Newt Gingrich’s latest article is a must-read. While I appreciate that some people promote ‘buying American,’ if you buy a Chrysler or GM car you are not ‘buying American’ you are ‘buying UAW.’ You are simply lining the pockets of a corrupt union who is as responsible for the automakers problems as any entitity this side of the federal government itself. 

There was a time when we would have called it a scandal.

In 1921, oil tycoon Harry Sinclair gave several prize head of cattle and around $269,000 to President Harding’s Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall.

In return, Sinclair got the exclusive rights to drill in an oil field in Wyoming.  Sinclair’s no-bid contract became the Teapot Dome scandal, the most notorious example of political corruption in America prior to Watergate.

Between 2000 and 2008, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union gave $23,675,562 to the Democratic Party and its candidates.  

In 2008 alone, the UAW gave $4,161,567 to the Democratic Party, including Barack Obama.

In return, the UAW received 55 percent of Chrysler and 17.5 percent of GM, plus billions of dollars.

But nobody’s calling this a scandal.  It’s time we start.

Continue reading here.

Previously:

UAW Employees Earn $130,000 A Year

Let The Auto Industry Crash

The reality is the unions have gained too much power and leverage of the auto industry, with outrageous contract demands and benefits packages. Along with strict environmental regulations, such as CAFE standards, the auto industry is being suffocated. This is why they can’t compete with the likes of Honda and Toyota.

So, this is one industry that needs no bailout. In fact, we’ll all be better off if they file for bankruptcy and start anew. Unfortunately, Obama, Reid and Pelosi will be doing all they can to take care of their special interests. So much for being the party of the ‘little guy’ eh.

For more, check out these posts on the auto industry bailout.

• UAW Campaign to Destroy Auto-Industry to be Aided by Obama
• Why Are Dems Palling Around With Big Business
• Via Michelle Malkin: E-mail from an auto industry worker, More reader mail on bailout-mania