In order for Detroit to built the cars of the future we need a distribution system for alternate fuels when traveling long distances. But why would anyone invest in such a system if the cars demanding alternate fuels do not yet exist? How can we blame Detroit for not producing cars powered by alternate fuels if the system for refueling those cars does not yet exist? That is why we should expect to see hybrid vehicles that run partly on fossil fuels continue well into the future. We know we can do better than that. But how can we do so without insuring that a refueling distribution system will also exist?

Does anyone have any ideas?

I was indeed heartened by the result of this first Parent Conference. Parents “got it” and were very receptive. I must publicly – every chance I get- thank our parents who worked so hard to make this idea a reality: Maxine(the brightest star of all), Princess and their crew, Joan and her mother Gloria (grandmothers rock), Kathy, Debra, Jackie, all those who stayed to help clean up, and all the parents who showed up and those who not only showed up but pulled along another parent to get this important information.

I truly believe that the achievement gap between minorities and non-minorities can be narrowed if the information gap (between parents who know how to effectively advocate in the academic life of their child and those who do not), is narrowed.

This is just the beginning. There is so much more to be done. I’m glad you came. The conversation will continue.

Ramble on.

The auto industry built SUVs because consumers wanted to buy SUVs. Things then changed very quickly when the price of oil went through the roof. Now, no one wants to buy SUVs. I think it took less than a year for that to happen. How quickly can the auto industry be expected to adjust?

In all honesty, the auto industry, through its advertising, contributed to the desire of consumers to buy SUVs. The federal government must share much of the blame. Bush and Cheney are oil men who promoted gas guzzlers by refusing to increase milage standards. When California tried to impose restrictions on emissions for vehicles sold in California, the federal government slapped down California. If I were in the auto industry I would be more than happy to continue making highly profitable SUVs, particularly when it appeared that the federal government was backing me up.

Most businesses need to borrow money to tide them over during the lean times. The problem today is that the banks are not there to lend the money. Auto manufactures must look to the federal government to borrow the money they need. This morning I read that France has established, or is establishing, a $25 billion fund to aid its troubled companies. Throughout the world, governments are recognizing that they must become lenders of last resort because banks can’t help.

I don’t know if it is true, but the auto companies claim that they already have made the needed adjustments. In a year to two, they will begin selling smaller, highly energy efficient vehicles. Even before the present crises became manifested, Chevrolet announced that is was about to put the Chevy Volt into production. Supposedly, the Volt will get up to 100 miles per gallon. Granted, it would not be practicle to drive the Volt to California, but for local driving it is very efficient. In addition, the auto makers are working on new battery technologies, which will hit the market in a couple of years.

Auto companies describe that they want as being a ” bridge loan.” They need the money to tide them over until the next generation of cars can be put into production. While at $25 billion loan is fraught with risk, it would probably be much worse to risk the demise of the American auto industry.

On your other points about the Obama cabinent, read what the conservative David Brooks has to say about Obama’s cabinent selections. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/opinion/21brooks.html?ref=opinion

I just start reading the blog again and found both Ken and Miriam article very interesting.

I’m in the middle of crunch time setting mid-term and marking papers, and I would love to respond to both your comments. If I start, (knowing me) I will go on and on so let me take this time to say I will be back.

Keep the blog going!

Had to get this in! I like the fact that parent conference is being featured on the blog. I will see you there on Saturday to give my support.

With reference to our newly elected president, this is another topic by itself, so I will cut it short and sweet. I like some of the choices President Obama has made in selecting his administration. I think Mrs. Clinton is a great choice for the job and think she will do well based on her experiences. Then again, we can only hope some are not in it for their own selfish motives!

It was great reading your message. It is wonderful that you are reading many blogs. There is so much information floating around the blogosphere that it will be impossible for you not to become a formidible person. We should teach our children by example and you are proving yourself to be a great example.

I’d like to respond to the substance of one of your points — that of a possible bailout of the auto manufacturers. For me, it is a really tough question. I have no doubt but that the leadership of companies like GM has become fat, lazy and overpaid. In my view, they deserve to fail. Nevertheless, here is the really big “but.” Some estimate that there are 3 million jobs at stake. Given everything else that is happening in the economy, I don’t think we can afford to lose another 3 million jobs. We have to work to find a solution. Maybe a bailout is not an answer. Maybe a pre-packaged bankruptcy reorganization is the answer with the United States providing the financing for the re-structured company. What I do know is that the health care and pensions of a vast number of people, not to mention their jobs, are involved.

I think we need to try to look at things from GM’s point of view. I hear that GM sells more cars in China than any other auto manufacturer. I also hear that GM is very competitive in Europe. So what is happening in the United States? GM says it is because of the credit crunch. Just like it is almost impossible for many people to borrow money to buy homes, it is also very difficult to borrow money to buy a $30,000 car, which is more expensive than a lot of homes cost 30 years ago.

Here’s what bothers me the most. Do you remember that Don McLean song named “American Pie?” In this time of crisis I can’t get these words out of my mind: “Drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry.” I don’t want to live in a country where there are no more Chevies. It is part of who we are as a people. It’s like the Fourth of July or apple pie. It is a symbol of American culture and we should do everything we can to save the brand.

Ken Schwarz

Is he correct? The mission of STEP is to prove him wrong. I prefer to think of our younger citizens as mini-Obama supporters. Can we prove Bill Gates wrong? Yes we can! Go STEP. Go Obama.