Too many government rulesThe list of conditions being placed on the auto companies that want to borrow taxpayer money reminds me of an old engineering joke: What's an elephant? A mouse built to government specifications. Steve Sutton Farmington Hills Kudos to Ford's rejectionI cannot express how great is was to hear that the Ford Motor Co. for now is turning down the 'help' from the pompous fools we refer to as our Congress. Ford Motor Co. and Chief Executive Alan Mulally have made me proud to say the company I work for is a Ford supplier. By turning down the attempted government takeover, Ford has taken a step toward financial health. I understand General Motors and Chrysler didn't really have a choice, and I am sad about what is going to happen to them now that the central planners may get their ignorant hooks in them. Jeffrey Scott Troy Trim UAW wages furtherAs a retired salaried worker for the Big Three automakers, I think the United Auto Workers union has been milking the golden goose for too long. The work done by union workers on the factory floor can be done by anyone at the rate of $10 per hour with minimal benefits. Now we see that the union wants a seat on General Motors' board for approving concessions. That is laughable. The government must make a stipulation that for bridge monies to be approved, the unions must accept the same pay and benefit packages that the auto workers make at the Southern transplants. Gary Peterson Grosse Ile Dodd is no industry judgeIt irritates me that Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd sits on his lofty perch and looks down on the auto executives. He pushed the subprime mortgage loans for the unqualified on the banking industry; even blocking legislative attempts by the Republicans to remedy this problem. Is there no justice? Larry Hermann Troy Bank on equal treatment?I am disgusted with the indifference of our federal government toward the plight of the American automakers. The Big Three automakers have supported this country for many years, from supplying the war machine in World War II to support in the aftermath of 9-11. Now when they ask for a loan, they are met with hostility and demands for accountability, sacrifices and government ownership. Funny, I cannot remember the AIG or Citibank hearings or the five-year repayment plan for them. Randy Essenmacher New Baltimore Try tax incentives, not loansWhy are our three automakers and Congress focused on using loans to bridge the gap through horrible market conditions instead of fixing the market itself? What would happen if our government gave anyone who buys a GM, Ford or Chrysler car a tax deduction on their federal income taxes equal to 25 percent (or a fixed amount) of the cost? Dave Kanners Columbiaville Regulations poison DetroitCongress and the White House cripple the economy with their tens of thousands of laws and regulations and then pretend the mess that ensues isn't their fault. No, they say, it's because we have too much freedom. They keep demanding more of the same poison: a government-run economy. But as Thomas Jefferson said: 'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.' Why don't the politicians go to Cuba? Bill Bucko Mount Clemens UAW is part of problemIf it takes further economic downturn to break the United Auto Workers, I say go for it. That arrogant UAW President Ron Gettelfinger saying he will 'consider' coming to the bargaining table was nauseating. P. Clancy, M.D. Bloomfield Hills Keep out of businessThe federal government should stay out of the auto industry. Forget the bailout. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd is already telling General Motors Corp. to get rid of their CEO, Rick Wagoner. Is that what these companies want -- a Democrat telling them how to run their business? Besides, if these companies fail, some entrepreneur will come along and start another car manufacturing company. The feds should stay out of private business. Gregg J. Allen Battle Creek