Adam's Logic

Ok now this is funny...

Apparently the poor CEOs of the big 3 U.S. automakers traveled to testify in front of Congress today in their private jets. The members of congress weren't too happy about this according to CNN. I find this hilarious that the CEOs had the gall to do this and that Congress actually asked them about it. Yes, Yes, some people think it is a side issue or non issue, something to bring attention off the main subject. But I think it shows exactly what is wrong with these automakers and many other corporate monoliths. The little things are what counts. The simple step of flying coach would send a huge message that they mean business about changing the fundamentals of their businesses. From corporate waste to car cigarette lighters, it's all important. The little things are what make a business a success and what make someone buy one car over another. The U.S. car industry has been in decline for at least 30 years. They act as unstoppable Goliaths while the more agile foreign competitors take away market share with cars that actually address consumers' needs. I have never owned an American car. I would love to, but the domestic brands don't cut it when it comes to quality, capability, and style. Most American cars look like they were produced half-assed and don't really fit together. They look like a student project, not the products of international corporate giants. Anyone who has bought a car in the last 30 years can tell this. Everything from union contracts and legacy retirement and pension programs to large executive contracts and huge bureaucracies need to be trimmed so the companies are able to move and become more competitive. The old corporate cultures of big cars and huge development times need to change forever. This failure has been coming for a long, long time and the industry only has one chance to be saved, and that is for us to let it fail.

An open letter to Rod

Governor Blagojevich,

A few night ago, I sat at home, on my couch, with my dog watching an episode of Frontline on PBS. This episode is a few weeks old (I have it thanks to Tivo).  It is about Barack Obama and John McCain, titled "Campaign 2008". It is a biography of both Senator McCain and President-Elect Obama. This episode causes me to sink deep into thought as I see what it takes to turn a lanky intellectual into a political powerhouse and the next President of the United States. You see, I want to be like Obama!. I want to get into politics and make a difference. I want to make change happen. I just don't know where to start. His career is a blueprint for me and others to follow. He moves deliberately and is unaccustomed to defeat. I can safely say I have had my share of losses and am neither as eloquent nor as refined as Barack. But what I am is as committed to making a difference and leading my city, my state, and my nation to a better tomorrow. I need to start somewhere and being the Junior Senator from Illinois seems like a great place to start. I know politics is a tough game. I will have to play hardball and not take any guff from anyone. You see, as mentioned in the program, Obama is a "steel fist covered in a velvet glove". I must also be like Barack and take every opportunity that arises for me. You either seize the moment or your moment might not come again. I also know I am not perfect and have not been the best student or person throughout my life. But I must leave that past behind and strive to be better. I must rise above it like John McCain. I must stand in the face of adversity and look it square in the eye and stare it down. I must continue to speak the truth like the Senator used to do. A good person admits their mistakes, take their lumps and carries on.  That is the politician I want to be.  Being a politician is not the easiest road for most but it is a noble one. At least it starts out noble for most and remains that way for few. Hopefully, this election and its candidates will truly inspire me and I hope others to come out of the fray and bring real change and productivity to our nation's politics. I promise to stay on the straight and narrow. Give the senate seat to me or someone else who will truly make a difference. Not a political crony or someone who you owe. You owe the people of Illinois more than anyone else does. Make them proud and give them a good senator.