In a previous article I asked: What are Governor Crist and Congress doing to stop nationalizing our auto industry and killing jobs? President Obama and Governor Crist touted how the $700 billion stimulus bill would create jobs on Main Street. Both Obama and Crist passionately campaigned for its passage.

To date Congress and the Federal Reserve have given trillions of dollars to banks designed to allow them to loosen financing for local businesses. In addition, the Obama administration has essentially nationalized GM and Chrysler providing billions in bailout money and appointed a Car Czar.

So what is the return for this huge taxpayer funded investment?

In short order we have trickle down socialism of a large portion of the American automobile industry. The results: a redistribution of misery, pain and sorrow. What has the stimulus package, government bailouts and federal control of Chrysler given Florida? Closed showrooms, skilled empoyees out of work, and families bankrupt. Now we have a Congressman finally speaking out. Good for him. Here are his comments:

ARBITRARY SHUTDOWNS ELIMINATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS

MOVE DOES NOTHING TO MAKE AUTO COMPANIES MORE VIABLE

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) today questioned the arbitrary shutdown of hundreds of automobile dealerships across the nation, saying the move will worsen unemployment and do nothing to improve the viability of the auto manufacturers.

“Last year, I opposed the auto bailout bill before Congress because the automakers failed to develop a restructuring plan,” said Buchanan. “Now instead of a responsible plan to address the industry’s core economic problems, the automakers are arbitrarily closing hundreds, and possibly, thousands of dealerships across the country.

“Each dealership creates an average of 52 neighborhood jobs,” said Buchanan. “This action, if implemented, could put approximately 150,000 people out of work. With unemployment nearing double digits, it makes no sense to put more Americans out of work. The federal government should be working to create jobs and boost the economy, not kill jobs.

“Furthermore, shutting down dealerships does nothing to make GM or Chrysler more viable. In fact it does the opposite. “

Buchanan is part owner of five auto dealerships, including Venice Nissan Dodge, which was one of the 789 dealerships on Chrysler’s closure list. He understands the issue first hand and how it affects his employees, their families, our community and country.