Although our household is not directly tied to the auto industry, I firmly believe that the loss of the "Big 3" would be absolutely devistating to our area. We live in the small town of Flat Rock, home of the Auto Alliance factory that produces the Ford Mustang. Within a 10 mile radius, we also have the Ford Woodhaven Stamping Plant and a Chrysler Engine Plant. Many of our friends, family members, and neighbors work for, or have retired from, one of these companies.

Michigan has seen a drastic rise in home foreclosures and unemployment figures. Our state already faces a budget shortfall and has been in a recession for quite some time already. The auto workers and their families pay taxes that provide our public works such as schools, trash pick-up, and fire and police forces, as well as support our local businesses from chain retail stores to other independently owned services.

I am not for a bailout of the auto industry, but rather a reshaping of our manufacturing base as a whole here in Michigan. We have some of the best engineers and skilled tradesmen available. Why are we not producing better products, and creating new cutting-edge technologies to cover the changing market? Some examples include production of solar, wind, and geothermal energy products, and more efficient, reliable and affordable vehicles.

What might our future look like if our economic landscape doesn't change?

*I fear rows and rows of vacant homes, rendered worthless by desperate theives seeking scrap metal found in plumbing, wiring and siding.

*I fear unemployment/government assistance and food pantry lines snaking around our cities, many people turned away when funding and donations don't meet the burden.

*I fear rampant personal and property crimes committed by desperate, homeless, hungry people. Cuts in law enforcement budgets will compound the problem.

Perhaps I am overly pessimistic, but it's clear that drastic changes, and  personal sacrifices, need to be made if we expect to remain competitive. As for my part, we've been busily paying down debt, saving cash, learning new skills, and perfecting those we already possess. We're doubling production in the home garden this spring. In lean times, it's important to be as self-sufficient as possible. I guess the best thing we can do right now is brace for the worst and pray for the best...