jam1185 - If you believe you're a whole lot smarter than a lot of people in this town you've got a lot of growing up to do. Your spelling is terrible and you seem to have a problem punctuating a sentence correctly. Furthermore, you should realize that employees at GM organize and contribute a tremendous effort for the ECHO food drive and hopefully will not be severely impacted by the loss of those jobs. Maybe you should spend less time on your game console and take an English 101 class.

No.... But my dad does work at simmons... and you know damn well that those workers wont get anything special for being laid off. hes been there for around 27 years, he wont get a lay off. Hes out right now actually, had to have heart surgery, all you people that get so offended by anyone saying anything bad about GM, calm down im just saying that i dont understand why they get special treatment when they get laid off. why are they any different then the rest of us? thats all.

jam: Know what else is ridiculous? That you spelled it "rediculous." Hey, I make typos, grammatical errors and spelling mishaps too. But, if you want people to take your naive rants and ramblings serious, you should make sure it's well thought out and coherent. And, you couldn't be further off the mark in 90% of your post....there's no use in dissecting your post though since you have it all figured out. Sure hope you don't work for Simmons....

jam1185: All I have to say is that you have a lot of growing up to do. The lay off at GM is going to affect everything. It's simple economics.

JAM the giveaway on your thinking lies in the fact that you are 22. young and naieve.

im not judging the separate people that work there but a lot of the people that work there are like that... the guy your talking about, thats good! nothing wrong with that. but the whining and stuff a lot of those workers do is rediculous. Where do you live kiowa? Its not about how much money they make... its how they ACT like everyone is supposed to bend over backwards for them, thats all

Really amazing how much jealously and class warfare is out there. I fail to see how someone that makes decent $$ is a bad thing, or why others loath them so much? I know a guy who moved here from Canada, had hardly any higher education, started his own business, and is now a millionaire. I'm happy as hell for the guy, because he's a GOOD GUY. Why don't people judge others on the character of the person, and not by what sort of a job they have, what kind of money they make, or what possessions they have?

Pandow.... the ONLY reason there is people making big macs and bagging groceries at those places in the first place is because they werent "lucky" enough to know a family member that works at the all mighty and powerful GM... so they have to get by with what they can! I dont feel bad for the GM workers, they have always had the BEST of everything here in Janesville and there isnt anyone going to tell me different, with there special discounts and all that crap. Go get a education... struggle like the rest of us have to and stop complaining when you guys get laid off. And with the layoffs... them all getting there special help with job training and 2 year unemployment... thats a bunch of bull if u ask me, my mother worked at alliant techsystems for almost 30 years and when they just up and left all of the workers there, they didnt get any special treatment, and NONE of them workers complained. Those people were making BOMBS FOR THE WAR for crying out loud! And another thing.. Tahoes are a pieces of crap anyways, maybe instead of making the SAME OLD GAS GUZZLING SUVs that no one is going to buy because of the gas prices, and not just that, people arent dumb anymore, they know all there is to know about Global Warming and the SUVs GM makes arent helping towards any part of it. Look at over in Europe, they all drive SMALL feul efficient vehicles over there because they think about the environment a little bit more then us americans do, things are going to start getting BAD BAD for all of us, not just the poor GM workers in town. Stop complaining and going down to Echo when you get laid off and get food when there are a lot of other people in Janesville that could use the food way more then you guys could. Maybe sell some of you "toys" that you absolutly need. boats, big trucks, RVs ect... Look im only 22 and im a whole lot smarter then a lot of people in this town.. start thinking a little more about whats more important and stop being so damn greedy. that is all.... lol have a good day all oh and if anyone thinks anything different or wants to contact me personally email is JaM1185@aol.com feel free to say whatever u want!

jvldude: You should have a little more respect for the people that help make vehicles that get us from place to place and that transport our children. We're talking about people that help build sophisticated high tech automobiles not people who are putting together the quarter pounders we get at McDonald's or bagging our groceries at the grocery stores. Not that I have anything against those jobs but my guess is that building a machine capable of getting us from point A to point B is a little more complicated. I personally have nothing against GM workers making what they do. The Tahoe is a wonderful vehicle. If gas prices weren't so high more people would be buying them and so many people wouldn't be losing their jobs.

Folks losing their job at GM will now get to learn what its like to spend thousands $$$$ and countless hours going to college to make the kind of wage they make just for putting the same bolt on a Tahoe for 12 hrs a day.

"gstrube" my comment was GM offers education assistance to it's employees and employees children. i was pointing out that they care for their employees education. i think you think everyone is against GM and that is not the case at all.

To coffeeman: I was not including you in my post yesterday. I personally do not know what the answer to your question is except that they are in a union and unions usually do get better benefits because of the high union dues that they have to pay.
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To rocket21: You said it even better than I could. It's nice to see that someone in here has an understanding of the way the economy works and the seriousness of this.
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Just to be sure that everyone knows this -- the people that are being let go at Lears will be getting schooling also. I have a sister-n-law who has been working there for approximately 10 years and just heard of the news earlier this week. She came over to use my computer to start checking out the different courses offered through Blackhawk Tech.
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Again, I wish everyone of the GM workers, Lears workers, Odgen workers and Woodbridge workers affected by the job cuts the best of luck.

Hey all, let's not forget to thank good ol' George W. Bush for this. If we weren't fighting a war that made absolutely no sense, this wouldn't even be an issue right now.

Let's thank those service men and women who lost there lives fighting for the right for GM workers to have a job and make the wage they do. Hopefully some of them workers were smart with there money and will get through this with minimal issues.

There are a lot of posts on here, not just this blog, that people were voicing their opinions and they got attacked personally. That is wrong, and the only reason you know I did it intentionally, was the fact that I said that. It was just to prove a point.
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I also understand that people get offended and angry, but there comes a point where you have to draw a line and remain on topic and continue the debate/discussion at hand.
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It was a simple point I was trying to make, obviously it didn't succeed well.
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If everyone used a little grace when debating/discussing, these blogs would not get quite so hateful.
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I would apologize that I offended people, but I don't feel it is warranted. I would never wish people to choke or anything of that nature.
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My life is not a bowl full of cherries, as I am sure lots of other peoples lives are not. It will be a long hard road for the people affected by this (and I do have friends this will affect), and we as a community should stand behind EVERYONE that loses their job due to these cuts, not just GM

momof1 - your comments
1. who cares
2. Get over it.
3. they DESERVE the extra benefits!!!! Just ask them.
4. Bunch of whiners if you ask me!
5. employees that live way out of their means with all their toys.
6. That is the point I was making without lowering myself to the namecalling (see #4)
7. It was a fun project to see so many people get so angry. LOL Have a great day.
8. wow~ i wish everyone at GM the best of luck, I never said otherwise. (see 1-7 above)

You really are delusional.

I understand momof1 but if you say things that intentionally hurt and make someone feel like they are backed into a corner...They will come out swinging! Doesn't matter if your playing or not or trying to make a point. What does matter is we have some people in our community that are going to go through some very hard times. Doesn't matter if we agree with how or what they get paid it matters that they get through it!

Momof5: That is a GREAT movie. I cried, it was very touching. Would be nice if others would live their lives with that attitude. I am sure that GM will be around for a long time to come. It sucks for the ones losing their jobs, I hope that the state really steps in to help everyone. It will be hard.

BiGCat--thank you for that post and bringing everything back into perspective. For those of us who have never seen the movie "Pay It Forward" with Helen Hunt, it's an awesome movie...and a must rent! Here's to making the bumpy roads less bumpy for EVERYONE! :)

wow~ i wish everyone at GM the best of luck, I never said otherwise.
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I am free to comment on this blog, no one has to "ask" my opinion or my views, this is what the blog is created for.
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I am free to make assumptions and have an opinion, whether others feel it is right or wrong.
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The attitudes that have come out yesterday and this morning, PROVED the point I was trying to make. The point being: If you have a different opinion than the majority, you get attacked and blasted on this website. It is completely uncalled for, and very childish to hide behind your "screen name" and hate on people that are different than you.
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Very Nicely writen BigCat. I agree with your post!
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I have true compassion for all those around me, and I always will, no matter what the "gazette blog world" thinks. It really saddens me that people have become so unhappy in their lives. It doesn't matter what blows you are given, you have to maintain a good outlook on life and figure it out. You have no other choice. Our childrens future depends on it.
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I wish everyone out there the best of luck in all they do. All you can do is live you life and pray it all works out well for you.

Later

I did not see an article today that ANYONE choked on a chicken bone last night. I for one was releived. I enjoy your comments momof1, you should join a debate team.

PLEASE READ BELOW!! From Bremel's Blog on WCLO web page. I believe we all should stop and think!

Imagine you go in to your job tomorrow … and find out its not there. The company, for whatever reason, has reorganized and will eliminate your job in two months. You’ve got two months to figure out how to keep paying for the kid’s college, your house payment, medical insurance, utilities and all the day to day expenses of your family’s life. Maybe you’re at an age to easily find a new job -- but likely not.
Now what?

I wouldn’t know where to begin if that were the news to hit me. Yet, 750 or so of our fellow community members just had that very experience happen to them when GM announced it was eliminating a shift. They are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Reading some user comments on our websites makes me wonder why there is so much “debate”. Whether you believe in GM’s business model, or unions or the types of vehicles built - the simple fact is that real people will experience real trying times as a result of this corporate decision which they had little if any hand in.

This is a time for all of us to put ourselves in the shoes of those workers and wonder what we’d hope of our fellow citizens if their situation were ours. It’s a time to show a little more patience, compassion and simple kindness when we’re out shopping, getting gas, dining out and enjoying our lives as they go on, largely uninterrupted. It may be that a gesture of paying forward a couple of bucks for the next person’s coffee, buying the next person’s tank of gas or simply a smile and a friendly greeting helps someone through the day. Wouldn’t we all be grateful for the same?

A working population the size of my entire home town is about to be dealt a major blow. My hope for myself and the rest of us is that we all look a little deeper within ourselves and see if we can’t make the road they’re about to walk just a little less bumpy.

momof1 I am glad you are not affected by all the job cuts. Good for you. There are alot of others who will be. I do not see the fun of messing with the temperment of people who are not really sure what they are really gonna do. I am one that is affected by the cuts and I have been tring to be prepared. I also have children to raise and bills due every month. Just as does everyone else. You need to take care of your own door step before you judge everyone else. I am sure you are not perfect for I have never met a perfect person yet. Leave the people alone with your smart comments and think what you are saying. Life is a ride and you need to ride your own and leave people alone. Voice what you feel you need to but remember what goes around comes around and I would really hate for you to have to deal with what others are. People will make of it what they can but right now we need to voice to work through it not for you to think you are better and judge. I do not really recall anyone asking you anyway

Why don't we get get back on track, and leave people alone. This is supposed to be about the issue in the article (or poll), not personal issues.

momof1 - Those who live in glass houses..."AMEN Hannah!!!!!! Bunch of whiners if you ask me!" Sounds like name calling to me.

ustsaynotomath - First, what is wrong with an employer providing tuition assistance to their employees? Many corporations do this, not just GM. Secondly, they only receive the assistance if they complete their courses and maintain a specified grade point average. Thirdly, anyone that has the motivation to work full time, attend school and raise a family should be applauded for their efforts. What was the point of your comment anyway?

PS--momof1--if it is ridiculous to give someone a happy send-off before they eat their chicken dinner with a quick cautionarry statement not to choke on the bones, wouldn't it be equally ridiculous to a)try and have a little fun and stir things up on here while an entire community is absorbing the news that a staple within their community is no longer certain and b) to say "who cares" when asked about GM and their production status in Janesville.
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Obviously you cared enough to read the article. Don't know about you, but I don't care about the Brewers...therefore I don't click on any stories about them :)
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Whatever it is you are enjoying tonight for dinner, please be sure to chew atleast 12 times.

momof1 (or evansvillehousewife...perfect!): It isn't so much about you berating any one person for working at GM. It's more about the 3rd post on this topic from you: and I quote "who cares." You may not, but others do. You may have job security in SALES (that did make me smile!), but there are plenty more out there who are concerned about the backlash these cuts will have. You are 100% correct that life will go on, the sun will rise and set yet again today. It's not necessarily all about gloom and doom and Janesville becoming a ghost town. It's not about jealousy and being over-paid (tongue in cheek). But, it's about REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL FEELINGS who are now having to deal with the aftermath of these announcements. GM workers may be over-paid, lazy, live way above their means, bring a dark image to the word Janesville, but doggone it, they have feelings! (note sarcasim in relation to the negative sentiments about GM workers).
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In addition to their hilarious comment on chicken bones, rocket21, has hit the nail on the proverbial head. For anyone to think these cuts will not affect them direct, indirectly or via induction is absoulelty naive.

First, the $1500 for dependants does not cover ones spouse, only dependant children. I honestly am not aware of what the total benefit per year for each employee is.
Pay is at the $28 per hour plus benefits.
There are only a total of about 2800 employees, down from nearly 7000 back in 1985.
Regarding the guarantee of employment till 2012, yes that was in the national agreement, but I doubt that that forces GM to keep Janesville working, I would bet that there a clauses that allow an out due to economy or other uncontrolable factors.

GS~ name calling. berating someone. wishing they choked on their chicken bones? That is what was said to me, it is ridiculous. I have nothing more to say on it. I don't live my lifet to please everyone and say the "morally correct" things just to make other people happy. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That is the point I was making without lowering myself to the namecalling and personally attacking that goes on here on the blogs. It is actually really ridiculous.

GM employees get $5,000 a year towards a degree and $1,500. a year for dependents ! this is a fact ! anyone who says different is just a liar !

You used to term when referring to another person's comments. And I don't see where they "berated" someone. I used the term to show how you used it improperly. Why don't you just reply to my comment about the good things GM workers do. Most, if not all your comments are are critical of GM workers. I guess you are focusing on this because you don't have any appropriate response to my comments.

yeah, I re-read them. Never berated someone for working at GM.

Read your own comments momof1.

gstube~ When did I "berate" someone for working at GM?
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No I am not evansville housewife
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I was playing devils advocate yesterday, I have learned that one cannot voice their opinion without being attacked by the "intelligent" people on the gazette blog!!! It was a fun project to see so many people get so angry. LOL Have a great day

Again, momof1 takes the stupidity award. Are you aware of what the GM employees do for the needy in this town? Next time the ECHO food drive is going on maybe you should pay attention to just how much GM employees contribute to this effort and other community projects such as United Way & Red Cross blood drive to name a couple. All these community projects will be affected by the loss of those employees. In your own words, don't "berate" someone just because they work for GM. It would serve you well to learn about the good things these people do before you criticize them.

The effects the layoffs at GM will have on the area economy can be grouped into three different categories: direct impacts, indirect impacts, and induced impacts. Direct impacts include all losses resulting directly from the layoffs at the plant, such as the region’s loss of jobs or the workers’ loss of employment income. The second type of impact, the indirect impact, involves losses sustained by industries engaged in commerce with GM. For example, local companies that supply GM and its employees with parts, services, and materials, such as tires and legal counsel, will experience decreased demand for their products. In order to compensate for lost revenue resulting from decreased demand, GM’s supplier companies may be forced to cut employment and/or reduce spending. The third and final type of impact, the induced impact, effects previously unaffected industries through changes in the spending patterns of households and companies that have suffered direct or indirect impacts. For instance, households supported by GM employees are likely to reduce spending until employment is obtained through other sources. In addition, households supported by employees of GM’s supplier companies are likely to reduce spending due to increased unemployment risk, and supplier companies are likely to reduce spending due to decreases in revenue caused by the loss of sales to GM. Spending cuts by these households and companies will resonate though the economy, negatively impacting industries that were previously unaffected by the closing of the GM plant. More specifically, retailers and manufacturers will suffer as households reduce purchases of clothes and electronics, attractions and restaurants will experience a decline as households cut spending on movies and meals, and professional sales will suffer a decrease in purchases of large items, such as cars, furniture, appliances, and real estate.

Pandow77 states it perfectly! This doesn't only affect J-ville, it affects a lot of surrounding communities. You don't think that people working at GM don't pump money into Janesville's economy or the surrounding communities? I wonder how long the Armory or JPAC will be around? Who will support Mercy Hospital? Sounds like momof1 can do it all by her self-righteous self; so we shouldn't worry!!

coffeeman:
The reason is obvious. Like everything about Doyle, it's all politics, and who gave $$$ to his campaign. The rules are simple with Doyle..You PAY, you PLAY! Union workers have given a TON of money to the Doyle campaign (along with the Indians) which got him elected to office.
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It has nothing to do with what is fair, or helping out the average Joe (average Joe being those who did not give $$$). Do people really believe that is how politics work? My God, if you believe these guys are looking out for you, I'd like to sell you some stock in my new company; underground airlines!
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Politics is all one big country club. It has everything to do with those who give big campaign donations that get them elected. At which point they then return the favor by throwing a bone their way upon taking office. It's that simple; and has nothing to do with what is fair, or what makes sense.

momof1-Are u REALLY" evansvillehousewife" if not you sure sound like her !

Jealous of working at GM? Hardly. Enjoying my life? Absolutely.

oh yeah, that is hillarious to berate someone and wish that they choke on chicken bones? omg.

One more comment on this ....If Lear DOESN't tell the STATE OF WISCONSIN about their lay-off by 12 midnight on 5-1-08 they could be given a LARGE FINE!! IT IS THE LAW that the company give the state a 60 day notice... I still think this is underhandedness (sic) at it's best so GM can reduce the workers that make $30.00/hr

I don't really care who I offend when I say this it's not gm complaining it's these comments in the papers it people who never work there were not crying, we'll work this out like we always do not asking for your help. At least we work! And are not living of the system ,we also help and give out a helping hand when needed and a lot of us do work hard at our job so if you never work there than shut up.Opp's I thought lear got sub pay I bad we fought for are contract so don't hate on us. I just learned I'll have to cut back and I don't have fancy extra toys or both family members don't work at the plant and yes I pay Janesville taxes just like everyone else so I wish everyone would keep there low blows to your self!

For all you GM haters... It's not just GM that gets 2 years of schooling and UEC. Here's a web site you can go to and see for yourself..By the way Lear employees that got let go in 2006-2007 DID get schooling !! Here's the web site www.doleta.gov

Pandow77. You better NOT be including me in that group of jealous & whining people. All I want is an answer to my question. If you can give me an honest and intelligent answer to why one "group" of employees are treated above others when it comes to losing their job, then I will be satisfied. Questioning the position of the Governor on this is NOT being jealous or whining.

To rocket21, that was hilarious! LMAO

I'd also like to send my condolences to all of you at GM, Lears, Odgen, and Woodbridge who have or will be losing your jobs. I hope things get better for all of you. I'd like to extend that to anyone else who has or is losing their job due to this country's current economic state. I wish you all the best of luck.

Sounds to me like a lot of people posting in here are jealous of people who work at GM. You want to talk about whiners? Most of you sound like whiners. Grow up! If GM closes down will it break Janesville? Probably not but it does affect a lot of people and a lot of places. The people losing there jobs will need unemployment. Unemployment is already at an all time high. That many people, losing their jobs all at once, is going to affect the economy tremendously! That's a lot less people buying things, purchasing new homes, automobiles etc... That's a lot less people sticking there money into banks, which means banks will have less money to lend. This doesn't just affect Janesville. It also affects Lears, Woodbridge in Brodhead, Ogden in Albany and Orfordville and many others. That is a lot of unemployed people. Those of you who say you don't feel sorry for them because they should've been putting some money away, who says they haven't? Does it matter? Even if they have money put away it doesn't mean that they want to withdraw it all out just to live. I'm sure a lot of them have money put away for retirement, their children and possibly for their children's college education. How many of them have kids that they need to support or have kids already attending college? But that's ok, don't feel sorry for them and when the rest of our economy goes to hell and you fall on hard times, I'm sure none of them will feel sorry for you. One more thing, I've seen plenty of people posting on the gazette over the last year complaining about how GM workers are arrogant and how they all think their better than everyone else... To me, it is most of you in here who seem snobby and arrogant.

I wish I had an answer for you coffeeman!!! I would like to know the same thing!! What's good for one is good for all!

I still have not received an intelligent answer to my question of why the person laid off from Blain's, Mercy, Burger King, or anywhere else is less important in this community than to receive an extended two years of unemployment benefits and benefits to go back to school. I don't like to bash anyone on this blog, but things like this do make me wonder if certain politicians think GM and its employees are more important than anyone else losing their job. Please, someone tell me why Gov Doyle is doing this only for GM employees.

Wishing bad things on people is terrible.

momof1 thinks only of herself. maybe she should visit Flint Michigan or other places that have lost a lot of jobs. Think the crime wave and poverty levels went up at all there? Good luck smart one! Enjoy your chicken and don't choke on the bones!

I know what it is about. It really is okay to smile Momof5. Have a little fun. Everyone takes stuff WAY to serious on here.

Hey--guys--it's about GM and the loss of jobs, not peeing out all the water from water injected poultry, with or without permission from your boss.

Out of 5000 that work at GM how many actually live in Janesville? How many husband wife combo's worked there and why did they not bank more cash? Boats, car's, cottages, vacations and lets not forget all the strikes! Couldn't see this coming? Give me a break!

my job is great and i earn a good living- i say earn because im on staight comminsion so it isnt what they pay me. and not many places have pension

staceyt-did you not know the conditions of plant life before you signed up?? There are plenty of jobs out there with poor conditions. I wish the only problem I had to complain about at my place of employment was when I could pee.

There are alot of people in and around Janesville that are going to lose their jobs because of the changes at GM. Most of them will walk away with nothing more than unemployment benefits.

momof1 i sure hope your kids grow up to be a better person than you to basicly rub salt into the wounds of others i sure hope you never lose you job and want people to feel bad for you

Well, myself and my family will continue to support the local economy. We are even going out to eat tonight!!! Yummy WATER INJECTED POULTRY!!!

ya hannah the insurance benifits are really great ......we get to go to the doctor 5 times a year per family yeah that GREAT insurance coverage how do you choose who gets to go and when???? maybe you should find a better job with a pension if you are so worried about it another thing maybe it will not impact janesville like it would have 10 years ago but the town will still feel it not as many people eating out or shopping going to the movies wait and see!

and i am sure there are many other working harder than they do and less money and no bennies and not complaining so much

AMEN Hannah!!!!!! Bunch of whiners if you ask me!

they also complain that the money they make isnt enough. you dont need a whole lot of intelligence to run the same line doing same thing day after day. i am tied of the complaining all the time for their AWESOME pay, pension, insurance,and all the other benifits they receive.paid vacation days.stock options. how can you complain about all of that!!!!!! i have soc sec to look foward to and if i want more than that i will need to keep working. it sucks do do line work all day and ask to go pee yes fine. but they are more than compensated for it!!!! yet still complain

my response to mom23 is have you ever worked there?? they earn every penny they make!!!they spend 10 hours aday chained to a line they need permission to go to the bathroom when was the last time you needed to ask to go pee??the toll it takes on your body is something you will never understand i think gm in janesville will be here for a while first it is the only plant they own and is paid for in full so why close it to pay for a plant somewhere eles!!!

stupidity??? please elaborate?

I am amazed by the amount of stupidity expressed in these comments especially by momof1

jmags
yes and less forclosures of mortgages that some gm employees that live way out of thier means with all their toys

Coffeeman~ Because they are the almighty GM, they DESERVE the extra benefits!!!! Just ask them.

Beloit only had a population of 35,000 when Beloit Corp folded. Over 3000 lost their jobs there along with Fairbanks and the shoe factory and that city did not fold up and die. In fact, Janesville could take some lessons on how to revitalize their downtown from Beloit. Beloit is now a beautiful city and has much to offer in its downtown area. We will survive this. REal disappointed in Governor Doyle. Why are just the GM employess entitled to extended unemployment benefits for up to 2 years? Does that mean the person who gets laid off from Blains or Mercy Health System or Burger King is that much less important to this community. I just can't help wondering why all this GM bashing goes on and then this type of thing happens.

God forbid if some people will have to adapt to the changes. Lots of people have to adapt and change. I never said I rejoiced about someone losing their job, however, I am sick and tired of hearing about it non stop how GM is going to ruin everyone's lives. Well, they won't ruin mine. I am pretty secure in my job, but if the time ever came that I don't have one, I have enough put away and am good enough with money to last while I find something different. Get over it, it will NOT be then end of Janesville!

Hannah, not only do 5000 work at GM, but many more work for companies that supply GM. If GM goes..so will those jobs, along with their wages. so there will be less money in the pool to pay school, property, etc taxes. WE ALL LOSE

momof1- i agree janesville population of 65,000 will not become a ghost town if gm shuts down- how many work there??? 5000

gotthat: there are employees EVERYWHERE who get paid to do very little and GM is not immune to that sort of human factor. There are some who happen to draw a very good wage for doing very little at the plant. But, there are MANY more who do more than their wage compensates them for.

Does it matter how much an employee gets paid? Seriously. If Burger King was announcing they were closing all of their Rock County locations, people would be on these threads berating them for not being smarter and going to school so they didn't have to "flip burgers" for a living. Bottom line is NO ONE should EVER be rejoicing when someone else has lost their job....regardless if they make $28/hour and pay minimal health insurance premiums or if they make $8/hour and have no health insurance. Lord help those out there who think they have job security and something like this could never happen to them.....unless you are a mortitian, there is no such thing as job security! And, to those who say GM will not make or break Janesville...tell that to Beloit and those who worked for Beloit Corp. GM may not matter to you, but it matters to the 1500+ UAW workers who will be without a job July 14th, if not sooner. Have some compassion and if you can't...then just zip it.

I'm not sure about this, but from what I have heard there are many employees who get paid VERY well for doing VERY little at GM. Maybe I was misinformed, but when I heard that I was shocked. Could anyone provide any truth to this?

danias I don't know where the heck you get your information but Lear does not and never has received sub pay.

I think GM's idea to cut the dead weight and move on with new employees is a great idea. Now maybe more people will be able to afford to buy a GM product and help support a locally operated company.

I am not really a walmart fan. I just love the water injected poultry!!!!

DID SOMEONE SAY "WATER INJECTED POULTRY?" YUM YUM. I LOOOOOOOOOVE WALMART - AND OBVIOUSLY SO DO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.

To Caine comment don't think what you read in the paper is always true. Right now your only hearing about Gm because that is what the gazette always try's to stir up friction in janesville Lear are getting unemployment and a sub pay so if you don't know the offical truth don't be running your mouth and slamming on gm workers it will be a trickle affect when this happens other stores and business will be hit by this to because people won't be buying little extras here and there so people talk big now but just wait when reality hits!

GM employees have been paid too much for too long. GM must make some changes or they will not only close the Janesville plant, but many others. Take the buy outs, go back to school.

ive heard from a friend they have a contract to build suburbans/yukons thru 2012?? is that correct anyone?? if so thats when itll go. unless gm moves a dift line to be built over to janesville. based on the mpg's those vehicles get and rising oil prices and blahblahblah, i hope those vehicles arent even an option to consumers by that time.....

I feel like chicken tonight......

Thanks!!!

GM will not make or break Janesville. Get over it.

Who cares? We all better start caring. The world is full of you non-carig people! Janesville needs GM or we will all be working for Walmart and eating their water injected poultry!

It's really nice of Gov. Doyle to promise to step up and help out the GM'ers with extended benefits and expidited retraining...even if they do get SUB pay and aren't going to be as negatively impacted as the employees of Suppliers who were/are gatting laid off and get zip. Way to go, Doyle, help the ones who need it least and leave the ones who need it most twisting in the wind.

who cares

this rumar has been going on for over 30 years! I doubt theyll ever close

How many thought Chrysler would still be functioning in Belvidere 10 years ago? They've reinvented themselves, just like GM will and is. Things may not be like the "ol' days" in the near future (if ever), but GM will thrive in Janesville again. What GM, Janesville and the car industry needs is a real fix--not a bandaid. It hurts, but I suspect this is a step in the right direction for longevity, productivity and profitability!