hey localboy, there's alot of people out there reading this that went through it long before gm workers, and they know all to well what it feels like. so button up.

zoom--
I said everyone has played their part in the blame dept.! These officials are elected into office by whom???...the autoworkers! The greatest strength the workers have is in their numbers. The fact is, the majority of those numbers vote people into power based on what these leaders can do for them "short term". The future was compromised for NOW and it's come into play full force now. No one individual is responsible for the collapse of the auto industry, however, collectively, everyone's played their part whether they want to hear it or not. I will agree that GM itself has played a huge role in all this and has to look in the mirror. As far as the UAW's part, my point can be made very simply.....NO LEADERSHIP!! The workers who vote are the one's who put those leaders in power. I guarantee you, 10 years ago had an aspiring leader with vision ran for a UAW office, that understood what was coming down the pike in the future, even made a comment about much needed paycut concessions to go along with others in order to secure jobs for the future, he would've been hung by the flagpole in front of the plant! Good leaders learn from the past, live in the present and have a vision for the future at all times. Unfortunately, "change" isn't something that most people want to face in life, but, it's inevitable. Leaders are faced with the task of leading people to and through change regardless of the risks or resistance put forth by others. They stand for what's right and they do it for the good of everyone. I believe the UAW leaders had their hearts in the right place, it's just that their heads have been out to lunch for a long time.

"In reality, the entire UAW, including the workers who voted for the union leadership are also partly to blame."

Sorry, but the factory workers in Janesville aren't responsible for this mess. Vision starts at the top, at both GM and the UAW. The executives are responsible for looking ahead 2, 5, 10 years and finding the right path. The farther you go down the organizational chart, the less responsibility the employees have for strategic decision making. How can a guy/gal delivering parts on a fork truck have even remotely the same responsibility for the future of GM than Mr. Wagoner or Mr. Gettelfinger?

I would agree, however, that blaming the economy is rather stupid. GM hasn't made a profit in years, and has been losing market share since Wagoner became CEO. The economy simply increased their inevitable race to the bottom.

JOHN DOHNER SAID: "This workforce, this membership has been let down," he said. "They've done all the right things, but the economy has run away from the product.
................
Here's a classic example of a leader not taking responsibility for what's happened!
Blaming the economy for everything as opposed to looking in the stinkin' mirror at what the union leadership did or didn't do to secure a future for the auto industry. Leaders are scouts and visionaries, not excuse makers! The national leadership rigt down to Dohner and the leadership with the local UAW are as much to blame as anyone for what's happened. In reality, the entire UAW, including the workers who voted for the union leadership are also partly to blame. The leadership of these unions has always been a big popularity contest and people were voted in based on the "what can you do for ME now" mentality by the workers. This union needed leaders who were willing to make the decisions that people didn't necessarily want to face, but, desperately needed to for the good of the entire workforce and their futures. The collapse of GM in general and Janesville specifically was a total team effort. It's time for everyone to own up to their responsibility and it starts with the leadership of the local 95 and the workers who elected these leaders into office!

Good luck to everyone who lost their job! Just remember, we're Wisconsinites! We're TOUGH and when the going gets tough, the tough get going (and the "chicken" run back to Illinois!) j/k:)

The day to see the light is coming soon. GM is closed and has no plans on opening back up in Janesville. Unless he transfers he, along with many others are going to have a rude awakening in the real world.

edsci-- whatever you say. I hope you see the light someday.

kleej! exactly! edsci says you're lying to yourself when it's just the opposite. I person can't get over themselves until they're honest with themselves. You you're too big to follow, you're too small to lead. I think it's wonderful what you're doing and anyone that would choose to degrade that needs a reality check. It's noble and it's what God calls us to do. Well done. Thanks for sharing this with the community and being a great example for other people. God bless you always.

edsci-- It's only rediculous to you because you're so wrapped up in yourself apparently. If deciding that time with a person's wife and kids and family are more important than the amount of money they earn makes a person rediculous, I'm guilty! As far as being happier making less, that's not my point. My income level has increased drastically from my GM days. Here's the difference...I'm not focused on making more than the next guy or being greedy with it. It's called discovering a purpose beyond YOU! Try it sometime, you might suprise yourself like many others have.

I have to agree with you on that one Mathew, the government is corrupt. The Big 3 along with the autoworkers got theirs while the American Taxpayer will get the bill.

angel, this is what happens when a govt. has too much control. Our govt. is corrupt and the decisions that are being made are not for the betterment of all, they're for the corporate american driven agenda's that seem to take presidence over everything else these days. We lack the proper leadership within our govt. to do the right things with the taxpayers dollars.

So Local you are telling me that you would rather see a Corporation go Bankrupt rather than open up negotiations and change a contract? Am I wrong in that assumption? Looks like the American Taxpayer will bail out at least 2 of the Big Three, but how long will that money last. I for one would rather see the companies survive but if the employees don't care then why should I, and why should the American Taxpayer keep pouring money into a big sinking ship? You said it yourself, the autoworkers made good money because the auto companies were making a tremendous profit. Everything that I heard is that now they are not, in fact they are loosing money. How long can a company stay a float even with the backing of the American Taxpayer?

former--
I understand where you're coming from. I respect the loyalty factor which you describe. What I meant by being jealous was this false pretense that so many people seem to have about the fact making $27/hr makes someone happier than if they were making $14/hr. I hired into GM thinking the same thing. When in reality, the longer I worked there, the more wrapped up in the $27/hr I became. Here's what made me jealous.... I'd met some great people who were making $12-$15/hr working somewhere else who were 10 times happier than most of the people I was working with at GM, including myself! What I found is that they weren't money driven and had a better grasp at living within their means. Not only that, because their focus wasn't so intent on the might dollar, they were focused on each other and their families and friends. They spent more time actually watching their kids grow up and getting that quality time with them as opposed to seeing how many toys their $27/hr could buy them. In other words, money doesn't buy the happiness that our media likes to beat into people's heads. My experience with GM was that too many people were more into what's in it for "them" as opposed to what they could do for others in the community. Don't read to far into that statement either because I'm not saying that was everyone's mindset at the GM plant! There were a great deal of people with the servant attitude and weren't necessarily wrapped up in the "money" thing. I'm glad I saw the light before all of this so called doom and gloom hit the area. It's allowed me to deal with things much more effectively because I realized it wasn't the almighty dollar that dictated my lifestyle....it was me and my attitude towards what I thought happiness was. Making a difference in others lives and seeing hope in someone's eyes perhaps for the first time in their lives ....now that's priceless! I wouldn't trade it for $27/hr or $27,000/hr!!! The people who come across as being jealous toward GM wage earners aren't looking at the big picture. Their opinions are totally based on income levels. Newsflash for those people: the amount of money a person makes or has doesn't define that person. It's what you do with your money and time that can make a difference for others less fortunate that defines you.

How can it be an "untruth" to express one's opinion?

Angel- I can certainly explain. It's called a contract. I if you've worked for a company for however many years at one wage and then as soon as things go bad all of a sudden your wage is chopped in half. That doesn't fly when you have a legal binding contract. That's exactly why any new workers for GM will now be working for $14 an hr because of everything that's going on. And who's to say what's fair in wages. I don't thinks it fair that teachers get paid as little as they do for what they do, but it is what it is. Life isnt fair, but that doesn't mean you can't feel sorry for what people are going through no matter what kind of wage they get. Being without a job sucks and I feel for anyone who has to go through it.

Local95, tell me why then if GM made Billions upon Billions off of the sweet of the autoworker that we need to Bail them out? I agree if a company is making a good profit they should pay a great wage as in the case of the autoworker. But they are not making the profits like they were. Who can argue that they are making fantastic wages for the work that they performed and lets not forget the unbelieveable benefits that they also received. So why shouldn't the taxpayers demand that all of the employees of the big three receive a wage that is fair compared to other factory jobs then? You have a MBA so maybe you can explain to the rest of us what happens when a company isn't making a profit and they keep paying their employee's high wages?

Kleej- I was actually speaking to those who are stressing that untruth that GM workers get paid too much for an unskilled job. The truth is GM has made billions upon billions of dollars on the sweat of union workers. Why it is such a bad thing to pay them the wages that they do? Honestly, other companies that make that kind of money should take the hint. And yes, if you're doing something in life that you love to do and you can stay home with your kids then more power to you, but you can't feed your kids with love. And if you LOVE your job then you should do it for free. I too have moved well beyond GM and used there TAP funds to get my MBA, but I'll never forget where I came from and who helped me to get to where I am today.

former--who's jealous? I did the GM thing for 10 years of my life and the money wasn't worth it in retrospect! Besides, I work out of my home now and make more than I ever thought of making at GM. Here's the point. It's not about me or how much I make (I used to think that way). It's about loving what you're doing for a living and paying it forward to others who are time starved and sacrificing their family time for the almighty dollar. The income is great now for me, but, here's the truth...I would be just as happy making $8.00/hr as long as I can be home with my family and watch my kids grow up. That's called "true wealth"!

I used to work for GM assembly in Janesville up until 2005 and all I have to say is I'm truly sorry for what is currently going on with the plant closing. It's sad and I just wanted all of the displaced workers to know that it doesn't stop here! Keep on keepin on! And for all you ignorant people who are seemingly jealous that you never had an opportunity to make the type of money that GM union workers make GET OVER IT! Because until you actually work on that assembly line damn near braking your back everyday you have NO idea what you're talking about. Those assmbly workers get paid exactly what they deserve....

Really a sad day for Janesville, no matter what your political beliefs are, or who you blame for the problems in the auto industry.
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Sad to see such a pillar of the community for decades just cease to operate, and so many people out of work. I really wish all the employees of GM (and affiliated plants, Lear, LSI, ext) all the best. Times are really rough out there right now, and jobs are not exactly in high demand right now. I hope you all land on your feet, and come out of this better and stronger!
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It's really sad to see this happen, but a reality of todays economy. Say what you will about GM and organized labor, but I firmly believe GM has been a GOOD thing. They have given COUNTLESS $$$'s to charity, and out reach programs in the community. While yes, the workers have made very good wages for what they do, but those wages have also helped support almost every business in this community.
A VERY SAD DAY for Janesville

believer said:
" I cannot imagine nurse4u being a nurse seems to me she has no compassion! It goes back to if you haven't anything good to say don't say anything."
Shouldn't you follow your own advice? This blog is for ALL opinions, not just the popular one. What hypocrisy.

My deepest regrets for all those that have lost there jobs. It is never a good thing for a community to lose job. I am very disappointed in an event that happened to me this morning. An older gentleman ran into my car this morning while I was putting gas in it at the Kwik Trip. He did not do any damage so I said no harm no foul. He then proceeded to curse me for buying a Non-American car, I then realized that he ran into me on purpose.
I did not pursue the event because it was not worth the effort. I do hope very much that this man is not a current or past employee of GM, people like this, and these actions, will not win support from myself or others for the GM worker. I like many others did not cause GM to close the Janesville plant. Blame GM or the economy or yourself. Many people have lost their jobs, but I don't see Motorola employees running into peoples cars that have samsung phones.

I would like to thank all of the workers and retirees at the Janesville Plant. My family had a Chevrolet Dealership in Chicago during the 50's and 60's and I was a small dealer in Wisconsin in the 70's. I have sold GM products since that time until I became disabled several years ago. It was always a pleasure to sell a Janesville built product. The cars were built right. Back in the 50's and 60's we received Impalas and received them from 4 or 5 plants. We had a 20 car showroom. Looking across it you could tell, without looking at the VINS, which cars had come from Janesville. The sheet metal was aligned and hung straight and the fit and finish was great. I've sold Impalas, Top Kicks, cab-forwards and SUVS built in Janesville. There is no doubt in my mind that Janesville was the best of all of GM's plants! My hat is off to all of you for the great product you have always built. I hope the knuckleheads in management realize that they are closing their best plant with the best workers and reconsider the future for Janesville!

Again, Thanks for building the best of Chevy and GM products.

Ray Fencl (Fencl Chevrolet, Oak Park, IL and Ray Fencl Chevrolet, Waterford, WI)

cmg75, JNR & others - thanks for the kind words and thoughts. It is people like you that make a person busting their butt on the line proud of the work they do. And it drowns out the negativity of the others like a tidal wave. Some want to believe we were arrogant, have no compassion for others, and did not earn every cent we made. I feel sorry for those that do not know the great, hardworking, caring people I worked with and only had contact with the few who do not typify who we are. I have seen changes throughout the years there as people honestly worked to build the best vehicles possible. And we did! Now is time for hope that the economy gets better so more people do not lose jobs, hope that people start backing up and believing in other Americans instead of stabbing them in the back. Time to reverse the "what's in it for me" mentality and bring back a STRONG middle class, the engine that drives this country.

Thanks JNR - you are completely right!!! I cannot imagine nurse4u being a nurse seems to me she has no compassion! It goes back to if you haven't anything good to say don't say anything. It is a sad day for Jnvl and the people at the plant worked hard and built quality trucks. Those people had a terrible day and right before Chistmas. Have some compassion for others. The plant will certainly leave a void in this area that will not be felt for awhile. God Bless everyone!!

It just upsets me that we bail out all these major corporations for what? To take a spa weekend?
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Then we have individuals in our country who make $7 an hour- trying to scrape out a living.
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And NOW unemployment.

I was not trying to be rude and I apologize if I sounded insensitive. That truly was not my intention.

lilbobby-I NEVER once said I hate my job! I LOVE my job! Wherever did you get that idea?? I make almost $26 an hour- but it is a skilled profession.
My husband's grandfather retired from GM. His uncle did also. His father worked summers on the assembly line. When my husband applied they laughed at him and said we are not accepting applications. So,he went to school and learned a skilled trade. His career as well as mine are going well.
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I get that they are upset over losing their friends and coworkers. I would be too. But seriousely, Americans buy foreign cars and outsourced jobs to other companies. Our economy was going down and it was more credit, bigger toys, more things from other countries. Do you know how hard it is to find something that says "MADE IN THE USA"?
We need to stop the madness and boycott products from other countries.
Then maybe GM could open its doors once again.

Have you ever heard of a thing such as character? Many on these blogs apparently haven't. This is a day to leave your bitter opinions behind. It is a day in history and a day of joy and sorrow for the many hard working people who have lost their jobs. It is obvious that some will continue to interject their negative opinions at anytime day or night no matter what the circumstance. I bet ur the same people who write negative blogs about those is car accidents who have passed and what not. The best the rest of us can do is ignore your ignorance and negativity and push on. And NO I did not work at the plant and neither did any of my family members or close friends. I will stand up and say THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK to any and all involved and/or affected by this........to the rest of you who can't bring yourself to be compasionate/respectful people........go dig a hole or something

God Bless you all! My thoughts and prayers are with you for the best of luck in the future. Thank for all you have done in our communities and thank you for being the kind of work force that has given our area the best reputation for quality. Bless you and your families.

apparently truckdriver is not in a union and is a bit BITTER. He should read the papers and realize that GM wouldnt be doing this if it werent for the GIGANTIC salaries of the corporate members. THE UNION MEMBERS DID NOTHING BUT ACCEPT WHAT WAS OFFERED TO THEM. JACKASS

U do realize this had to happen in order for the economy to progress. not to mention now maybe the unions will be more flexible, and more willing to be flexible. I think it is unfair that one errogant organization thinks that it is more important then any other industry. that plant was so full of itself it needed to be replaced. I dont believe they should've gotten any money from my taxes. if the banks wont lend them money. why is it my and everyother taxes payers responsibility. so im to believe with there 62 billion in debt. and legacy costs. that now the government knows how to make profitable. NOT IN THIS LIFETIME

My father in Michigan heard rumor of a Japanese company already interested in our plant. I guess we shall see. maybe another Nummi plant?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to express my sorrow at your plant closing. My plant closed in December. I worked at AAM in Buffalo and I was the person that loaded the trucks with GMT800 linkage at night so you could assemble the next day.

So many people are so cruel. What is wrong with making a decent wage so it is possible to raise a family? Be strong

You are all in my prayers!

Cheers
Doc

These are some words of wisdom that I applied to my life when I chose to leave GM in '06 and all of my so called "friends" chose to mock and condemn me for simply because I chose to step out and do something with my life that many of my critics didn't have the courage to do themselves! It's called the pardoxical principles:

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
LOVE THEM ANWAY!

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY!

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY!

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
THINK BIG ANYWAY!

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY!

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY!

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY!

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY!

I have attended school with several employees of GM, have friends that worked at GM, and have family that are retired from GM. Almost every individual that I have encountered was intelligent, polite, articulate, and family oriented. Truly assets to our community.
Anyone that thinks otherwise is most likely basing their opinion on a small sampling of the workforce or has an issue with where they are at in their own life.

While it may take time to find jobs, you will eventually find jobs, and you will make great leaders wherever you end up. I hope that everyone that can will take advantage of the educational opportunities that are being offered. I think it’s still too soon for many of you to have adjusted to this change, and for this reason many have probably yet to realize how much learning a new skill will empower you. Getting an education will really help you get through this transition, and even if you aren't making $27 to start, you now have opportunities to make even more or feel more satisfaction out of your work. The sky's the limit. I wish you all great success.

I like you Red!

and if everyone made "$27" an hour we wouldn't need banks and their credit

Yea lilbobby it is all connected. We are all one. Property taxes, the largest consumer of water and sewer, GM, yes it is all connected... To the rock river at Rock Island, IL, to the Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico, it is truly all connected. What hurts one hurts us all, what blesses one, blesses us all. some simple food for thought. Yet and still I personally wish all those suffereing job loss that you will find meaning work and soon. The Lord Bless You and Keep You!

I feel better bailing out employers that will keep employing millions of Americans, than bailing out banks so the bigwigs can spend half a mill on a vacation!

Where do you get "they are whining about only making $27 hour" ???? Everyone I know felt very fortunate to have good wages. It gets very tiresome when people just make stuff up to support their views. If people were paid in accordance to their importance in society, then why do movie stars get what they make? Not exactly a societal need. Life ain't fair, deal with it.

Fox news posted a news article about today
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4720...
Here's the link if you want to read something outside the Gazette.

It's all about choices. I choose to be a dental assistant not a hygenist. Difference in pay - about 15 to 20 an hour. I don't complain about how much the hygenists make I, like many firefighters, EMTs and cops choose to be what we are knowing the wage is not $27+ an hour. It all has to do with doing what you want to do.

anonomouse - the city/county employees are paid from taxes, complain to your reps if you don't like your wages which will go down due to less people paying property taxes including GM. So in a way you were getting paid from GM and their employees.

I do feel sorry for those who lost their jobs. I'm just a little miffed that they are whining about only making $27 hour when most of the taxpayers that are forced bailing their butts out make half that. Respect is a two way street.
I feel sorry they are losing their jobs but I don't feel like it is my responsibility to bail them out of their companies poor decisions.

chad_vader I can only agree with you. The great hope for the middle class is with collective bargaining. Entities like corporations and govenment are just too powerful to deal with as individuals. our society needs tools like unions and collective bargaining to make fair agreements with these very vested interests.

nurse4u - anonomouse - if you worked/gave your life to a company for 20-30 years, then maybe you would understand the loss these good people feel. Do us all a favor and blog someplace else. You both give Janesville a bad name. Nurse4u wasn't it you who said you hate your job? Maybe it shows in your work and that's why you are not paid $26+ an hour like many of the nurses I know. You have a poor attitude, today please keep it to yourself! The ones who have lost their 'life' don't care to read your crap!

As soon as all police, EMS, and fire fighters earn $27 and hour I will agree that it is a fair wage for an autoworker. Why do the people who put their lives on the line everyday make less than an autoworker? It's because the American public can not afford to make everyone Upper Middle Class. The middle class is still there for the people who are living in reality. The Upper Middle Class are victims of their own greed.

Oh, and plus in different states ( even different cities in the same state) have different cost of living. It's cheaper to live in Alabama, so $27 down there is worth more than here.

That's right Red! The middle class is slowly disappearing. And people complain that their wages are low, yet want others better off to be dragged down with them. The corporate world loves this stupidity. That's the same as NAFTA supposedly bringing the wages up in Mexico to be like ours. Never going to happen.
And anonomouse, the wage is only relevant to what you build and how many. If you only built 50 cars a day with $200 profit on each, that wage is not good. You build 1000 cars a day at that same profit and that wage is just a small cost. You guys have got to quit being so narrow minded with this wage thing. I was earning about 50 to 60 cents on every vehicle I worked on (before taxes).

There is nothing wrong with a living wage. It doesn't have to be as high as $27 hour. I make much less than that as well as most the USA and am living fine. It's called a budget. It'd be nice if everyone could make that high of a wage but if they did the cost of everything would raise too off setting the need for the wage to be that high in the first place. Live within your means, don't be greedy, and make sure you keep yourself marketable and you will be fine.

anonomouse If only you knew how big government and big business deals with decimal points you would truly understand that $15.00 an hour versus $75.00 an hour is inconsequential compared to the dollars and cents economy of Washington D.C., or even the economy of Madison, Wisconsin. It is not about decimal points or dollars. It is very much about one's ability to support one's family. And please explain to me what is wrong with supporting a family with a living wage and with health insurance and with some kind of pension benefit so that one is able to survive in one's old age?

If all of America was represented by the UAW we'd all price ourselves right out of work. People can and do live on less than $27 an hour.

It's not about comparing hourly wages. The UAW won some very good wages and benefits for their rank and file. I applaud the UAW. The problem is not with the UAW or the benefits they negotiated for their members. The problem is that so many, many corporate entities have gotten away with screwing their employees on wages and benefits. The United States would be better off today if all middle-class employees were reperesented by the UAW. For those able to perceive and understand the dramatic changes we are experiencing I would say this, "educate yourselves, join with your brothers and sisters, demand a living wage with the kind of benefits that will allow you to raise a family and retire in comfort". What does it benefit anyone having given a lifetime of labor to a corporation, to be dismissed in old age only to find yourself without a retirement income or any sort of health insurance? 1) Either the US Treasury will have to step up to the task of insuring retirement benefits and retirement insurance for retired Americans OR the private sector like GM will have to step up. If neither steps up then we will see abject poverty in America including the likes of depression ere soup kitchens. When enough of us say, "Enough is Enough" them maybe the tables will turn for the better for the middle-class. The middle-cleass being the backbone of this great nation.

Um, and nursie, try checking the facts first:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/19/autos/au...

Spouting off false statements make you sound less intelligent.

nurse4u - Technically the jobs bank would pay for 2 years, but if were a betting man I would say that program is gone. We get 48 weeks of unemployment, with sub pay (that was paid by our wages), so NO we don't sit around for 3 years on easy street.
As far as school, TAP does pay for some of it but this is another program that may be gone because of the bridge loan. The displaced worker program helps pay for school, and that is available to not just GM employees but Lear, LSI and many others. In fact, since Lear is listed under TAA, trade adjustment assistance, they actually can get MORE help than we can. And different jobs require different skill sets, hence the need for school. Otherwise any idiot could end up as, say...., president. Ooops! Already happened, sorry George.

The workers from the plant have an an incredible opportunity. They're free for three years to pursue their dreams. Some won't make it, but most will. I'm sure they'll look back at this bad day several years from now, and understand how it changed their lives for the better. The last time I was laid off because of a company closing was Dec. 20, 2001, so I know what they're going through. Very very gratefully I was in a new job by mid Jan. 2002. Better position, and I made more money.

I'm sorry I was just informed that the wage was closer to $76 an hour with benefits with an unskilled trade. I guess I would be crying too.

Irony-I had a family member who looked down their nose at me because I chose not to work in auto manufacturing. They just asked for monetary help. Of course I'll help they are family, but I know that if the shoe was on my foot I'd get not help. Been there done that. Just finding the whole thing sad yet hilarious.

They will get unemployment as long as the money holds out, 26 to 52 weeks, whatever the government decides. The jobs bank is suspended, after unemployment they are done. The Japanese traditionally pay laid off workers 100%, and their program is not suspended. I have no idea what a laid off employee is entitled to as far as schooling costs are concerned.

I'd like to sign up to be paid to stay home and get an education.

PLUS if we had bought AMERICAN and NOT outsourced jobs to other countries our economy would not be like this in the first place.

I have a question.
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Yes GM closed its doors today. But is it not true that they will be given their wages for at least two-three years and have college paid for to learn a new trade? PLUS why would they have to learn a new trade IF they had the skills to make $26 an hour or more in the first place?
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Sounds like a sweet deal to me. Just my opinion.

It's a very sad day for everyone involved in the Janesville auto industry! LSI, Lear, GM all of the companies involved. Yes we have been hearing, reading, blogging about it for 6 months now. It's like a loved one getting cancer and dying. You know what's coming, you feel awhful, and think you're prepared but when the day comes, you feel worse than you imagined. My husband has worked there for 24 of his 42 years. He's optimistic, yet he just lost his second home, his second family. I wish all involved in the downfall of the industry luck in finding your new paths. May God bless and keep you safe in your seach!

chad~ you'll get no argument from me regarding the garbage TV shows. The garbage on TV has a huge bearing on people's world views these days and is a huge reason people's mindset is the way it is today. I'm seeing first hand many of the "sky is falling" scenarios at the plant. I've been a part of the workforce there for a number of years. I'm not basing this from an outsiders point of view. I understand the relationships and friendships made through the years there. I choose to have empathy for all. For the record, my life has been turned upside down. All I'm saying is there are two ways people can go with this. Bitter or Better. Life goes on regardless, so which one would be the better choice? Attitude is everything. I had to learn how to be positive just like anyone else. I didn't just magically occur. My only goal is to hopefully help someone understand that the quality of life isn't determined by GM or anyone else! It's determined by US the individuals and our attitudes. If a low intellect, uneducated soul like me can do it, that gives so many people hope out there that it can be done. I want nothing less than to see others make it happen! I encourage people to tune out the drama that the media loves to prey on people with and focus on the blessings we all have in life. God's blessings to all.

To all the GMrs

I am sad today for the finality that this economy has brought you. It was and is not your fault. I wish you all luck in whatever it is you end up doing. I truely believe that the nagging problems you experienced with GM will fade and you will all rise again, support your community and live very happy productive lives. We all need to embrace the change, sure its scary. I feel that you all will be fine. Life again without GM will continue, Christmas will come and go as will the snow and so shall this. Goodluck, thank you for all you have done in our community, and A very Merry Christmas to you and your families.

Hey Essie Booker, I salute you! Best of luck in the New Year.

darius - it is not the end of the world. But it is the end of an era, end of peoples jobs, end of some work related friendships, and the end of a way of life that some people enjoyed even though it usually ended up costing physically. Maybe just a little drama can be tolerated. After all, there isn't as much drama as the so called reality shows people seem to be addicted to. As I said before, no one at the plant was acting like this was a death sentence,but try and think what it would be like if your life got turned upside down (and , maybe it has).

Too much drama with this whole thing! The GM plant affected many lives and I won't take that away. Here's the deal. This is the first day of the rest of people's lives "post-GM"........ life goes on anyway, make the most of this situation. It's saddening that so many look at this as the end of the world when in reality, it may very well be the greatest opportunity in the world to move forward. Life is what WE make it! Not what GM makes it! The media has beaten this story into the ground and is doing a great job with their efforts to spread all the doom and gloom. Unfortunately, it's what sells. I encourage people, learn to sell yourself on YOU for the future! It's your most valuable asset. There's a wealth of opportunity out there for those who are willing to change and move forward. I pray that all of you find that. God's blessings to you all and Merry Christmas and a prosperous '09.

This is my Christmas wish to all the big wigs at GM-(May you have a horrible Christmas from me to you.) I also wish this on you from all the employees you screwed out of a job for being so stupid and blind. I'm not one of them, but it effects everyone. To all the employees that lost their jobs...I wish you all the best with a new future. Hang in there.

JAVA10 Merry Christmas. It is my sincere desire that the years ahead will be kinder and more gentle for us a nation, for us as a state, for us as a city and for us as individuals. These are sad and difficult times for our nation and for us as individuals. Yet there is an opportunity here to embrace values like caring for our neighbors, supporting our churches, demonstrating frugality, embracing family. Together we will get through it. The tough times will eventually pass and we will be made stronger and more caring having passed through these difficulties together.

Red--Merry Christmas!!!!!

Oh golly gee Red, you are so darn funny!!!!!!!!must have a lot of time on your hands to be searching for old posts of mine. Get a life.

When it finally hits home, it is a sad day. Unless you put in your years at the plant, you can't express the feeling that overcomes you. It is probably simular to being fired. Emotions take over, but as I have said in previous posts defending Janesville Assembly workers, they would build quality until the last job. That is all they know. Now it is confirmed, they cared until the last SUV job, and I can assure you, the same will be for the last Isuzu job in May. Good luck everyone.

Oh golly gee wiz JAVA10, “what can I say?” or “Que puedo decir?”. I’ve read through your eleven posts on Gazetteextra and learned that you drive a Ford 4X4 (not a GM product). That you have sense enough to put 160 pounds of sand in the hind end of that Ford to give some traction in winter (I’d suggest more then 160 lbs.). That you never learned that one exclamation point is sufficient when writing sentences in English (more are quite superfluous and indicative of one lacking formal education). You enjoy whining like a baby about the cold weather. Somebody at the Fagan dealership looked at you the wrong way. You don’t understand the law or how our legal system operates. You think you’re the only one entitled to be on the road in inclement weather. I’d have to say that your incredible insight into what is happening in our nation, our state, our county, our city and GM overwhelms me. I sure wish I made as much money as you do. I sure wish I could contribute such thoughtful posts. Man you must be up for a Nobel Prize in economics or something. I’ll bet you read Thomas Friedman’s column daily in the New York Times. Heck you probably have a doctorate from an Ivy League school. Merry Christmas and a Happy New !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Darn the exclamation point key on this here darned computer is stuck in the on position.)

I guess mbird is the expert on all facts on GM and it's employees. Glad I didn't work with people like you - bitter and alone.

GM...GM...GM....Very sad......But what about LSI and Lear and the others? They will have nothing compared to what you guys have to fall back on and they paid union dues. So sad but quit whining and get back to reality like all the rest of the unemployed throughout the United States. The employees make it sound as if GM employees are the only ones losing their jobs and you don't hear one of them feeling bad for the other companies!

Geez, when can the pettiness stop? Lot's of good, hard working people have been through a gut wrenching day. And they handled it with class. I personally know that the jobs that came off the line were very good quality, down to the very last job (which I inspected). No sabotage, no lowering of standards, but good quality vehicles built buy great people. I am proud to say I worked there and will miss the many great personalities I encountered.
So really, if you don't like us or GM, at least take a day off from the harping. To those kind enough to post good wishes, thank you and a Merry Christmas. To those who I worked with, thanks for the great memories. Those can never be taken away or spoiled by anyone. And good luck to the LSI, LEAR and other employees, as you were also part of the family.

RED- I do believe I have an imagination, and i do have a college education. You may think your poem is "clever" but IMO it is not. We are both entitled to our opinions...and just for the record, I have no need to stand in a "welfare line" and I probably make more a year than you.

Arrivederci, baby! Hasta la vista.

beeferer: Reading (RED) was better than reading anything you have ever posted. Good job RED

I laughed when I read the poem.

I thought the poem was very entertaining!

You nuts?!??!? Don't encourage him/her.

Red- I think you have a flair for poetry. It was an entertaining post indeed.

Such a sad day for Janesville to see the PLANT go down, my heart goes out to you all. Wish you all the best......

Didn't expect tears, but after reading this article and seeing the picture they came. A sad day, the end of an era. It means so many different things for so many people. I am so proud of all the years my Mom and Dad put in there. Two of the hardest working people I know. My father is sad today too, even though he is retired. God Bless all of you, GM, Lear and others affected.

Ringsforus: I had the same reaction. Good luck, everyone, and thank you for making Janesville proud all these years.

My thoughts and prayers to all. Good luck.

Red, There is a time to make your point. Today ain't it.

Wishing all the wonderful people of Janesville a safe and good holiday season. This time of the year is hard for lots of folks and not just those who have lost jobs. Be thankful for what you have. Everyone be safe and take care. To you Red, enough already.

I wish the best for all! God Bless to all! It sure is going to be a sad day for all. Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and hope the New Year will be brighter.

Yeah red- stuff a sock in it. It is not clever at all. It is akin to a first grader's attempt. Makes me want to puke. Are you posting it on every discussion board you come across? I have read it in three places so far. You must be proud of yourself.

"defened" "myselft" "attemp"
Far be it from me to say anything.
I did it for Hannah (where you ripped her on another post this morning)and like everyone else,wouldn't do it if I liked your post.
The poem: not half bad if it wouldn't have appeared so mean-spirited. Please tell me I misunderstood. Maybe if you'd have begun your poem with the disclaimer you eventually made: "After all some of the greatest wits I ever met were line workers that could spin a joke that would make you laugh an entire shift."

You have got to be freaking kidding if you think Toyota or Honda would come to Janesville. They have the majority of their operations in the south at non-union plants. The reality is the gravy train is over in Janesville. Legacy costs have crippled the US auto industry. The auto biz is just a preview of what will happen when the social security system collapses. These systems were not set up to support people for 30 year retirements and beyond.

Yes a very sad day and Thank you all for the years of committment to the city of Janesville All the hard workers and good luck in the future and I hope it wont be as bleak as it is today..............

I agree JAVA, Red, make a blog or something."I'm so very tired of the truly unimaginative and uneducated voicing opinions on my clever play on words" .......uhh get the hint then. I am glad you think your clever, but still, no body cares. Until your "witty" comments are appreciated, why don't you go "spring" from your cherry street computer and do something productive.

Very sad indeed. What a bitter bill for Rock County.

A very sad day indeed. Good luck to all the workers at GM and all of the others affected by this.

I'm not surprised, but everyone appears to have been professional and upstanding through this whole ordeal. Doing this while getting handed one piece of bad news after another. Moreover, having your last day after many years of work come right before Christmas. They all did what Janesville has done better than most GM plants all along and that's build a good quality product. Kudos to everyone at the plant and my heart goes out to all of them.

JAVA10 I'm so very tired of the truly unimaginative and uneducated voicing opinions on my clever play on words. Until today I have not defened myselft against personal attacks. Quite contrary the reactions please me. Surely there are some educated Janesvillains who appreciate my attemp to be witty. After all some of the greatest wits I ever met were line workers that could spin a joke that would make you laugh an entire shift. Get in the welfare line with everyone else!

Very sad day for Janesville. Thinking of everyone affected by this today, not just GM employees, but everyone. I wish you all the best!

Red----please go bother people somewhere else...I for one am tired of reading your stupid poem on every GM story!!!

Very sad indeed. I'll never forget having lunch with my dad and is buddies on his lunch breaks....and I'm sad my kids will not get to see the line the way I got to when I was a kid.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the plant not a creature was stirring not even an ant. The smokestacks were shuttered by the paint shop with care hoping soon that St. Nicholas would bail them out with some flair. The unions were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of concessions danced in their heads. And Michelle in her 'kercheif, and Barak in his cap, had just settled in to fill a great gap. When out on in the lot there arose such a clatter, I sprang from Cherry Street to see what was the matter. Away to the power plant I flew singin' rap, Tore open the boiler to steal it for scrap. The moon on the empty lot covered in snow, gave the lustre of equipment being hauled out with a backhoe. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but thousands of workers terrified by fear. With a rep of the state so lively with daring, I knew in a moment it must St. Welfaring. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the foreclosures and tax defaults handed out in a poof! And from GM I heard an exclaim, as they jetted to Detroit here is how it came, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night, isn't this all so very out of sight!"

i cried just reading the article. thoughts and prayers are with each and every worker affected

A very sad day in Janesville, its part of history and its very sad to see it end.

This one just makes me sad... :(