Reply #19: can the auto industry be nationalized?

[gmoney]

Government is one of the biggest purchasers of vehicles (USPS, military, federal and local agencies, law enforcement, etc)... seems that the US could BUY GM, Ford and Chrysler outright for about the cost of the bailout. Turn it into a public works thing... fast track fuel efficient, hybrid, electric, etc. Supplying the vehicles needed for government functions, encourage other US contractors to procure from the new entity. Get the autoworkers into government health care and pension systems, etc.

Of course, these vehicles would also be available for patriotic Americans to buy. Get a car that promotes energy independence, prices can be kept pretty low, and profits can go towards the national debt! Converting the massive fleets of US-owned vehicles to fuel efficient ones would save money, too.

Just a crazy idea for a crazy time.