There was a role-reversal of epic proportions yesterday when Detroit’s Big Three CEO’s were scolded like little boys caught sneaking into a movie theater. Richard Wagoner of General Motors, Robert Nardelli of Chrysler, and Alan Mulally of Ford went begging on the Hill after arriving in their corporate jets. Big mistake and a clear demonstration that these guys just don’t get it.
No matter where you sit on the politcal spectrum, you would have wanted to hug both Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) when they didn’t cut these CEO’s any slack. Both representatives reprimanded the suits in a way that probably had some ex-Detroit middle managers or laid-off line workers cheering in their family rooms.
From the Washington Post
“There’s a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hands,” Rep. Gary L. Ackerman advised the pampered executives at a hearing yesterday. “It’s almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high-hat and tuxedo. . . . I mean, couldn’t you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled or something to get here?”
The Big Three said nothing, which prompted Rep. Brad Sherman to rub it in. “I’m going to ask the three executives here to raise their hand if they flew here commercial,” he said. All still at the witness table. “Second,” he continued, “I’m going ask you to raise your hand if you’re planning to sell your jet . . . and fly back commercial.” More stillness. “Let the record show no hands went up,” Sherman grandstanded.
Read the entire article from the Washington Post
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