GM picks up the first of their checks from the TARP today, while Chrysler is still waiting at the altar. Don’t worry, Bob, you’ll get your check soon.
Also, it’s worth noting that now that the TARP trough is open to the auto industry, the guidelines for consideration are much broader, now allowing anyone who might have a role in manufacturing or financing a car, or perhaps even anyone who knows what a car looks like, to be considered for funds. Bring us your nuts, your bolts, your huddled fenders yearning to drive free…
pants // Jan 2, 2009 at 10:53 am
I think it broadens it even farther than that, since it was originally just for the banks. I predict airlines will come knocking on Paulson’s (or Geithner’s) door next. Then you know, the Home Shopping Network and the makers of the Snuggli will apply to become a bank holding companies. It’s all downhill from here.
alyx // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:18 am
Haha, Snuggli! I can’t wait ’til Shamwow is TARP eligible. “Government bailouts? You’ll say WOW every time!”
Lolo, ESQ // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:41 am
Can absorb 200,000x its cost! SHAMWOW!
TonyS // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:46 am
I’m trying to think of an office analogy here… and I’m thinking it’s something like this:
Us peons in web design had to work late because the fuckwits in merchandising screwed up and gave the wrong prices and now we have to fix all references on the site, put up an appology, and generally fix shit. We were hungry, so we all pitched in a few bucks and ordered three large pizzas.
Then a couple of folks in merchandising wandered back to the breakroom and helped themselves to three slices each of our pizza. They’re assholes, but whatever… there’s enough pizza to go around…
Or at least, there was… until the assholes from merchandising decided to email the whole damn company “Hey, there’s free pizza in the breakroom!”
Jason // Jan 2, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Apparently the bicycle messenger that was supposed to delivery the check stopped to see a movie on the way – Chrysler got their check a little over an hour ago, around 8PM.
Anthony J. Alfidi // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Steelmakers are pushing for a “Buy American” stipulation for the fiscal stimulus. I guess TARP’d carmakers have to get their steel from somewhere. Next in line: railroads and truckers who carry steel and components to Detroit.