Boycott Alabama: Joe Babiasz, Big Three Sympathizer Angry At Sen. Shelby, Starts Site

WWJ Newsradio 950 :

Joe Babiasz says he's sick of the 'circus of the Senate hearings'--and he wants 49 states and the District of Columbia to boycott the state of Alabama. Why? The Huntington Woods man says he's tired of the criticism of the Big 3 by Alabama Republican Senator Richard Shelby.

So, he's set up a website to further his cause: www.boycottalabamanow.com

Babiasz, who retired from General Motors after 34 years, told WWJ his boycott is for "any travel into the state, or the purchase of anything that's produced within the state of Alabama."

Read the whole story: WWJ Newsradio 950

Comments

[dizmo4]

I've seen a few posts about how the Unions are the problems of the Big Three. To a certain extent that can be made, but on the whole unions built this country. They provided a mechanism of upward mobility to millions of Americans. Their actions have lead to numerous work-safety improvements.

The fundamental difference as to why the Big Three are saddled with all teh debt is because teh US has no national health care system like Japan or Germany , etc do. Instead of the government picking up the tab for health care, GM does.

American auto industry start out at a disadvantage due to no fault of their own --- unless you're advocating that there be no employer-based health care systems?

THe managmenet of the Big THree is incompetent and I agree there needs to be some reform in the UAW.

[vippy]

The autoworker received $ 43 per hour including benefits. Today the company hires them at $ 14 with no benefits. Their European Counterparts make twice the hourly wage and get 6 weeks of vacation. I guess, unless you work in that sector, you are jealous of those wages. Well, that
was yesterday. Today it is a whole new world. Why then did the BIG 3 not get their money?
Why then was AIG and Goldman Sachs not held to the same standards? Something smells
fishy to me.

[EinChicago]

Boycotting Alabama is kind of diffuse and irrational. A much more sensible boycot for any progressive who supports union movements would be a boycott of teh foreign car maker located in Alabama pulling Shelby's strings.

Anybody driving a Toyota after this is certainly not a progressive and is worse than a republican.

[IowaKid]

I agree. That's where the boycott should be with Toyota at the top of the list.

[JoeBlough]

My Toyota truck is 15 years old and still runs great. Most GM cars made 15 years ago have been scrapped. No other point need be made.

[fairplay500]

Until Detroit builds a real car I am staying with my Toyota. That is the problem. No sane American wants to buy junks. Overpaid and under worked..

[triman]

Boycott Alabama: Joe Babiasz, Big Three Sympathizer Angry At Sen. Shelby, Starts Site
Where was this idiot at when the president was (i started to say turning his back on the textile ind.) But he didnt turn his back he went straight forward and betraded us,He sold us out. I worked in a textile mill for 33 years and was planing on retiring from it,But at 55 years old it is hard to find a job,Why didnt he bail the textile ind out,Instead he just gave it away.So why should he bail out the auto ind,If we can buy our textile from over seas why cant we buy our autos from there too? The south has figured out its the american way whether we like it or not. Why boycott Alabama when its the only one that knowes what is going on,

[mpgarr]

A friendly word of advise for Senator Shelby--NEVER, NEVER

[Paul]

Senator Shelby - Working to make the US more like Alabama

[OtayPanky]

When I go to Walmart from now on, I'm going to be on the lookout for those "Made In Alabama" labels.

[wattsdem]

I find quite ironic that people would look at Alabama as backwards and ignorant and then someone like this seeks punishment for a whole state because of the action of one. I do noy support Shelby yet this kind of ignorant backlash makes you wonder who the truly uneducated are. Maybe while this guy is thinking up some unattainable goal he should get off his but and find real solution to the problem, but someone who would assume the extreme would probaly not formulate a workable solution. So, before anyone targets a whole state (which people ignorantly assume are full of hilbillies) one should look in the mirror and wonder who the ignorant hillbilly are. I support some kind of bailout, but he makes it seem like everyone in Alabama is against it.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

In order for Shelby to return to his job in Wash. D.C. he needed 50% or greater of people voting for him. To me that is a large amount of hillbillies.

The American people who will be affected by his action being the spokesperson for Alabama hillbillies should be boycotted, There are 50 states and DC, apparently only Alabama would not be affected from the so call American car companies. United STates has the word united in it. Where is the unity?

[Hallucinocynic]

The actions and voting of the southern bloc might be akin to the firing on Fort Sumter...

[PansyRose]

You should take a class in English grammar before trying to write anything!!!!!

[jmpurser]

Alabama doesn't produce anything and no one wants to go there so what in the world would a "boycott" accomplish?

[SinisterK9]

They make automobiles such as Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda.
Their automotive industry is doing just fine.

[logic63]

They are doing just fine because of the millions and millions of tax breaks they received to locate in Alabama. If you think the taxpayers aren't giving them a break you don't pay attention.

[mpgarr]

Those companies are not doing well either and if the US Big Three go down--they take the suppliers with them----many of the suppliers are hanging on by a sting--and the loss of the suppliers thanks to the global nature of the auto supply chain is one in the same for all auto companies wherever in the world they are located----so the downfall of GM, Ford and Chrysler is going to hurt the others too-----if you can--you had better buy a car now--at least one from the US, Europe, Japan or South Korea, even India--the only car companies are going to be in China--and that will be a stretch too----

[AZ AF VET]

Hyundai, the Korean word for crap!

[DaniG]

Perhaps the Senators should take a pay cut just as they are demanding that the Auto Workers do. If our income goes down as a Nation, so should theirs.

[EinChicago]

exactly. Boycott Toyota is much more focused and fair; they are the ones pulling Shelby's strings. He's just the monkey, Toyota is the organ grinder behind him.

[dizmo4]

Its more of the gulf-coast tourism in like Mobile and the like.

[InspectorMauriceEscargot]

My doctroal group's project this time is about the auto industry and is made up of myself (from Alabama, conicidentally), a fellow from Indiana and a third member here from Nigeria. Of the three, the Nigerian is the most outspoken about the unions and said they need to be destroyed. Me and the other guy are not necessarily for that, but do think there needs to be massive changes with the way work is done, and with the retirement system. We would all agree with Selby's opinion, based on exhaustive research of the topic over the semester. But, I do agree he very likely has self-interest in his opposition.

My only memories of the big three are the Chrysler plant, where my aunt, uncle and late sister-in-law worked. I paid my way through college and grad school, and STILL don't make what they made with barely a high school education. Many of the folks at my workplace tell similar stories. A UAW salary here was like what an upper level manager would make, due to the cost of living differential from the northern states.

But, profitability and survival is the thing. If the unions will not allow the Big Three to innovate and use processes such as Toyota's (which, ironically, is based on Ford's production system), they might as well go out of business - the bailout is only a final lungful of air.

[Tessaprn]

Yes, I know the Chrysler Plant you speak of. The outrageous salaries compared to college graduates. The excellent health benefits. The pill swapping, selling, and buying the majority did because of that healthcare, they could doctor shop. The employees who drank on the job. None could be terminated because of the UAW. It moved to Missouri after the plant was sold to Siemens. Some who could not move to Missouri, stayed with Siemens, had to take a very large pay and benefit cut. Siemens is not union.

[UnknownSoldier]

Except Ford builds better light trucks, Toyota builds better cars

[daleferd]

Doctoral group? Toyota bases their production system on Deming's work...General Motors has a production system called GMS that is based on his work also. Toyoto and GM build the Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe at the NUMMI plant in California on the same line yet Consumer Reports rates the Matrix higher. Wonder why that is?

Like you state "But, I do agree he very likely has self-interest in his opposition." this is his only motive! He showed he has no class by acting like a child in the hearings. He continually showed he was taking the bridge loans on as personal fight. Did your "doctoral" research show you the amount of money in concessions and tax breaks foreign automakers are given in his state? Hundreds of millions of dollars! Who pays that money? TAXPAYERS!

As for you begrudging people for making more money than you with less education please get over it. It is the American way that senator Shelby so stongly argues! Should we all get upset because we know someone who knows an exotic dancer who makes a hundred thousand a year as a high school dropout.

We know the automakers and unions are not perfect, but they have been cutting benefits and employees for years now and both are shells of their former selves. Maybe everyone can thank the union after their 40 hour work weeks are over and can enjoy the FREEDOM to do what they want!

[desertf8]

Yes, Inspector, let's pull the rug out from all of the retirees who have given 40+ years of service to the Big Three! That's the fair thing to do! Screw them right? Sounds like you are awfully young and naive. Perhaps you should be studying the history of unions in our country and the rise of the middle class before offering your "expert opinions."

[smbusiness]

Politicians like Senator Shelby want to leave their grandchildren with a country that has a $700 billion debt to wall street, an infrastructure that is failing (Minneapolis bridge) and no basis for manufacturing. They are ok giving $ 700 billion (he wasn't nearly as loud during this debate) to an industry that doesn't make anything yet they are are grand standing on less than 2.5% of that to save American manufacturing. Senator Shelby's motivation is obvious. His state gives incredible tax breaks to foreign auto makers that don't need the UAW because the UAW (although admittedly now antiquated) has laid the ground work for them.
This auto problem is due to costly updates to an aging industry at a time when Wall Street and Washington have damaged our economy (even Toyota is having problems selling cars) GM and Ford both have amazing cars coming out The idea that foreign cars are higher quality is outdated.(The Volt gets the equivalent of 150 mpg). Cadillac CTS - Motor Trend Car of the Year, Chevy Malibu - North American Car of the Year.
This is Detroit's perfect storm. Should we debate or vote on weather to help Alabama the next time a hurricane hits. They have had hurricanes in the past and should have learned - right. Senator Shelby got $ 150 million bailout (not a loan) for the fishing industry after a 2005 hurricane hit Alabama. - I was going to say he sounds like a hypocrite but actually he is an

[Tessaprn]

Senator Richard Shelby was one of few who voted nay for the Wall Street bailout. We see how well that is working, maybe that is why he is more vocal with this bailout. I suppose your senators are soft as a baby's butt and never did anything to improve your states.

[UnknownSoldier]

That bailout you are critizing so quickly probably prevented things from becoming worse. Our capital markets are based on confidence, and without TARP who knows where the confidence in our capital markets would be today.

Confidence means I believe you will be able to pay me back because I can see where your money is coming from.

[smbusiness]

Senator Shelby and other politicians have worked hard to bring foreign auto makers to the state of Alabama by offering great tax breaks. The same taxes that are used for the schools. The US Chamber of Commerce gives Alabama Schools an F - 4th worst in the nation and the teachers are the 4th lowest paid in the nation according to the NEA. But industry in Alabama has plenty of money. Great job Senator Shelby.

[workingdude]

shelby is a prostitute. giving away usa dollars and now acting like a pompous donkey. he is bought and paid for. sorry, folks he is just too over zeolous about this. i gotta boycott anything alabama. gonna call chamber of commerce and tell them no more fishing trips or race car trips. thanks to your cave man senator. if you think other countries don't have tariffs, you otta wake up.

[Tessaprn]

No, No, No. It is Pelosi, Reid, and Frank who are giving the taxpayers money away. We got the Crimson Tide, just the profits they bring in could keep Alabama in business for a very long time if needed. Go ahead and boycott. Like we the entire country do not import everything from China anyway.

[hather]

Alabama is like 48 or 49 in states contributions to Federal taxes but is 12th in receiving them. I guess you think handouts are only for you. Aren't you that banjo player from the movie Deliverance or did you just learn everything you know from him?

[fairplay500]

Yeah, you can quit buying grits from us, and stop eating catfish, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, bread pudding,okra, butter beans, pinto beans. Imagine flying in on corp jet to beg for taxpayers mony. Shame on you overpaid guys..

[rr52]

Shelby, Sessions, Corker, Vitter, Kyl, Ensign, DeMint, Coburn, and Bunning are all anti-environmental Repugs who are the most threatening to the bailout for the Big 3. Their voting records against fuel economy standards, mercury emissions, and the like are evidence of their hypocritical talking points relative to dissing the American Auto manufacturers for not keeping up with the competition. Their voting actions served to perpetuate the oil consumption in this country especially the use of gas guzzling vehicles. Our auto industry filled that demand. Now they are dinosaurs for not keeping up with the competition and it's all the unions fault.

Our auto industry has done a remarkable job of turning around. If Wall St. had not failed, I don't think they would have needed the loan.

Shelby is an insult to one of the largest American manufacturing segments in our country. Saying that the bailout would only delay their ultimate demise is anti-American at its roots. The more anti-environmental pro-oil senators speak up against our auto industry, the more they implicate themselves in the scheme to break the unions, which is becoming blatant as of late. Notice the words "worker concessions" over and over? In 2007 the Toyota workers in Kentucky made more than UAW workers. What's up with that?

How many of these senator's states have a strong Japanese/Foreign car presence? Who's behind Shelby's big mouth voting against fuel economy standards then pummeling our auto industry for not keeping up?

[myke3000]

This is very true! Particularly your last paragraph. Follow the money, and you'll see what their true motivation is. Until then, this handful of Senators are putting our country in fiscal jeopardy.

I think the developments of the Chevy Volt and the dramatic rise in demand of Ford's Hybrid vehicles is putting a bit of pressure on Toyota and the Prius. There was also news as of last month that the "American Built" Prius plans are to be pushed back...hmmmm...

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/14/prius-might-not-be-built-in-the-u-s-after-all/

Toyota and Mississippi are not happy about this.

[sparkyth67]

oh my god our environment I am sick to death of hearing that crap and all this hoax of global warming from Al Gore the biggest of all the chicken littles why don't you get a grip on reality toyota and all the other makers are doing just fine with the same standards as the big three and the toyota employees in kentucky did not make more than the uaw workers I know people who work there

[msta69]

shelbys is not a true american. the big 3 help build the u.s.a

[wakeupYawl]

So did the little shops that supported the big three but where did the big 3 put them when the UAW workers saliries got to high they out sorced to foreign countries and put the little pattern maker's and tool and die guys out of a job because the taxes in michigan is so outragious they could not compete didn't here ya bichin about that

[SinisterK9]

Lately it seems they are more interested in building Mexico and Canada, judging by their factories and employees.

All the while, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are either building more factories in the U.S., or expanding ones already here.

[lovesds]

PEOPLE NEED TO READ UP ON SENATOR SHELBY. SHELBY AND HIS STATE HAVE GIVEN MILLIONS (30 MILLION) TO BUILD PLANTS IN THEIR STATES THIS IS TAX FREE MONEY . THE SENATORS MOSTLY MID WEST AND SOUTHERNS AREN'T TELLING THEIR AMERICAN PUBLIC ABOUT ALL THIS TAX FREE MONEY THEY ARE GIVING TO THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES. ALSO TOYOTA IS CUTTING BACK HERE IN THE U.S. BUT YOU WON'T HEAR THESE SENATORS AGAINST THE BAILOUT MENTION THAT. THIS IS ALL ABOUT "BREAKING UP THE UNIONS". THEY BLAME THE UNIONS FOR EVERYTHING AND LIE ABOUT HOW MUCH THE WORKERS MAKE. WHAT HUFFINGTON POST NEEDS TO DO IS DO A STORY ON HOW THESE STATES ARE GIVING OUT ALL THIS TAX FREE MONEY TO THE FOREIGN CAR PEOPLE. ANOTHER THING THAT THEY AREN'T TELLING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS HOW MUCH MORE IT WILL COST IF THESE COMPANIES GO OUT OF BUSINESS. "WHEN IS THE DUMB AMERICAN PUBLICA GOING TO WAKE UP". WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE REPUBLICANS AND PUT ALL THEIR DIRTY LAUNDRY OUT SO PEOPLE CAN SEE HOW WELL THEY ARE CONNECTED TO THESE FOREIGN CAR PEOPLE. IF WE LET THE REPUBLICANS DO THIS TO THE MIDDLE CLASS WORKERS WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OURSELVES.

[Tessaprn]

First, no need to shout. We Alabamains were aware of the taxes we paid for the Honda and Mercedes Plants to be built. I am conservative and I am not ashamed to say I voted for Senator Shelby and proud of him for sticking to what he believes.

Let me add this. Are you aware that Chrysler sold out to a foreign auto maker. Research that and maybe you will learn the name of the true Chrysler company.

[AZ AF VET]

Perhaps you should read a little more about Chrysler. Daimler Chrysler sold the old Chrysler auto compnay to an investment company Chrysler LLC. and they bought it for the Chrysler Credit division, they could care less about the cars. However, when the Wall Street thugs came up with the finacial gambling schemes and brought down the American Economy, Chrysler Credit wasn't worth what they paid for it and the bail out for them would go to protect the Credit division where the money is. They need new management and they need to be regulated just as the financial industry.

[sparkyth67]

for your information I have a ford ranger and a pontiac grand prix and niether one was built here in the us