Southfield (WWJ) -- First there was a caravan planned to show U.S. lawmakers how important the Big Three automakers are to the economy. Because of logistics, the caravan has been replaced by a website, The Engine of Democracy, which supporters of the automakers can use to contact local congressmen/women to voice support for a federal rescue loan. The website is expected to be up and running Monday.
In addition, representatives from the 50 states and District of Columbia will head to Washington later this week to voice support for the 25-billion dollar federal loan.
Executives from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have to have their turnaround plans into congressional leaders by Tuesday. The Senate and House have hearings scheduled starting Wednesday. Click here for related articles.
The Engine Of Democracy is a coalition of organizations representing more than six-million jobs related to the American automotive industry.
Organizers, including suppliers and dealers in all 50 states, say the effort shows the massive, nationwide support for the federal loans the automakers need to help ensure the national security of the United States, the continuation of a robust automotive manufacturing base and the economic well-being of the nation and its citizens.
“This is about line workers, parts suppliers, dealership mechanics, and hard working moms and dads earning a living for their families,” said Carl Galeana, an automobile dealer in several states and a coalition organizer, in a statement.
“As Americans, we depend on the auto industry to drive our economy in these very tough times. The role it played in reinvigorating our economy after 9/11 is just one example. And please, let's not forget how this industry turned on a dime and became what President Roosevelt called "The Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II.”
On Friday, 51 people from across the United States and who are directly or indirectly employed thanks to GM, Ford or Chrysler will gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building to tell their employment story and the impact of automakers on their locale. Each participant will be wearing a red, white and blue sport jersey with key data about the industry's impact on their state emblazoned on them.
The website will allow auto employees, retirees, car owners, auto supplier employees, dealership employees, mayors, state legislators and interested citizens to go online and add stories about America's car industry and its impact on their lives.
Visitors also will be encouraged to write their Congresswomen, Congressmen, Senators, Secretary Paulson, President Bush and President-Elect Obama – as well as legislators from other states – to encourage the U.S. Government to approve a bridge loan for the Big 3 automakers.
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