In modern day equivalence, I could never really figure out how GM got away with hiving off Delphi Automotive Systems in 1999. I guess the Little People were not enlightened by the true motives of the Gnomes behind General Motors.

Until the DPH shares stopped trading Oct-10-05, one look at the monthly data stock chart tells you that shareholders were kept in the darkness and treated like mushrooms.

And, today, there are reports that the Company is planning to (i) close 21 of 29 plants, (ii) dismiss 8,500 salaried workers, (iii) cut the hourly wages of some 35,000 workers, and (iv) ask a judge permission to void its legal obligations to workers.

At what point, in grasping for the bottom of the economic barrel, do U.S. legislators come to the realization that America needs to legally restructure defined benefit pension plans, corporate bankruptcy, executive compensation, ‘private capital' regulation, and on and on.

The system is broke. It is based on conflicts of interest and hidden agendas that are permitted because it gets certain people elected and re-elected.

Why do Americans tolerate this shabby treatment? Workers and shareholders alike work their behinds off to get ahead, only to see the American Dream stolen from them, and then given away to the millions who cross the border illegally, for the simple reason those people will work for exploitive wages and conditions.

Will it take the Big Three U.S. automakers and Delphi to move lock, stock and barrel across the Detroit River to southern Ontario before the Little People wise up?

Hoovers.com summary of Delphi Corporation:

"Delphi Corporation (formerly Delphi Automotive Systems) has taken to the road alone after being spun off from General Motors in 1999. One of the world's largest makers of auto parts, Delphi manufactures virtually everything mechanical or electrical that goes into cars. Its primary business divisions include its Dynamics, Propulsion & Thermal division (energy and engine management systems and chassis, steering, and thermal systems products) and its Electrical, Electronics, Safety & Interior division (automotive electronics, audio, aftermarket products, safety, signal distribution, and communication systems). The bulk of Delphi's business comes from former parent GM. Delphi filed Chapter 11 in 2005."

Article on the possible affect of Delphi decisions on General Motors.

The Little People have to realize that this is a war between themselves and the Gnomes. The Gnomes do not have more money in total, but they do have more influence and are better organized.