Getting back to our discussion of the auto industry bailout from earlier, why is it that the automakers have such profitable businesses overseas? When I was stationed in Germany in 1990-1992, I rode in a ton of Opels (I remember the Opel Vectra my buddy owned was a pretty sweet sedan). If I remember correctly, at one point in time, Ford had the best selling engine in Europe (I want to say it was the Escort engine).
What happened. Why has this changed? Why can they not make things work here?
If I had to guess on anything, I would say health care costs are one issue, and part of the reason I think single-payer is inevitable in my lifetime- because big business wants it. But really, what has happened?