Toyota Turmoil

Toyota employed a total of 30,473 direct employees in 2009. Of those, 10,725 are in California and 9,161 are in Kentucky. Toyota is scheduled to close its Fremont, California factory which employs 4,700 workers which will obviously make Kentucky the state with the largest Toyota work force.

How ironic is it that our government now owns a piece of GM and they are putting Toyota through the ringer over every detail within their corporation. I'm not saying that there aren't problems that should be addressed but does the federal government really need to be involved? I remember when Ford Explorer's tires kept exploding at high speeds and I definitely don't remember this type of political grand standing taking place then.

The automotive unions hold too much power. They have politicians in their pockets. The same politicians who swore that lobbyists would never have a part in their administration.

Toyota has taken the high ground every time a competitor within the automotive industry has had public issues, whether it be GM, Ford, etc. Never has Toyota pounced on their vulnerabilities. But as soon as Toyota has this first major blow to their brand, GM takes the situation and runs with it by offering incentives for trading in your "faulty" Toyota for one of their cars.

How does it make you feel to know that your tax dollars went in to a company that is now pouncing on one of the largest employers in your state? So let's just connect the dots and draw the conclusion that your money is paying for the demise of Kentucky's economy. Feels good doesn't it? It's ridiculous.

It's been great to see Congressman Davis stand up for Toyota. TEMA, the corporate headquarters for North America is based in Erlanger, Davis' district. To be honest, I don't know if Chandler has said anything - if you know, please comment. If he hasn't called an end to this political grandstanding, he needs to hear from us! There are thousands of jobs on the line, thousands of families' income on the line. Let's do our part and fight for a company that has given our communities so much.