Incompetence and Cronyism - Justice Department disables Gibson Guitars, while Bankrupt “Green” Solyndra defended by Administration.

While Federal Agents Put Gibson Guitar in the "Cross hairs" (over-the-top much?) image chimpplanet.blogspot


Obama defends Solyndra ties and bankruptcy - Cronyism or Incompetence, take your pick - image from sroblog






One of the most respected manufacturers in the United States, Gibson Guitars, is apparently under attack from the Federal Government for using the “wrong” imported wood in the manufacture of Guitars. The problem being, that although the company had secured all required legal documentation, the Justice Department closed them down, going so far as to send in armed personnel to take down an environmentally friendly, profitable U.S. business. It appears the CEO may have made the error of supporting a Republican, for there is no other sane reason why the Administration would target a profitable job, crating, eco-friendly, U.S Corporation. An op-ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitutionby Bob Barr, is a must read on this travesty of justice.

On the other hand, a “Green” Business, has filed for bankruptcy protection, and although not unusual in any business model, especially in today’s economy, this particular business is being defended by the White House. The problem: the administrations (taxpayers) $500,000 million plus loss in the deal, and the need to to deflect charges regarding close ties between the President and that particular business.

Although both companies could lay claim to political persecution and/or favors given the circumstances, the fact that from the top down incompetency appears to be the general theme of the administration. This is in regards to every aspect of running a nation – specifically when the economy is in such dire straits, one would think a competent administration might wish to work with and support a business such as Gibson, which offers Taxpayers to foot the bill with the same fervor for those enterprises, supported by the administration which evidently failed.

It can only be hoped that the next occupant at Pennsylvania Avenue will have the smarts to hire competent individuals to oversee departments that make use of the taxpayers’ dollars, in the most effective manner. That the government will no longer “invest” in businesses, granting Bankruptcy protection to “sacred cows" while millions of the unemployed and underemployed face more fire from the Government due to the fact that one cannot include a student loan in a bankruptcy. One might consider the investment in education by the government (through it’s now sole ownership of the Student loan industry), equal to its “investment” in the “green industry” – otherwise known as a “hair brained scheme” in sensible circles. It is one thing to support environmentally friendly businesses, verbally, or say through universal tax incentives (meaning all businesses get a break), however “loans” should be off the table, and if the government is in the bank and loan industry, all loans should be treated equally.

It does not take a rocket scientist or economist to figure that out, which begs the question of competency in general, and that has been consistently reflected in the polls.
Therefore, while Gibson is apparently out of business for doing no wrong by the administration, a company that was not profitable and/or in the end solvent, is given the support by the same.

Travesty – to steal a phrase: “You betcha!”