Congressman John Dingell made a good point on Ed Schultz today

[Crazy Dave]

About the trouble our US automakers are going through. He stated that no other automobile makers in the rest of the world have to pay health care benefits to their employees as the rest of the developed nations, even third world countries, do provide health insurance to their citizens and it gives foreign automakers a huge advantage over US companies. Higher profit margins and probably a much more happier and healthier work force.
It's a different opinion about an old topic that I've never heard discussed before. Very interesting and very believable.

[LynzM]

1. I'm continually amazed...

By the fact that the health care debate is not one of the top issues, non-stop. It affects corporations, it affects citizens, it affects the economy, and the overall health of the country, our ability to compete, the health of our children, on and on and on. But especially the economic aspect, that companies aren't hiring or aren't offering benefits because of absurd costs, and people are paying often 10-30% of their salary for health insurance, never mind care.

[napi21]

2. It's a good point, BUT

what about companies like BMW, Honda, Toyota etc. who also manufacture cars in the US, mostly to sell here too? I'm sure they pay their employees health insurance, or at least part of it. They're still making a profit.

I hate to admit it, but I do think the biggest problem with the OLD American car makers is their commitment to their pension plan. Please don't misunderstand me. I WISH I had one of thos plans!!!! The problem is that almost every large company has walked away from those years ago, and those who haven't are doing it now.

[Mr Rabble]

3. This is almost true.

Companies like Toyota, Nissan, etc... all have operations here in the US, but the majority of their workforce is in Japan.

For the small percentage of people they must employ in the US, they take the hit.

[ourbluenation]

4. BS BS BS!!!! This is a mis-management problem and an inability

to make innovative and competitive products. Nothing more. Nothing less. Please don't buy into this nonsense. We were very competitive when we made better cars than the others and everybody got a pension plan.

[Crazy Dave]

5. I wasn't totally sold but it does probably factor some, even if small

The healthier workforce and definitely happier as workers don't have to pay or worry about high premiums, deductibles or not getting treatment at all because the insurance will only pay 80% and the hospital won't do anything until you pay the other 20% up front. My wife and I both have separate policies through our different companies. Mine is pretty good and lower cost, she works for a Dodge dealership and her premiums are high, her deductibles are high and the list of what the insurance won't pay for anymore is even higher. If I added her to my policy where I work, my premiums would go up about 80% for dependant coverage. About what we pay anyways. We've already paid out $300 alone this month, not counting premiums on deductibles and for costs that the insurance wouldn't pay for. That's with insurance.