It could be just a coincidence that the most depressing day of the year (Monday, January 23, 2006 which is in competition with today also as far as I am concerned) was the same day that Ford announced its plans for closing up to 14 plants in North America. Some of what I have heard has made it hard for me to cry too much. UAW contract includes a clause that makes Ford pay up to 90% of wages to employees for any plant idled, until the next round round of contract talks. They are scheduled for 2007 sometime. A semi soft landing for many. Retirement for some. Hardship and stress for 30000 or more employees no matter how you slice it.

Ford is doing what it needs to do to survive. You don't have to like it. But questions need to be asked. How did Ford, not just Ford but the whole of the US auto industry get to this point. It can't just be the Unions fault. They are by their very nature going to fight for the best contract for their members. Nor can it just be the Auto makers. Do we give them equal shares in this?