Marylou,

You are obviously new to my thoughts on this topic. You are exactly the type of person I support. I find people in your situation a positive example thers should follow. The problem is there are employees that didn’t follow your lead. They come here and try to get support or sympathy when they post their poor me stories. Many of us can’t stomach their “What are we going to do”, or “How can GM do this to them” stories.

They could have done exactly what you did. Now granted, they are not going to make the $28.00/hour right now, heck some may never get there.

You see, there are two groups of GM workers. There are the ones like you, who saw their current situation, looked at their options, made a decision, and moved on. Whether it was retirement then taking a new job/career, or went to school and is trying to move on, or maybe took a transfer. Either way, they saw the end was coming and took advantage of what they had and are doing what they can to better themselves.

Then there is the other group. I have serious issues with these people. The people who have sat at home for the last two years, doing nothing, living off their benefits. Now that fine, it was a benefit offered to employees.

However, here’s my first issue, everyone now seems to be worried about his or her future. Well, what were we waiting for? It seems as if they were looking for that one last buyout, or for someone to do something for them, as long as that someone wasn’t them.

Now the story has broken, the golden egg is no more… Panic has set in, and why, they have had TWO YEARS to do something and didn’t! No one who is laid off gets two years of anything. The government extends unemployment, which I pay for through taxes. All this does is enable people to sit at home and not make changes needed.

Now I know what these people are saying, there are just no jobs available. Right, there isn’t because those who acted, were hired and now the picking is slim. It’s our own version of local “Darwinism”.

Now, after two years of being home, Group 2 has the nerve to come here and act as if when the “Final Transfer or your Done” notice came, it was some big shock and GM was trying to pull something. The complaining of GM’s treating me unfairly is nuts. All we heard was, “This is so unfair”, and “How could they do this to me.” “GM never warned us”, or “I only had days to make a choice.” Not even acknowledging hey just had a TWO-YEAR break from any working obligations. Or how about the fact, at least you have a chose to transfer. Many others didn’t! Now Group 2’s anger sets in, and all we hear is, “This town is dead without us”, and “Rock County will suffer dearly, and then you all will be in the same position I’m in and then you’ll see.”

Who wants to hear this all the time? Therefore, as you can see, my issue is not with all GM employees, but I can’t always separated the good examples of responsible adults, from the bad.

marylou, I believe you because I have seen so many in your exact position-you are the RULE rather than the exception. I don't know where this "whiners" thing comes from-but THAT would be the exception-except for those posting here about you former GM workers.
Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

The One:

Believe it or not, there are some GM employees who do not have the "poor me" attitude. I am one of them. On the contrary, I used every resource availabe to me, right up until I no longer could. I received the free schooling and all the while I received a pay check. I also received a transfer which I turned down. But guess what? I now have a college education to fall back on. I took everything that was offered to me, and I don't regret one bit of it. I hate to say it, but I know of others who are not complaining either. They are not ruffled or are they saying "poor me." Can you honestly say that you would turn down these things if they were offered to you and you had no intention of transfering?

Alright... If it will make you sleep better, then we can pretend. But you're going to have to wake up sooner then later!

The_One: GM will re-tool Janesville Assembly once they get the retooling loans from the gov't that Ford, Nissan, Tesla and and Fisker already received. You can bet on it.

I apologize, the_one. I should not have argued with you. Have a nice weekend!

I could care less either way. It makes no difference to me. Now you may hope and pray they come back, but come on. See this is why I am the way I am on this GM issues. GM’ers live on hopes and maybes instead of living in the “real world” and now they are where they are. Just use a little common sense on this issue.

Even GM's head honchos have to understand Janesville GM is OLD, it's not updated to meet their current demand of vehicles. No longer are people looking for the gas guzzling bigger SUV’s, which is what we made. Therefore, they would need to retool this plant to fit their needs. Retooling is not cheap, and let’s face it there is no stamping plant nearby, even more added cost on a company that can't afford to be lazy on their spending habits.

Should GM be irresponsible in their spending by opening plants like Janesville, then need another multi billion-dollar bailout from GMs new COE, President Obama, I can’t imagine the American people taking that well come election time. Therefore, I can’t see even Obama okaying that deal.

But hay, who knows, I guess you could be right, even after what I said maybe they will bring GM back to Janesville... But seriously, do you really think they will?

Where does it say GM is never coming back? Never is a long time. Until they sell or tear down that plant, there is always hope. GM's Buick brand is really taking off, and they plan on adding many new models to the Buick lineup in the next year or two. They have to build those vehicles somewhere. Keep the pessimism to yourself, The_One. Its pretty obvious you're hoping they don't come back. Nice attitude.......

Ninjadude:

No not jealous much... As you like to say. I just don't like enabler's who sit there and have this poor me attitude because they have to transfer after two years of sitting on their butts and now the moneys stopping and everyone all up in arms about this sudden transfer with no notice. Get real! Simple planing ahead would do wonders for lots of people. To those who did good luck to them, to those who didn't GM's not coming back, told you so!

Thank you Joker... See you at the family dinner. Oh wait never mind. Everyone just forget I said that! :)

Justme46:
"I am a wife of a GM retiree and he doesn't stick his chest out? He worked for a living to support his family."
***
I'm sure he did, I never questioned that. What I said was, as family of a GM employee, you think you’re the upper class of the middle class. I never questioned his or any of the employee’s work ethic. I'm sure they all were good at what ever it is that they did... However you did manage to show everyone your us against them attitude that you have when someone has the nerve to stand up against you or your viewpoints.

***
"There are 60,000 Janesville natives? HUH? No there are not, you have to have been born, bred and raised here."

Sure, I understand what you’re trying to do... Even though it was an obvious figure of speech, I can understand you picking up on the only true point that might not be 100% accurate due to semantics, and run with it (another figure of speech). In an attempt to discredit all the other accurate points made. It's a common ploy used by many politicians when they want to confuse the public. However, here’s your problem to make that trick work, the issue needs to be complex and confusing. By saying that the 60,000 people living in this town are natives confused no one, except you!

***
"The military has NO comparison to GM."
Your right, when the military men and women are relocated, there is no crying, or whining, they just pack up and move out.

***

When you sign up to go into the armed services you know that you will be traveling, only takes a dummy to figure that one out."

Well no, no you don't. There are many families in the military where members are deployed and the families stay until the loved ones get home. However, job transfers and new job assignments come up and some times these family members have truly NO CHOICE, unlike these precocious GM workers. An on a moments notice they are now living in another state or worse Germany or Europe.***

"You do not impress NO ONE on here and you certainly picked the wrong moniker for yourself."

If I was worried about impressing anyone on here, do you really think I would post my true opinions on here, which are obviously not the most popular being a former GM town?

Why would you think The_One isn't the best moniker for me?

Because when I hear excuses and constant "Poor Me" attitudes from every GM employee who couldn't retire, didn't take a buy out, and now has the well dry up on them, then I speak out about it, now I'm dumb or I’m a "basher." I must be The_One if I’m willing to speak against the popular opinion. I’ll take that title with honor. Or maybe it fits because I'm a young, confident person, who says what he thinks and in the process, ruffles some feathers, which in your eyes and anyone else that doesn't agree with me I come off I come off as an arrogant, cocky know-it-all. Either way, it doesn’t matter, you still can't argue my points whatever your view of me or my title.

Hey, the sun is out! Yippee! As to your question Mr. Joker, absolutely NOT! Have a good night.

916WI - I completely agree. There are some of us who are blessed to still have jobs in this area. I, for one, am hopeful and excited about the future of Janesville. And the chance at having my own little piece of heaven out in the country without mortgaging myself to the eyeballs?? All I can say is.. sweet!! :)

"I still feel this is not right to give these FAMILIES an ultimatum, Leave or Else!"
How is this unfair? Should they continue to collect benefits until they are ready to go back to work? I had quite a few friends that took the KC transfer. Not one of them complained about the unfairness of it all. They split up their families. Most of them only get to see the families they left behind once or twice a month. You do what you have to do. It isn't just the GM folks who have had to turn their lives upside down. It's the entire country. I feel for ALL of us. But, like I said, you do what you have to do.

+1 Juskaskme.....I plan to take advantage of the depressed housing market in this area. The prices should continue fall. I figure it will completely bottom out in around 2 years. I'm in a fairly decent position to buy but I have no intention of overpaying. Where before I would have been stressed to get a couple of acres in the country, the market now makes that a reality........

Just me, no, I am not related to anyone who posts here. Why? Do you wish you could be just like me?

Thank you, JustAskMe. By the way, I like your moniker/name. I to get picked on, and yes I am on my pity pot. Boohoo. I am not as almighty smart and strong as some posters are. I usually write my opinion, not quotes, not sites to connect to and I admit I am no Einstein either. Everyone have a good day and lets all pray the rain stops, I am getting sick of it myself. JMO

Posting comments is a good way to fight boredom - keep it up justme46 - some of us enjoy your posts.

Callita, I had 38 yesterday and 12 today so far. Wow, I didn't know I had that many. Just bored like I said. Don't worry, I will slow down. Thank you for warning me. I might get posterstunnel or something like that.

I don't know, I guess I will see how I feel. You could say the same to a lot of other posters. I am bored and some of these articles and posts are interesting, you got a problem with that? Cuz I don't.

It will soon be time to buy a home around here - low interest rates AND an increasing supply of homes. Life is good to those who wait-it-out

The_One- Jealous much? You see, envy is one of the 7 deadly sins.

justme46-I see you are up to ten posts now, are you going to try to break yesterdays total of 40 or so?

Joker, are you and the_oddone related? Just asking.

The One, well said!

swisschick i received my paperwork on a wednesday had to reply by thursday,came to mo/ks the following monday found a apt. moved in the following sunday and started work that monday and it is my understanding if gm could have gotten us to report the monday after we signed they would have.so ya i understand having 2 weeks would have been great.

Are you done writing this book yet? I am a wife of a GM retiree and he doesn't stick his chest out? He worked for a living to support his family. There are 60,000 Janesville natives? HUH? No there are not, you have to have been born, bred and raised here. The militairy has NO comparison to GM. When you sign up to go into the armed services you know that you will be traveling, only takes a dummy to figure that one out, The_OddOne. I got one for you, what about a CITY WORKER, ask them about their job and they definitely will stick their chests out! You do not impress NO ONE on here and you certainly picked the wrong moniker for yourself. No matter what anyone says, I still feel this is not right to give these FAMILIES an ultimatum, Leave or Else! All you negative posters are doing is kicking them when they are down and you have been doing it for 2 years now, when is enough, is enough?!!! GM donated to United Way, blood drives, food pantries, xmas and thanksgiving packages for people in need and I am sure there is more.

Justme46: You say,
"Unless you have been there and done that, you have no right to talk so negatively about people."

Why? We do it all the time... Everyone does, including GM employees. When you read something in the paper regarding police action, there are negative comments, medical issues with either insurance or controversial practices, more negative comments.

You see, here's yours and every other GM supporter or employees problem. GM employees have always held themselves to a higher standard then anyone else in the community. Ask an individual what they go for a living and you might get several answers, but ask a GM employee what he dose, and well "He works at GM"(as he sticks his chest out), or "She works at the plant." There are only maybe one or two other professions that expect to be held to a higher standard then others, there doctors and lawyers.

You see GM employees, although they are just very average people in this town; they have tried to be the upper class of the middle class for ever.

But guess what, now that’s all coming to an end, most have moved on or picked up and left to other towns... and great, good for them, and good luck in their futures. But then there are the others, the ones that have waited, and waited, and waited.

Why do you think The Joker continues to comment about "GM coming back to Janesville?" It's a joke, one that everyone gets, except GM employees who are still hanging around living off the benefits that have now run out. You see 60,000 other Janesville natives would all like to move on from this GM drama, but can't because everyone who claims people are "GM Bashing" are still living in the days where GM mattered in this town, when they were the upper class. Now this town is moving on, but can't quit close the chapter because there are a few out there still wining about how this was a HUGE surprise over the last two years that GM was not coming back.

Now your second part:

What about their kids?

Well what about them? Kids move all the time and turn out fine. I don’t hear anyone crying when a military family is moved over and over, but it happens. You see, Gm’ers are no different then anyone else. The only difference is GM employees didn’t think the average persons problems applied to them. Well guess what, they do… Now there forced to deal with them. The problem is GM’ers have had everything handled for them. Their union made all their decisions and was always there to protect them. Now there union can't help them, and they have to make their own decisions and solve their own problems. Finding out they can’t cope with problem solving, like finding a job in four days, now that their “Free Money” has stopped is a little late. But they can’t blame anyone but themselves, but dang it if they won’t try.

justsaynotomath--I too have a house for sale in Janesville (Milton School district).

justsaynotomath, If your neighborhood is selling so well, sell your's and you can buy mine.

I'll be moving out of state, so I wouldn't need yours.

Heard nothin good of lordstown. Shoulda been proactive and went to kc.

Mickie, I agree. Unless you have been there and done that, you have no right to talk so negatively about people. What about their kids? School ends in June, take them out before May 24th? In fact, if they have to be in Ohio on that date, you would probably want to get your kids out on May 21, that's a Friday, so they would have the weekend to adjust to a new home and school. I wish you all the best. I don't know what I would do in this situation. JMO

I wish all of them luck. Yes it`s true that they are fortunate enough to have this option, yet some people just don`t see the tuff decision faced here. You are talking about breaking families up, being able to afford 2 homes of any type, etc... Maybe some of you find these decisions not so difficult, however I sure would. It`s easy to say- do it or don`t- unless you are faced with such a decision yourself then maybe you should not judge so harshly. Best of luck to all you folks, and I hope you take the jobs!!

Why does everyone keep talking about the "deadline" with Lordstown? Friends of mine that went to K.C. had a 4-day deadline to accept the transfer and then had 2 weeks or so to be in K.C. Same thing happened to them.

Take the job or quit plane and simple. Thejoker good post.

Best to move so you have a job - many of us would love to have the money and benefits that GM workers have.

Isn't this standard operating procedure for large, national companies anyway?...Whats the surprise in any of this??

Revised letters were received today stating we had until yesterday to reply.

I see this morning that they were dismantling something along Delavan Drive at the plant. Don't know if this was something eniromentally or what.

Spare us the drama. Many other people here in Janesville have it worse and had to make harder decisions in the past few years. Good luck to them if they go and good luck to them if they stay. But to portray the GM workers as having it so bad and have such a tough choice to make is an insult to Gazette readers.

From previous articles, an employee wouldn't have to start work in Lordstown until the 24th of May. Why not just accept the offer and use those two weeks to check the area out? Worse case, you tell them that you no longer want to work for GM, and end up in the same position as if declining the offer in the first place. GM simply screwed themselves by giving a short deadline. Or, they did it to get people off the books. Lets see how many people remain loyal to GM after this fiasco.