What Janesville GM plant closing means to me
June 3rd, 2008 at 09:52am Georgette Braun
Before you tell me how self-centered I am, let me tell you that I learned this principle in journalism school. Readers want to know this about a news story upfront: What’s it mean to me?
So, here’s what the Janesville SUV plant closing announced today means to me. I’m afraid I’ll never be able to sell my 1998 Grand Jeep Cherokee (with only 118,000 miles on it) for much more than a song and dance. (My Jeep looks like this one at offroaders.com.)
GM CEO Rick Wagoner Wagoner said the change in the U.S. market to smaller vehicles likely is permanent. “We at GM don’t think this is a spike or a temporary shift.”
Just to be clear, I do feel for those losing their jobs and for the community.
So, what’s the plant closing mean to you?
Entry Filed under: economy
5 Comments Add your own
1. Aaron J, | June 3rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
What does the GM closing mean to me? Not a whole lot. While it is sad that the plant did close, business is business first and foremost. Plants open and close. People get hired and fired. Life goes on.
“There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity.”
General Douglas MacArthur
2. Jen Sensible | June 5th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Geo, let me ask you another question. You are driving a 10-year-old car with 118,000 miles on it. How the heck much do you expect to get for it? and what on God’s green earth does the closing of the Janesville plant have to do……..with anything?
3. Georgette Braun | June 5th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Jen: I once traded in a mini-van with 140,000 miles on it and got like $4,000 on a used T-bird. That’s what I was hoping for. But with gas at $4, I’m thinking that won’t happen.
And, like my post said. That’s what I thought of when I heard the plant in Janesville is closing. It’s just another reason for a car dealer to tell me my Jeep isn’t worth much: ‘You know, Geo. Even GM can’t make money on these gas-guzzling suckers.’
Don’t you ever hear news and think: What’s it mean to me?
4. Jen Sensible | June 9th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Geo, I guess my point is that the gas problem in this country — and what it meant for gas guzzling vehicles — was established long ago. I didn’t really understand why you would link it to the Janesville closing — seemed to trivialize the matter. but that’s just me.
5. Georgette Braun | June 9th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Jen: Gotcha
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