Yes We Can Implement the Pickens Plan!

I am writing you today to respectfully request that you and your Colleagues in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives back the important legislation soon to be before you. There is far more at stake here than meets the eye.



I have personally thoroughly read the GM plan several times. I do believe (as many others do) that restoring this industry is not only possible but probable. We must look beyond the petty differences and take a broad view of what this means. This industry has made mistakes and they know it. I don't think you will see business as usual in Detroit from this point forward. The restrictions being placed on these funds and the intense public focus they will face over the coming months will ensure a very high probability on their moving quickly in the direction they should to restore this industry. The amount of money being sought is essential and truly a fraction of the damage that will result from their abrupt collapse. The catastrophic economic consequences would come at a time when we can least afford them. Make no mistake; the U.S. Automobile Industry is not just another sector. It is a pillar and a flagship for our Nation. It is as much a part of our identity as it is a major economic engine. WE built the automobile industry. It would be a financial disaster and a major blow to National pride to watch it wither and die.



Many years ago I spent an afternoon at the home of one of the pioneers of our Automobile industry. That man was John DeLorean. It was one of the most incredibly experiences of my life. To the end of his days, he was still trying to put another car company together. I will never forget walking into his study and looking at all the elaborate drawings, clay models and bits of construction material scattered all around the room. I would point to a piece and ask him what it was. He would launch into an elaborate description of the item, why he was working on it and why it was better than products offered on the market. At one point, he sensed my astonishment and bewilderment at all these creations. Before I had a chance to speak my question, he already knew it. I'll never forget those words: "This is all I know. I still have great ideas (I think) but nobody will listen".



Today there are many talented people like that in the halls of GM, Ford and Chrysler. They have made errors in the past and have openly acknowledged them. They understand the urgent need to adapt and provide smaller, more efficient and most importantly alternate fuel vehicles. They understand the critical National interest in integrating their corporate policies with a cohesive National energy and industrial policy. What is good for the Big 3 is good for America and what is good for America is good for the Big 3. We have a widow of opportunity here to take a quantum leap and rebirth these vital pillars of our economy while restoring our National pride in what is uniquely American: The car and the car culture. I foresee a renewed vibrant industry that will not only export these new products and their technologies to the World, but become a locomotive for the green energy transition around the World.



Thank you for considering my words and I respectfully request you support this inbound legislation inside the Senate, across both aisles and with your Representative counterparts.



Most sincerely,

Christopher P. Rabalais

Houston, Texas