Why Rebuild GM? - A Note from the Publisher :
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News Blaze Interview of William Cullifer:
Alan Gray Executive Editor
Alan: William, I understand that you are interested in Rebuilding GM? Can you tell us about that?
William: Yes, I’d be happy to. There are a number of good reasons to rebuild GM I think. For starters, it’s an American Icon and it deserves to be recognized for its successes past and present. Also, what Americans need to better understand is that GM is not that far off of the track and their not asking for a handout. With that in mind, I’d like to lend a hand.
Alan: Why is this important to you?
William: Because this is an American story and it affects us all.
Alan: What prompted you to do this?
William: My interest in this topic stems from a recent interview of a GM worker on National Public Radio (NPR). As a result of the interview, I would like to support the rebuilding of GM and its workforce by lending my skills.
Alan: How do you intend to support the rebuilding of GM?
William: Specifically, I’d like to drill down into the stories documentary style using today’s Web resources to feature those that build the cars that Americans drive everyday. It’s the American workforce that’s the real essence of this story in my opinion and it’s worth documenting.
Alan: What about the GM worker interview that inspired you?
Willam: Like many Americans today, I worry about the economy and how the current situation will affect my family and those around me. The recent NPR interview entitled “Michigan Worries Economic Recovery Will Pass It By” featuring a GM employee by the name of Don Skidmoore struck a chord with me.
Alan: How so?
William: Don talked about how the plant that he works for in Michigan built the B24 back in World War II which I didn’t know. He also also talked about he’s been around long enough to witness a few ups and downs of the past but how things are really different now. Things are really different now it seems and I walked away from the interview feeling inspired by the fact that Don is trying to help others that he works with to stay upbeat. I liked to think that I’d do the same if I we’re in the simailar situation. Additionally, Don’s interview put a face to GM and made it well, human. It also got me to thinking about a time when America pulled together as one and how GM helped America through some difficult times. Last but not least, I walked away thinking about the significant contributions of the American worker to the our overall health of our economy.
Alan: Why should we rebuild GM?
William: Well, for starters, I am of the opinion that the average American doesn’t fully understand the implications of a GM failure. I’m not just talking about the economy in general because I think that it will prevail over time time. What I am talking about is erosion of the middle class. An American auto industry failure is not just a GM problem it’s an American problem. Also, lets be clear, a rebuild of GM is not a handout since I don’t think that they’re asking for that. The American car manufactures play a significant role in supporting the our country financially and the cars they build are ingrained in our culture and heritage.
Alan: Do you think that the cars will sell William?
William: Yes, I do and they have. I own a GM product, I also own a Toyota and a German car and they all have over 100,000 miles on them. While it’s true, all of them could be more energy efficient they’re still on the job. Truth is, GM builds nice cars and trucks and given the demand they can improve the items buyers want over time.
Alan: What would you say to those that say that its a business mantra that the strong survive and the weak die?
Willam: Let’s face it, even the strongest among us need support from time to time. Sure the rebuilding of GM might be painful for a period of time but I get the sense that these guys get it and I also think that they employ a lot of great talent as well. It’s not like all of the cars and trucks GM sell are bad because they’re not. Also, we’re not talking about bailing out Wall Street bailout or AIG. GM might be able to be blamed for big cars but they cant be blamed for the fact that banks stopped loaning money. That’s a simple cash flow situation. For me personally, I’m in favor of making loans available to rebuild GM that’s even better and more fuel efficient than they are today.
Alan: What do you hope to achieve with the RebuildGM.org website?
Wilam: Well, I am hopeful that this effort will support the dialogue on the topic. I’m also hopeful that your listeners will sign up for the e-mail news alerts on the RebuildGM.org website and that they will follow along with what I hope to be a documentary of sorts complete with in depth interviews, audio and video podcast and insights on this topic. Sure GM needs to retool and improve with some new and improved models and strategies but what American company doesn’t these days?
Alan:I think that’s something that Americans can get behind and they just need to go to rebuildgm.org
William: Yes, that’s right rebuildGM.org
Alan:Thank you for your time.
William: My pleasure.
