennis ball into the ocean, and my dog leaps in to retrieve it. Sometimes she gets all turned around in the waves and loses sight of it, even when it's right there, right under her nose!
In describing the account of the GM bailout by Obama's Car Czar Steven Rattner, in his new book "Overhaul," they jump into the ocean, then suddenly get lost:
In Mr. Rattner's account, GM did suggest, quite reasonably, that the UAW accept a pension freeze and switch from defined benefits to an IRA-like plan. UAW officials refused even to discuss it -- and the auto task force went along with the union, because, as Mr. Rattner describes it, "attacking the union's sacred cow . . . could jeopardize the process."
I love that phrase: "jeopardize the process." The process of what, exactly? The process of becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Big Labor?
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Jun '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Obama is a typical Chicago Democrat, and has dabbled in kickbacks...but I repeat myself.
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
This is like a game of Clue, right? I think it was The Professor; in the Oval Office; with the Ink Pen.
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Two comments:
1) This Washington Post story is a rare exception to the rule of thumb that whenever there is a question in a headline the answer is no. In this case, the answer is yes!
2) If you're looking for the definitive piece on the flaws of the UAW attitude, do yourself a favor and listen to this fascinating episode of This American Life.
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Is the Post one of the outfits that is always intoning about the corrupting effects of money in politics?
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Every time I read a story about the UAW or any union whose activities have long term benefits for no one besides union leaders and the politicians who love them, these seven words come to mind:
"Dear Lord, thank you for Chris Christie."
Jul '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
I'd love to write something pithy but the Post is admitting that they don't see a relationship between the Union's single and overwhelming support of the Democrats i.e.
September 2010- "Unions have not all divulged how much they’re spending–Trumka has only said the AFL-CIO will spend more than the $44 million four years ago; AFSCME (public employees) president Gerald McEntee pledged $50 million; and SEIU has budgeted $44 million."
Enduring puzzle about the GM Unions? Maybe the puzzle is what's going on at the Post?
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
"Enduring puzzle"? You mean, enduring like one of those jigsaw puzzles you complete to make a whole picture, and then you break it up, put it in the box, and stick it in the closet? And next time you take it out, you have no idea how the pieces go together? Those "enduring" puzzles are fun: You can enjoy putting them together again and again, without actually learning anything.
Jun '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Ha! It's the union boss in the backroom with the baseball bat, Dave. It's so obvious even a Democrat could see it!
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Well, Rob, if you thought your last parody in NR was easy (insert "mostly white" here and there), this week just submit this article and stick your name on it. Done.
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Careful, Rob, you're nudging the conspiracy theory line. ;-)
Aug '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
It's too rich to be believable.
To paraphrase Claude Rains in Casablanca, "White House party politics trumping the people's interest! I'm shocked! Shocked!.... Round up the usual suspects."
Or Inspector Clouseau tripping on the carpet, grabbing the lamp to steady himself...
May '10
Re: The Washington Post Catches Up to Reality
Using round figures where else can you invest $100 million and get a payout within 18 months of $5billion. These guys sell their votes way too cheap!