By Frank Guildenbecher
Anderson resident
The recent statement that the governor made was somewhat over the top. Gov. Daniels stated that since the current administration was in the auto business, they were piling on to Toyota. I thought that was very insensitive to the victims. I am sure the families, of the 19 individuals who lost their lives due to faulty accelerator and brake problems, would want the government to investigate the problems that Toyota is having. There have been over 2,200 accidents related to this problem. It is important to the safety of the American public to correct this problem. It should not have anything to do with politics.
Many independent-minded people are tired of the constant political spin, politicians and radio pundits project on every issue. If one wanted to, you could spin this issue 360 degrees and blame the Bush administration for being too incompetent, because some of the accidents occurred on his watch. One could say, by not forcing a recall, they were helping the non-union Toyota get ahead of GM. I personally think that this is just as ridiculous as to assume the government now is helping GM by piling on Toyota.
I realize that there are 5,000 Toyota workers in Indiana, and as a Hoosier I hope they all can keep their jobs. Right now, we need all the tax money we can obtain. When, last year, the governor and Mike Pence stated that to help GM would be throwing good money after bad, I thought what about all the restaurants and goods and services, not to mention the taxes that current GM workers and retirees support and pay. What an odd statement for Gov. Daniels to make, when many Hoosiers depend on GM to get by. I am sure many of these folks even voted for the governor.
Gov. Daniels, the CEO of GM said the bailout money could possible be paid back this June. If this happens, are you and Mike Pence going to make a statement that you both made a mistake? I personally thought the governor was above politics, but I was wrong. Apparently he cannot think for himself. It is more important to stay in lockstep with his party even if this makes union-affiliated Hoosiers’ livelihoods less important.
Shame on you, Governor, and shame on me for voting for you.
