Let me use my friend, Kendall Kunz, a well-known entrepreneur and executive in the Seattle area, as an example.

Recently, he tweeted:

Kendall is a Lexus owner, expressing a perspective that many would agree with. So, why would Ford not contact Kendall? He is most likely not a credit risk. His Lexus is being serviced for reasons unknown. Why not at least engage and build rapport?

Here’s another tweet:

I get Nordstorm emails, most of which are not even relevant to me because they consistently send me information about women’s apparel. I think both Nordstorm and Macy’s has a chance to step up and not just get Kendall’s business for the day (or a shopping trip), but to build a ongoing rapport with Kendall. Again, it’s an opportunity for getting involved in the conversation for the brand(s). What’s the lifetime value of a customer like Kendall?

Later, Kendall tweets:

Ok, Ford is now out of the conversation and Lexus gets a big kudo from Kendall, who by the way has a lot of friends with high-end cars. You can’t buy these types of advertisements.

Finally, here’s another tweet from Kendall:

Crimson C is a lounge in Pioneer Square trying to get more visibility. It actually has a promotion for drink vouchers if you introduce the lounge to 20 friends. Kendall wasn’t aware of the promotion, but really just wanted people to stop by.

These are authentic conversations on social media. Kendall is peddling brands without even thinking about it. One man, a few examples, imagine the possibilities that are out there  in social media for brands to be so much more engaging.

They came back to Washington DC last Thursday in hybrid cars, rather than private jets, asking again for a government bailout.  They prepared a more detailed plan for how such a bailout loan would be used to help the three struggling US automakers get through their financial difficulties.

While the public sentiment has not showered them with a lot of smypathy, it appears that the US auto makers will get some sort of a bailout loan, most likely money from a fuel efficiency research program.  It’s funny how the government can find billions of dollars in their programs.  The recent report that showed some 500,000 Americans have lost their jobs has definitely softened the resolve of some unsympathic politicans. 

After watching Curly, Larry and Moe during the saga, I still think a change in leadership should be mandatory as part of the bailout package.  These three men are embedded in a system that has taken the once most powerful auto makers into near obsecurity.  Their first trip in private jets is an example of how out of touch they are with reality.  They have a sense of entitlement that is worse than that of UAW.  We need fresh perspectives, real change in the industry.  

Let me state for the record that I’m not very optimistic about the bailout.  Any bailout now would not be a result of a compelling business plan that outlines a likely turnaround for these companies.  Rather, any bailout would be approved only because politicans are fixated on the declining job market.  

While we do need to keep America working, the fundamental issues behind the US auto makers’ plight must be fixed first and foremost.  That means having labor agreements that are competitive with their competitors.  That means having dealer structures that are competitive.  That means having a vision for the future.  That means having “Apple -like” understanding of consumers.  Why would any of us think that this leadership, with its track record, be capable of accomplishing such changes? 

Despite the cumbersome process of a bankruptcy, it would allow for a clean slate to come up with new ways of thinking.  Filing for Chapter 11 does not mean all workers will lose their jobs.  The companies will continue to operate.    

Regardless of my opinion, the government will pass some sort of a bailout plan.  The three stooges then will have a slightly longer lease to fail again.  I hope I’m wrong.

Maybe this is piling on, but how can three “accomplished” CEOs lack such basic common sense?  Hello?  Did they really fly in private jets to Washington DC with a tin cup asking for a handout from the government?  Yes, they did.  Have you ever walked past a pan handler counting a wad of cash?  I have.  It does NOT conjure up a lot of sympathy.

Right now, the three auto stooges have one important job:  Salvage their companies with a bailout loan from the government.  They should be conjuring up as much sympathy as possible from the politicians and their constituents.  I thought these were smart people.  Maybe they really are completely out of touch with the real world.  They looked truly dumbfounded when confronted by Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York about the private jets. The only lame excuse was by the companies’ spokespersons, saying that these men travel in private jets for security reasons.  Really?  Come on.

In one of the most embarrassing American moments ever, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-California, pressed the private-jet issue at Wednesday’s hearing, asking the three CEOs to “raise their hand if they flew here commercial.”

“Let the record show, no hands went up,” Sherman said. “Second, I’m going to ask you to raise your hand if you are planning to sell your jet in place now and fly back commercial. Let the record show, no hands went up.”

It is estimated that each CEO’s flight cost around $20,000. 

Now, the media is having a field day, and the politicans are shaking their heads.  Maybe they really are clueless in Detroit.   Later, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reversed plans to hold a test vote on the measure because it obviously would fail. 

My question is why would we trust Curly, Larry and Mo to change the state of the three US auto makers’ fate with taxpayers’ money?  They seem too ingrained in a bad system that has gotten them into trouble in the first place. Get rid of the three stooges and start changing the ridiculously lavish, inefficient culture within the US auto makers.