ironhorse: First of all, stop yelling. Secondly, don't even get into the whole "not American if you don't like GM" thing. That's a ridiculous statement and really has no merit anymore. Land of the free. Freedom of choice. Read the Constitution if you're confused. Your statement is like saying you're un-American if you don't like Neil Diamond.

So is the plant "closing" or just stopping production? There is a difference between being "idled" and closing. Are we on life support or dead?

IF YOU DONT LIKE G.M. YOU DONT LIKE AMERICA.I WOULDNT BUY A FOREIGN VEHICLE IF SOMEBODY PAID ME.I AM NOT GOING TO SEND MY MONEY TO A FOREIGN BANK.GLOBILIZATION IS KILLING THE AMERICAN WORKER,THE AMERICAN FAMILY.I DONT KNOW THE STATISTICS,BUT I WOULD BET A MILLION GOOD PAYING JOBS HAVE LEFT THIS COUNTRY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS.HOW MUCH HAS THE POPULATION INCREASED IN THE LAST 30 YEARS? YOU NEED A LARGE INDUSTRIAL BASE TO BE A WORLD POWER.ARE WE AS POWERFUL AS WE ONCE WERE? EVERYWHERE I GO PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK AND HAVE LITTLE OR NO MONEY.

Jakaio - Check the parts content of your Toyota, Check where the profits go, Research what I said about their support for America, Check what country most of their taxes go. Did you know that 90% of the labor of a vehicle is in components, research, and development rather than vehicle assembly? You have a right to buy whatever you want. I happen to believe that overseas ownership and control of the means of production is not beneficial. We are all in it together - the worker, the business person, the farmer etc. When we don't support ourselves, we weaken us all. That holds for manufacturing as well as energy.

Everyone who keeps claiming "Made in America" is a reason not to buy Toyota confuse me. My Toyota was built in Princeton, Indiana. That's a US state. Doesn't that mean ... Made in America? I can't understand how these people can be so against Toyota on the basis that you should buy American-made products when most of Toyota's vehicles ARE made in America.
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I just don't understand. Everyone here agrees on one very important details, however: Buy products that support American citizens. Whether or not you buy Toyota or GM, you're doing exactly that. So why all the argument?

I believe Jakio does a lot of raltionalization about "generous Toyota". While American car companies gave millions after 9-11 - Toyota didn't donate a dime. GM and the UAW obviously made mistakes. That doesn't change the premise that we are Americans and should have some loyalty. Check my shoes - New Balance made in USA and I even put out for a pair of Allen Edmonds from Wisconsin. Our mattress - Simmons made in Janesville. It is tough but American products are available. My biggest regret is that our union leadership (UAW) choses to make political kissypo with those who snicker about us behind our back. Must be our guns and religion.

sannio, And? The point of the matter is that Toyota choosing to build plants in the USA has resulted in new jobs being available to US citizens. Isn't that what matters--Americans getting more job opportunities?

Toyota isn't responsible for creating all those jobs in this country, the US government is. Our government gave foreign car makers a choice: Either have your product built here, or pay exorbitant fees to import.

Woodsman,
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I don't care about the intentions of a company. I have yet to say that. The point of the matter is than Toyota is responsible for creating 365,000 jobs for Americans while GM is responsible for the loss of thousands of jobs in towns just like Janesville all over the country.
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I'm not trying to disrespect you. If I were, I would have used words to describe how I perceive you and your view point (mind you, you've accused me of thinking them, yet I have never disrespected you by saying such things). If a company is doing their best to create jobs in America and not send those jobs to another country, then shouldn't a company like that be praised for keeping jobs in the country?
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American's are getting jobs! Isn't that what we want?

Why am I so down on toyota,that IS a question! Maybe it just don't sound american,or because it isn't. Maybe it's that you can't teach a dog new tricks,or what WAS american,is changing,dosen't mean WE have to like it. The ones making these vehicles,MAY SAY they are K with it,but i guess it's all about the money,right? I can't,and wont ever know,but i would never sell my patriotism to another country,that's how "I" feel,respect it,or not. I am sure that the 300,000 as you say are working for them,you tell me & others that ALL of them think your way,i don't think so,money talks. They get tax breaks in this country,(and the american companies get tax breaks to leave,go figure). Like i've said many times,we may have won the war,but they are laughing all the way to the bank. So you answer this,if the big three has to move to other countries to make vehicles,to make a profit,then why are these jap companies coming here?? if the three can't make it here,what incentives is the government giving THEM to locate here???

woodsman,
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About you reply to the other person. If you care so deeply for keeping jobs in the United States, then why are you so against Toyota, and why are you not screaming at GM?
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While Toyota is bringing more jobs to America and hiring more and more US citizens (having created 365,000 jobs for US citizens thusfar), General Motors is closing their US plants, laying off THOUSANDS of US workers resulting in other companies dependant on GM to lay off their employees, and is sending jobs to foreign countries! Mexico and Canada are receiving all of the jobs that GM has cut from the American citizens.
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Why on Earth are you so anti-Toyota when that company is doing more good for American citizens than GM is? Why don't you take all of your patriotism for this country and use it to tell GM that it is not acceptable to lay off American workers and then send their jobs to foreign countries?!

woodsman, humor me. What am I?

AND THE RACE IS ON, "AGAIN". YOUR TURN@@@@@@@

Jak-Mytake: Why don't you both just move to toyota town,they might like you driving their product,BUT WE IN JANESVILLE,know what you are!!!

Mytake: So what are you? a trader to your country too?? I do forgive the japs for killing our military men & woman,as i hope they forgive our killing of theirs,so if "YOU" think i'm a bigot & racist,they are both just words to me that are in the dic. But that doesn't mean i like them taking jobs & livelihoods away from my people,i have people,DO YOU???? I served my country,DID YOU??,i guess that gives me the right. to want the best for the U.S.A.,and the best AINT giving our jobs to other countries, RIGHT!!!

What is with calling people who disagree with you racists and bigots? Those calling others those names are typically liberal democrats who have always held Janesville workers in contempt.

woodsman...not only are you an idiot but you are a racist and a bigot!

Red, it is scary isn't it? Instead of wedging swords we all should be joining hands. What do you say people? Think this could happen? Remember the government wants us divided NO MATTER what they want us to believe. But let's all remember, UNITED WE STAND....divided we FALL..FALL..Fall! Bully's, unconcerned with those they hurt.....and that is who these people are who are picking on the people loosing their jobs. How about a little CONCERN?

Let’s stop pointing fingers and start asking the tough questions. 1) After GM files bankruptcy, which will allow it to get, rid of its pension and retiree health responsibilities who will pay for the bypass surgeries, the knee replacements, and the chemotherapy? Mercy and Dean better wake up. 2) How will retirees be able to survive on social security alone? 3) What will Janesville do with a superabundance of housing on the market, all of it overpriced? 4) Who will pay city salaries when families start defaulting on their property tax bills and city revenues fall far short of those needed to provide basic services? 5) With no middle class left who will be able to afford SUV’s, McHomes, expensive subdivisions, private school, and college? Maybe those employed by the new super Wall Mart and Sams Club? After asking the above questions I’d think about coming up with answers to those questions. It will take a lot of people thinking “outside the box” to address the hard times ahead.

WAHOO...I agree. And I am not going to try and "pound" the truth into any of these hater's heads. In due time, they will find out that they too will be effected, not all will have the integrety to admit they were wrong, but the heart never lies, and right inside there, they will know and feel it...so they won't have to admit it, they will have to live with their lack of compassion, and will eventially learn empathy for the ones who are going through what they are at this point, because they too will be suffering in one way or another. The mirror is the best punishment sometimes, and that is what will happen to all the haters.....

Woodsman...you are SOOOOO right about the serial number. When we baught our vehicle last year, we looked right inside the drivers door and it says right there, the date made, and made in Janesville, WI.

It is an event like this that a community needs to come together and help one another. These hard working men and women thru no fault of their own are facing an undo unhardship. It is the job of the community to come forward and show support for these fellow members of the human race. We need to set forth fund drives to help raise money so these people can find new beginings and start life anew.
I am sure that all these men and women can count or your support. For, if it was you, you would ask and desire that same respect.

Seriously, not to be negative, but those of us that didn't think this would happen were being fooled. Just they wanted us to be. I thought immediately when the announcement came out, it was worse than being told, they were just trying to keep the panic to a minimum. I pray for each and EVERY person that this is going to effect, and I am myself included, because I live in Rock County, and it is not going to stop within the city limits of Janesville, the effects are going to tremor. I am so sorry.

Jumper- Its obviously been quite some time since Your stint at General Motors. Your comment certainly has held true, more than once, but from what decade are You refering? It certainly does not happen alot anymore, dont get Me wrong, You will always have Your sickleave artists, as would any other place of employment, but bring Your assumptions into the present time.

I look at it like this if i'm going to spind my hard earn money to buy a car i'm going to buy what i wont american are not. GM should of seen this coming a long long time ago every one els did. And people were talking why dont they change to some thing els some thing cheep on gas but know they just keep on building the wrong thing.

I do have sympathy for these workers as human beings, but as a whole they have no one to blame but themselves. The mentality they shared when I worked there during a summer promoted the most gross unproductivity I have ever seen. People would sit for half a day while another worker did their job. Then in the afternoon they switched off. Now imagine if you could produce the same amount of vehicles with 1/2 the work force. Don't you think that might be beneficial when the economy is tight? In a merit world it's survival of the fittest. While, I understand that Unions are not based on merit, but on strength in numbers- The economy is based on merit (especially when the economy is on a downward slide). Companies must be productive, and when their work force doesn't produce -the company fails.

BillyDurant,
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Believe it or not, but we're going at the exact same point here. Buying a GM or a Toyota will support American workers. Isn't that the whole point? The only reason I bothered pointing out where the vehicles are made is because of Woodsman demanding you buy only "Made in America" cars and not "Jap cars". I may have made a few mistakes (i.e. the S-10), but that's all due to using information that was current as of just over a year ago (no report exists for the current status of GM facilities that I am aware of).
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Buying a Toyota supports the hundreds of thousands of jobs sustained because of Toyota's presence in the USA. The EXACT same is true if you buy a GM vehicle. The whole argument to not buy Toyota because it's a Japanese company is complete insanity for this very reason.
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There's no reason for you and I to argue. We both obviously want the same thing: to support American workers.

Jakiao-

The S-10 is no longer sold in the US and was replaced by the Colorado/Canyon, which is assembled in Shreveport. The Prius is not yet built in the US. That will take place in 2010. The Blue Springs Toyota plant was originally suppose to produce the Highlander. The Toyota Tacoma is also built in Baja Californa Mexico. The Durango is a Dodge and made by Chrysler (which is assembled in Newark, DE). The LaCrosse in only built in Oshawa, Canada. The Camaro is to built in Oshawa as well. The Ion is out of production. The Sky is also built along side of the Solstice in Wilmington, DE. The Montana was built in Doravile, GA until two weeks ago. GMT900 Escalade ESV is built in Arlington, TX. Impala is built in Oshawa, not Mexico as in your original post.

Even if the GM vehicle is not built by Americans, it DOES provide jobs for all of the GM engineers, designers, staffers, purchasers, marketers, etc in the USA.

Hang on it is only gonna get worse. At least that is what I have heard.... As for the GM employees I wish you well in what ever the future holds for you as I don't like to see ANYONE lose their job. Everyone Please
STAY SAFE!!!

In regards to the Yukon XL and Suburban, GM's following factories are equiped to build it: Arlington, Texas; Janesville, WI; Silao, Mexico. I made certain to state that production 'might' happen in certain countries as GM is capable of producing the same vehicle at factories in both US and foreign countries. But the point remains that many GM vehicles are built in foreign factories ONLY.
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The HHR, for example, is only built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The Aveo was produced in South Korea up until August of 2008, and has since been moved to the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. The S-10, which was produced in the USA up until 2004, is now built in São Paulo, Brazil. The Equinox is built in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. The ever popular Impala is built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Buying any of those vehicles means that your money to buy an "American" car actually goes to citizens of different countries. Think if everyone in this city who owns an Impala (and there are MANY) were to buy a GM vehicle built exclusively in the US, how much more money there would be staying inside the USA?

Currently the Suburban and Yukon XL are NOT made in Mexico. They have the capability to make them there but right now they are not. They are building pick-ups. I think the saddest thing of all is that America is no longer a self-sustaining country. In the rush for the global economy (ie more money) we gave up the leading role in the world. If GM is truely a international company now, at least thats what they claim over and over again, why are we bailing them out? Why do we give them tax breaks and pander to their ineptitude? Let them fend for themselves, just like everyone else has to. As far as I can tell, all the global economy has done is drive down our standard of living. Wasn't the intent to raise everyone elses to ours?

BillyDurant,
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Which vehicles? The Suzuki model? That one was listed because it's a joint venture with Suzuki re-branded to GM. I DID check my information, and it is correct. I wouldn't have made a post without researching the information first. All of the models I listed are built at plants owned by GM (or in some cases owned in joint-venture with another company).

Doc : YOUR WELCOME "ANY TIME!!!!!

outdoors, you said it the best. Where is the compassion???? Too many here are bitter and have nothing good to say. I guess we'll all see one day if they are ever in this god for bid bad place/situation.

Part of the problem was a stable of vehicles that were well over $25,000. The new "Traverse", which looks very nice, has a base price of around $29,000. The much exalted "Volt" is about the same. Granted, Toyota and Honda's are around the same price, so whatever happened to affordable cars? Who the heck can actually afford a $30,000 car and pay cash for it, with is what we should be doing. You can't. We have made it impossible to buy anything without credit, and convinced ourselves we constantly need new things all the time. GM as well as other big companies were instrumental in perpetuating an economy that was not self-sustaining. That does not even get into their total disregard of vehicles with a decent MPG, but then that's American's fault as well. Don't tell us we shouldn't or can't drive whatever we want...so we pay the piper.

The full story is here:
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/oct...

The GM closing was actually a wake-up call for me. This is my second plant. Ten years and a thousand miles from home, I'm facing the same situation. We have our TAP and dislocated worker programs now. Go to school, get your education while the programs are still available. Don't be a GM gypsy, you are nothing more to them than a body (so they call us workers). They can take away your job, but they can't take away your education. Good Luck to everyone affected.

My sympathies to the affected families. I hope something else comes along. I can not believe some of the negative comments...where is the compassion?

I predict the next shoe to drop will be GM's bankruptcy. Say goodbye to your pension and retiree healthcare benefits. GM Stock has gone from $45.00 a share a year ago to $4.89 a share today. "Speculation about a possible bankruptcy filing by GM has mounted in recent weeks because of the automaker's dwindling cash reserves. The credit rating firm Standard & Poor's put GM on negative credit watch on Thursday."

Hey woodyboy FYI I drive a 1996 dodge stratus, but I love Old Navy jeans which are made in some third world country. And I love my phone which is from Japan, and my TV is also from Japan, sounds to me like you might be racist and ignorant.

If anyone thinks that buying a foreign brand car made in the U.S. is the same as buying one from a domestic automaker you are wrong. That is the reason they put their parts together here because people feel that it's ok it was built in The U.S. even though most of the parts were built overseas. Read this http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/...

the argument that the profits go back over seas is bogus. a)at least they have profits and 2) they are reinvesting it in our economy, ummm which we NEED, by building more cars here every year.

Jakiao -

Please check your information on where the vehicles are assembled. There are many errors in your reporting, including some vehicles that are not even GM.

Shorty64... you do realize that "Evil" Bush just recently signed a law that gave 25 BILLION to the American car companies? Since when does freedom of speech have anything to do with auto companies?

One other thing, those of you that don't care where you cars, everyday products come from.... I wish you'd wake up and see truly what is happening to this country. One day if this keeps up, we may not have the freedom of speech that we enjoy now. The is NO reason why we rely on the foreign countries like we do. Two people we can thank for the crisis we are in are Bush and Cheney, the two clueless wonders of this world.

I have been in the community for the past 20 years, and in all that time, the comments about GM closing here is that it will never happen, etc. During the last 10 years GM has struck several times, made high demands via the union for it's employees in a market that was starting to be in a dramatic down turn. I feel bad for the people loosing their jobs, and some didn't agree with the union strikes, but a lot did. In the end hurting the company you work for is never in your interest, that downtime for strikes cost GM money, the best health care insurance in the city cost GM really big money. The airline industry went through the same belt tightening, but the pilot's union actually reduced their pay to help keep their jobs. I don't see the auto union ever doing that. Unions can be good, but at some point you have to think of what's best for the employer, because if they go under it doesn't matter what your pay and benefits from them are.

the news releases state the end of SUV production will be announced probably Monday. This isn't the final nail. If you heard the statement from Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Doyle; the proposal is still in Detroit and they HAVEN"T said NO to it. Let's hope and pray for our community that we don't lose any more jobs. For those of you bitter one's, for one day, why don't you try and think of family's out there with kid's still in school. A little compassion sometimes does a person a world of good!

Wait until this plant closes for good. The restuarants and stores will feel a decline in sales due to the loss of the jobs at GM and ALL the other companies affected. You ding bats that bash GM will be the same whiners that complain when other business are shutting their doors because of lack of business. GM was a cornerstone of the Janesville community and Rock County for nearly 100 years. This plant shutdown will affect this area for years.

All you people out there that bash the GM workers and think it is funny the plant is closing need to remember itdoesn't just affect the GM employee's. It affects the families also. The children of the workers. So don't be selfish and bash GM employee's think how it will affect everyone. And all of the other companies and the other people that are lossing there jobs. This is a time when our community should come together not bash each other.

The frames on every Gm vehicle made here came from mexico and I dont see where it makes a dif. as to the loss of GM here the wage they made they earned as some jobs down there are awful. I worked there a few summers and had no comment after working there as to the wage they made the last summer i learned 33 dif jobs and not one was easy. some of the comments are sad as to these people put their life into this place and if they have the things some of you dont they EARNED them. The sad thing is they worked their life to get them and now they risk losing them and the ones in here that envy that so be it... Most of the ones I know there have a nest egg as they know how to save and have nice things too. And GM employees did a great job helping the less forntunate here! Alot of families had nice Chritmas dinners and toys for their kids THANKS TO THESE HARD WORKERS. And many other donations are made by them to local charities and events. So the ones talking trash need to step up and see if they can help in this area or keep there mouths shut once the doors close at GM......

Everyone who is sympathetic, please keep in mind nobody made these people work at GM. They chose that path. Most of these people will dust themselves off, and move on to the next chapter of their lives. Most people are resiliant, and don't need people feeling sorry for themselves.

And for aprilgal, what do you mean "ruin your weekend"? What is the difference when the plant is closing, since it was already announced it would close? It is not a shock anymore.

I wish I could find the production rates, as bargined for by the UAW Janesvile. Then put them next to Arlington, TX. & Mexico plants. This was one of the big problems. Not the workers They were happy to see that there union had done "so good for them". Little did they know that that extra man and hour to put in a sun roof was the highest labor/hr/job between the three plants and even Fords Kansas plant had less labor hours per job. My point is, I am all for and proud of the Janesville UAW workers
but I cannot condone what the UAW itself has done to the industry. Even the last contract that I read and they were told to sign because it was good, was full of holes that I as an outsider said to my wife, this won't be what they think it is. By the way, I am a nasty American built, SUV owner and proud of it!

Like we didnt know ie would be the end of 09 the cut in production was an eye opener on that. They knew before the buy out that the plant was closing and kept it quiet as to the need for some employees to stay and run the plant. My heart is with the all of the workers and hope they can find away to keep what they worked so hard to get and not have to relocate and give it all up. It is sad for someone to settle into their homes and have a family then not know what is going to happen. I have seen so many people come in buy a home and then layoffs and cutbacks have to move to another plant just to be kicked again to another one just to watch it close. And my heart to all the little places the worked there heart out to supply GM.

GM Stock is selling for about the same price as a gallon of gas. I expect there are some big foreign investors gambling on a GM comeback and buying a lot of it.

GM had its` chance to quit depending on gas guzzlers and hoping foreign oil price would never rise----------duh

Agent Your screen name says it all!!!!!

You wont ever see me ride in a Toyota in this life time no matter who owns it.

I'm sorry to tell you, but you don't know how I was raised. I drive an American-built car. It's hard to call it a Jap car when it was built in America by Americans supporting American companies. If you own a Toyota, you're almost guaranteed that it was built in the USA. If you buy a GM, it might have come from another country (and in some cases always will, as is the case with the HHR).
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If you drive the following Toyota, you are driving a vehicle made by US citizens in the USA: Camry, Avalon, Solara, Sequoia, Sienna, Highlander, Tundra, Prius, Corolla, and Tacoma.
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If you drive the following GM vehicle, it might have been made in the USA: Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL, Silverado, Sierra, Durango, Covette XLR, Malibu, Saturn Aura, Buick LaCrosse, Vibe, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Trailblazer, Envoy, Camaro, Pontiac G6, Hummer H3, Saturn Ion, Saturn Vue, Solstice
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If you drive the following GM vehicle, it might have been built in Mexico (or possibly Colombia, Ecuador, or Venezeula): Aveo, Suzuki Vitara, HHR, Saturn Vue, Blazer, Montana, S-10, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Avalanch, Suburban, Yukon XL, TrailBlazer, Impala
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If you drive the following GM Vehicle, it might have been built in Canada: Equinox, Torrent, Suzuki XL-7, Buick Century, Regal, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Silverado, and Sierra.
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At this time, Toyota is building another plant in the USA. This time, it's being built in Blue Springs, Mississippi. That plant is beind built by American's hired by contruction companies also owned by Americans. While Toyota is building more plants in the USA and creating countless more jobs for Americans (both directly and indirectly), GM is closing US plants and laying off THOUSANDS of US citizens and then sending production of the vehicles to countries like Canada and Mexico. So many US citizens have jobs thanks to Toyota. If you have your way, and Toyota sales tanked, then those US citizens would lose their jobs. Are you telling me that you would love nothing more than to see more than 350,000 US citizens lose their jobs just so that Toyota would lose their sales in the USA?

Woodsman~ yes the salary of the new and unproved city manager does frustrate me but this story isn't about that so lets stick to our problem here....... I have to ask you if I came to your house say like back in 1998 and was driving A GMC Yukon (A great american big SUV when gas was cheaper it cost me $32.00 to fill it up)could I park my GMC Yukon in your driveway? It was brand new and I bought it here and my salesman was also American so I think I have all my bases covered now, so what do ya say can I pull in your driveway now? It was 1998.....

The city manager is actually a skilled job and he better earn the pay. However, it remains doubtful if he will be able to sleep on the roof of the building while another guy covers for him and still earn that pay.

BT I see you are a hater too,or maybe just jealous? Why don't you hate on the new city manager?? Their giving him 136.ooo a year pay,doesn't that bother ya???

jakiao: You say what you want,make up all the excuses you can to buy jap.,i guess your generation never taught you no better. My kids drive american cars,my grandkids drive american cars,they were taught at a young age that NO jap. junk would park in my driveway,and they live by that. By the way,i wonder if the people that work at those jap. plants,are hated their,like the haters here of G.M. workers??

Sad to see so many jobs lost, but there's no pity from me. The autoworkers doomed themselves years ago, when they started demanding ridiculous wages and benefits for a mindless production line job. Hope you invested well, wait, scratch that, hope you SAVED some of those overpaid wages you made over the years. Look on the bright side, At least now you don't have to argue over who gets Monday nights off when the Packers are on MNF.

Jakiao~ You hit the nail right on the freaking head, thats the point I have been saying all along....... Its easy to figure out and yet some look at it like its some kind of new math....

Woodsman,
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One additional note: Once the Janesville plant is closed, GM will have 51 open US plants (including the one they co-own with Toyota in California) as well as 51 foreign plants. Toyota will have 9 US plants (including two joint-ventures with GM and Subaru) and 20 foreign plants (including seven joint-ventures).
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Toyota has a vested interest in the USA, proof presented that they have more plants in the USA than in any other country. Just to note, Toyota only has one plant in Japan.

I have never had anything against GM and its workers, or their sky high salaries they destroyed themselves on paying out, I mean guys gotta make A living now don't they? We did this to ourselves so quit whinning and wondering why its happening!!! Hey guess what WOODSMAN get off curlysue, if she or I want to buy A Honda or A toyota built here in America then thats better than buying A 2 Door GMC Youkon built in Mexico!!!!!!! A car built in America buy Americans pays Americans yet A car built in Mexico or Canada does not, The money (profits)may go into the American company but how does this help our own people?! I WANT AMERICAN BUILT AND I DONT CARE WHAT COMPANY IT IS AS LONG AS AN AMERICAN FAMILY LIVED OFF THE WAGES EARNED WHILE BUILDING MINE!!!!!!!!

Woodsman: I am proud to own a Toyota. Yeah, so some of the money goes back to Japan. Do you have any idea what Toyota has done in the USA? They directly employ 34,675 US citizens, and their operations in the USA have created 386,000 jobs in the USA! If Toyota were to leave the USA, those jobs would be lost just like when GM leaves Janesville many jobs will be lost that are dependant on GM's operations here.
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Toyota pays US citizens $2,900,000,000 USD each year in payroll, has paid $28,000,000,000 USD to US-owned companies in thirty US states, and has invest $15,500,000,000 USD to US companies to build its ten plants, and has donated $340,000,000 to non-profit organizations in the USA.
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Like it or not, Toyota's operations support countless US citizens and companies.
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Source - http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business...

gunner, I'm afraid you're wasting your "breath"-it's a losing battle. Read this, then ask yourself if your comments (similar to my background) aren't wasted in here. Apparently the mentality of some is that 30 new low paying jobs to the city (30 total by June 2010) announced by Cummins is greeted in the same way as is thousands of high paying jobs leaving the city: What great news! I can't wait!
You can only shake your head and ask yourself why.
You're greedy if you make enough to live the "American Dream", and you are admirable if you suffer the American nightmare-can't make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck. (Or could it be-you're admirable if you're not making more (preferably less) than those that hate GM workers of any type?)

curly sue you ARE the ignorant one to think that jap. crap you buy made here,to think that money doesn't go back to the home land!! And if you think you are supporting other countries by buying a G.M. product,if you'd pay attention,you read the s.n.,they have codes that tell you where the vehicle is made,you reject it,if the code says its made other then AMERICA. Just that simple.

As a daughter of GM and of Janesville, I find it very sad that there are people out there who continue to bash the GM worker. I have had grandfathers, uncles and currently my own father who works down at the plant. There's over 280 years of work my family has given to GM. Not one single of my family members are greedy. They did their job, paid their bills, and fed their families. If you (speaking to the Joker) want to bash them for doing just that, then I have to question what type of American you are. I also want to know if you, yourself have ever worked in a factory. I have. Four summers in a row I worked down there and used that to pay for my college with cash. I also used that experience to gain a great appreciation of my father and family members who have sacrificed so much to take care of their own. Factory work, no matter what the job is, is hard work. It's loud, dirty and very tiring. If you want to bash a man for the paycheck he's getting for doing a job, you need to start bashing someone else. Look at your favorite pro-athletes, politicians, and CEO's of companies like GM. Don't bash the hard-working American who's struggling to make an All-American product. Don't bash the father's and mother's of Janesville. They've held this city together longer than you know.

I do agree that it's a bitter pill when a lot of what we wear was likely made by someone well under the age of 18 working 14 hours a day 6 or 7 days a week. Fortunately in China, labor is becoming more and more regulated, but that will just mean the businesses will more to other less-regulated countries. It's a tough train to stop.

Besides, GM is an "international company", the phrase 'Buy American' no longer applies to them. What difference does it make if i buy a suv from GM made in Mexico, Canada or Africa or if I buy a Toyota? The difference is if I buy GM I pay the saleries of foreigners, if I buy toyota I help some family in Missouri make their house payment.

Mr Scott Sarah already read me my rights. True statements you've made,BUT until these other governments in these countries that let this child labor continue,the playing field will never be equal. That's all i do know,if you can't be true to your country,you WILL NEVER be true to yourself! I know the government has bigger battles to fight,but they ARE the ones in everybody's business.The children that don't go to school,are locked up in a cage in the confindments of their working environment,these are some of who makes our stuff we wear. I know we don't have much to choose from when we shop,i would rather buy USA clothing BUT,the government condones this behavior,and does nothing about it,they only pick what to get involved in. IT should read,when read,NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND,IN ALL COUNTRIES!!!

I believe it's too late for the "Buy American" slogan. World markets have opened, there's no 'going back'.

General Motors Corporation is in the business to make money. Wow! There’s a surprise. The sad thing is that historically, their leaders have shown no foresight. They, the people at the top, cannot, or maybe just refuse to learn from their past mistakes. When the economy is doing well, they build the gas guzzling, high priced vehicles that bring them huge profits. Unfortunately, they are always behind the eight ball when the economy takes a dip. They are behind other auto makers who have shown some foresight and have produced more efficient vehicles. It is NOT the fault of the GM workers. They do their jobs and earn their pay. The sad thing is that the poor decision makers will continue to be paid very well, or have golden parachutes, while the workers suffer. Please don’t bash the workers who are losing their jobs. They are hard working people, just like you and me.
I have NO affiliation with GM, or the union. Just my opinion.

Prob with that is you can't find what you want or like that's made in America

It is simple...the American consumer has the power but not the willpower..buy american only for 6 months and you will see positive results...jmo

prevobus- You are also right! I know for a fact all the clothes from Banana Republic, Gap, Oldnavy, Gap Kids..... are ALL imported. Even the box labels are made in a different country.

Keep buying foreign crap and sooner or later it will effect everyone sooner or later..jmo

By the way, MrScott is right. We all know about electronics but when people were b---- about Walmart and the out-sourced clothing, I started to pay attention. While at the mall with my wife, I noticed almost every "high line" clothing item at the most expensive store was from Cambodia, Vietnam, a former Soviet country I can't spell and so on. These items were brand names like Columbia and many more. And yes, all of our houses are full of foreign stuff. The wood in your house is probably imported.

It's not what type of car you bought, there are enough buyers to go around. It is the fact that we priced ourselves out of the world market. Our workers are some of the finest in the world but our cost to produce each vehicle is to high.

Today we live in a GLOBAL market, and the market will continue to become more and more global as time goes on...there is nothing to stop it. The US is past it's prime as an industrial world power. The US can't compete with countries like China and India who pay works pennies on our dollar and have production rates much higher than the US. The US is moving toward a technology and financial center while industrial centers are moving elsewhere, and that's the world today.

In my life I've driven 3 Chevys, a Dodge, a Ford, and I currently drive a Subaru. As soon as a domestic auto maker produces a CAR with AWD and the same build quality and crash test rating as a Subaru, I'll buy it.

Woodsman, check your shirt, shoes, and pants, I bet they are all made overseas. Look at your cell phone, it's battery, and all the electronics in your house, I bet they are made overseas. I bet 80% of everything is your house is made overseas. Why can't someone buy a car made overseas (and actually, many "japanese" cars are assembled in the US now).

On the merger talks with Chrysler...I can't imagine why GM would want to take on Chrysler's pension obligations. They barely are able to handle their own....

Sarah it doesn't surprise me that you drive jap.,your comments kinda lean that way. And try to justify your decision to buy jap.,you are pathetic,no patriotism for your country,or your town,that was built from G.M. being here.

GM has been in merger talks for months. Now on hold. if markets level off they may continue.

GM is in merger talks with Chrysler.

GM released an official statement this morning saying that in spite of battered shares, they are not considering bankruptcy. In doublespeak this means that they are considering bankruptcy, probably to leverage a bailout from the federal government.

I am NOT so happy to hear this news,even though it's been a cummin for years,they said. You haters WILL get your just rewards,some day,maybe sooner then expected,by the way this country is going!! You ALL know who you are,WHEN,not IF,things in YOUR lives go south,I & OTHERS,do not want one whinney remark from one of you's. I for one,just make it,and worry about family & friends,and ALL that are going through these hard times. Maybe the haters are all CEO'S,that would explain the selfishness and insensitivity that they profess.

Even with advance warning, losing a job is never easy. I don't blame the GM workers for this or those of us who drive a foreign vehicle. The SUV is going down because of the price of gasoline and because of the overall economic instability in this country and the rest of the world. Yes, I drive a foreign car now (my first ever ... and it was used when I bought it), but I never would have purchased an SUV anyway. It would have been too much vehicle for me to handle. I'm not even sure that I could have climbed into the thing to tell you the truth. Anyway, I send best wishes to all those workers and families affected by this latest news.

villalamesville- My husband has worked at GM for 24 years, we don't have a boat, the motorcycle was inherited, and last June we went to S. Dakota for a week, the first vacation we've had in 8 years so no Arizona time share here. Our modest 3 bedroom house was built in the 70's, far from lavish!
Not all GM workers live in this celebrity lifestyle all you bashers talk of. So get over yourselves already!!

Here are more details.........
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/30...

villalamesville - I really am sorry that there are people like you in this city who can only make up stuff when they actually have no clue about people who worked hard at GM. I haven't heard anyone gripping, we actually have a better grip on "reality" than you do!

sry rich but 70-80% of all hondas/toyotas and even now hyundai are built by those american workers that you say madison and coast elitists attitudes are against. it does have to do with quality/reliability factors. it also has to do with the fact that gm/ford were busy convincing the american public how every one needed a big truck or suv. the fact is gm makes some less expesive cars(than honda/toyota) that get BETTER fuel economy with a longer warranty. but when people sit down and think about saving gas they just dont think abouth a pontiac g6 or a chevy malibu. they think about civic/corrolla/camry/accord. when they sit down and think about pullin their camper...well....

I hate to say it, but the idiots keep kicking people when they are down. My sources were dead on. Thejoker is also expected to make another boring, uninsiteful statement. Looks like the stupidity of the GM haters has finally caught up with them.

Time to sign up for community college.

Don't blame the Gazette for publishing what Herb Kohl's prematurely released. His news release has been spread to newspapers all over. I would like to cry but the emotions have been spent. The root cause of our closing has nothing to do with Janesville or the workers. It is the result of market share being lost to foreign automakers regardless of economy, price, or quality. I have a lot of problem with politicians like Jim Doyle who never ever promoted the benefit of buying American products to their supporters and now choose to act indignantly towards us. In the big picture both GM and the and our union let us down. It is useless now but how I wish that GM had taken a tougher stand ten years ago when dealing with the UAW. But that probably wouldn't have changed the anti-American worker elitist attitudes in Madison and on the coasts.

If some person worked for 25 years at General Motors, well thats all well and good. And more power to them. A job well done.
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But chances are that your neighbor wasn't making the wages your used to. So sell the boat, get rid of the motorcycle(s), quit your griping and sell off your Arizona time-share.
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Welcome back to the real world.

There was no greed involved. The workers took what was given to them. Things were going good and they deserved a piece of the profits. All of workers did. The problem to me is the CEO and his staff. Poor decisions, dont blame this on Janesvilles workers my friend, because believe it or not it will affect you someday somwhow. Good luck to all the men and women at the Janesville plant....from an outsider

What the hell do you mean by the greed of the workers? We are people who are just trying to make a living! People like you just make my blood boil! Why does the Gazette need to post stories like this - why not just wait for the news to happen instead of speculating what a "source" says - apparently they do not care about the feelings of all the workers who are on edge right now. Thanks for spoiling our weekend!

greed of the workers has absolutely not a thing to do with why GM is closing, if youd like to believe it and it makes you content in your anti union mindset then fine but oil prices and a lack of sales are to blame with our economy being the medium, dont blame the greed of workers or their union on this whatsoever.

Wow, Joker you are amazing. As if the writing was not on the wall when GM made the original announcement that they were closing the Janesville plant.

I hate to say it, but I told you so. My sources were dead on. Lear is also expected to make an announcement. Looks like the greed of the workers, UAW and GM has finally caught up with them.

Well the GM haters are probably happy, but I hate to see anyone lose their job when it is for reasons outside of their control. I know many people al Lear and GM, there are many good people involved and their kids.

O.K. so we are going to stop making sports utility vehicles in Janesville. This is old news. What's up with the proposal floated to G.M. about bringing a new vehicle to Janesville?

The fat lady has finally sung.....