Also,youwillcommentononeofyourclassmate'sarticlesduringtheclassdiscussionat DISCUSSIONACTIVITY#2:FEDERALISM(10points). "BullfeathersRestaurant."Letyourfellowclassmatesknowwhatyouthinkabouttheissueandhow thegovernmentisdealingwithaparticularproblem.Yourcommentcanbebrief.Youmustpostyour commentonyourclassmate'sarticlenolaterthanmidnightonSundayofWeekFive. Topic: Federal Bailout of the three US automakers Detroits Big Three, General Motors (GM), Ford and Chrysler, asked the government for $25 billion in order to survive the economic crisis. While Congressional Democrats urged the Treasury Department to approve the loans, both the Treasury and Congress lacked interest in another bailout. In early September 2008, the heads of GM, Ford and Chrysler met with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss options. Both said they wanted to help Detroits car companies but didnt commit to anything official. A few days later, the two Democratic leaders asked the Treasury if some of the $700 billion bailout fund money could go towards helping these automakers. The request was denied because the bailout money was not designated to help industrial companies; it was designated for financial companies. Not only was the money not allocated industrial for companies, it was bad timing. At the time, the country was in between presidential administrations. Undertaking such a bailout was certainly controversial. Regardless, Presidentelect Barack Obama voiced his support, calling the auto business the backbone of American manufacturing. Despite Obamas proclaimed support for future help, all three companies were running out of money quickly and workers continued to lose jobs. Author: Frank Langfitt Article Title: Will Congress Bail Out Detroit Automakers? Source: NPR News I know this isnt necessary, but in case anyone was wondering what the current status of this s ituation is 2010 looks much better for Detroits Big Three, with both GM and Chrysler forecasting higher sales than in 2009. GM is hoping to reopen some shuttered factories because they are struggling to produce vehicles fast enough. Chrysler, as of late January 2010, is set to hire more engineers and product development workers. Ford is offering incentives, including zero-percent financing, $1,000 down payments and others to lure in new customers. Im from Michigan and Ive seen the devastation caused by the automakers problems the unemployment, loss of health insurance, homes in foreclosure, etc. This is great news for Detroiters and the nation!