photo credit: Lee, Russell, 1903

from the article by Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com senior writer here:

Close of business Friday will be the start of a monthlong closure of 30 U.S. plants. Company cites 'continued lack of consumer credit.'
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Chrysler LLC announced late Wednesday that it is stopping all vehicle production in the United States for at least a month.

All 30 of the carmaker's plants will close after the last shift on Friday, and employees will not be asked to return to work before Jan. 19.

Chrysler blamed the "continued lack of consumer credit for the American car buyer" for the slow-down in sales that forced the move.

This is a crying shame. You know, for the wingers who insist that we're turning Barack into a 'savior', I can only respond that if you don't think it's right to look to a leader (as if you people don't, righty please!), then you shouldn't have created a situation where so many will need so badly to be saved.

My Dad drove second-hand Chryslers and nurtured them along: we couldn't ever afford new. But I have fond memories of those cars. And even if I myself never rode in a car again, they are such a key part of the American lifestyle. It's just that that lifestyle has to become more conscious, more aware, and more sustainable: and fast! For all of the folks who work at, and with our carmakers (including the Tesla) I hope for a much better winter than you can imagine now...