Signing bailout was Bush's just deserts

One can only wonder if Bush's support of the auto industry's efforts to avoid building more efficient autos wasn't really due to his abiding relationship with the oil industry. After all, who benefits most from gas guzzling automobiles?

It warms my heart to know that the man who led the systematic attack on our environment, destroying years of legislation that could have forced the American auto industry to address the need for alternatives to gas guzzling cars, was forced to put his name to a historic bailout.

Detroit relied on successful lobbying against raising gas mileage performance and lowering emissions tolerances. They cuddled up to the ultra conservatives who continue, even today, to believe in a trickle down theory that grows wealth at the top and trickles poverty down to Main Street. The middle class was disappearing under this theory in today's business environment, and yet, even now, many continue to stick their heads in the sand. They do not realize that modern America is neither socialistic nor capitalistic but rather a blend of both. America needs a fluid centralist theory that relies on strong, intelligent, but flexible business modalities to grow economic wealth while nurturing employment and thus opportunity for all Americans. And, above all, if we have learned nothing else during this administration, business needs rules to play by. Rules that allow players to know where the walls are. Like the walls of a home, while they define space they also keep us safe. Rules allow everyone the chance to win or lose based upon their ability to achieve in fair competition.

Reclaiming and righting our listing ship will be a long and difficult task. However, we have no choice but to roll up our sleeves and get the job done. As for President Bush, the history books will write his story, and it may be that the only good part of that story will be his wonderful, caring, thoughtful and devoted wife.

Gail A. Talbot

Huntley