Bailout positions divide classes

When the going gets tough, the tough are supposed to "get going." That doesn't seem to be the case during this economic crisis.

Instead, we're getting all sorts of bickering, excuses and a taste of "class warfare." Case in point, the struggling U.S. auto industry.

A lot of the finger-pointing has been directed at the autoworkers and their union for negotiating high salaries and generous benefits packages. As if there is something inherently wrong with skilled workers (without college degrees) getting paid well.

Contrast that with the banking industry, which has gotten the lion's share of the recent U.S. Government-funded bailouts. Other than the relatively mild and innefectual criticisms aimed at banking CEO's, there doesn't seem to be any negative attention given to how well paid banking officials are.

This I know. When I'm driving a car, especially at highway speeds, my life depends on the skilled hands of the autoworkers who built the car. My life has never depended on the hands of any banker.

George Peternel

Arlington Heights