Automaker Execs Land in Private Jets to Beg for Cash

As Congress mulls over action or inaction in a would be $25 billion Big 3 automaker bailout key executives don’t help their cause

Much like AIG and their extravagant $440,000 September corporate retreat, Big 3 auto executives seem equally content in squandering funds. Key auto executives landed today in Washington, D.C. in their private jets with hands open, pleading for monetary relief as their industry inches to the brink of desperation. Apparently unwilling to compromise private comforts, the lavish display caught the attention of politicians as the execs of Ford, GM and Chrysler made their way to the nation’s capital to present their case for taxpayer funded bailout relief.

"There is a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand, saying that they're going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses," Representative Gary Ackerman of New York stated at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee.

Ackerman added, “It's almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious," He continued by asking, "couldn't you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled or something to get here? It would have at least sent a message that you do get it."

Thomas Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste was quoted stating, "They're coming to Washington to beg the taxpayers to help them. It's unseemly to be running around on a $20,000 flight versus a $500 round trip."

The auto companies themselves did not disclose the cost of the flights.

Lori McTavish, spokeswomen for Chrysler, explained, "While always being mindful of company costs, all business travel requires the highest standard of safety for all employees."