Tribute To Friends

Every year at the Academy Awards a video runs paying tribute to those lost in the field of entertainment. At this time I would like to pay tribute to friends I have lost this year that significantly contributed to the world of the automobile. They include with my sincerest respect: David Davis Jr. Jerry York, Ben Bidwell, Leo Kelmenson and Marge Peterson.

To their families and many friends please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

At this time I would like to also extend my sincerest wishes for a holiday filled with contentment, loving memories and the promise of wonderful things to come.

America The Beautiful

30 years ago when President Reagan asked me to head the restoration of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I never dreamed I would eventually be an honoree. Last week I was honored with with a wonderful tribute by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. The other honorees that day included Martina Navratilova, Senator George Mitchell and Joe Torre. I think I can speak for them when I say we were overwhelmed with the sentiments not just about us but for our parents who saw the promise of America. If you would like to hear what we said please go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/statuellisfdn

Rest In Peace

I was sad to hear Elizabeth Edwards lost her courageous battle with cancer. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but wanted to share what I wrote several years ago in my book prior to the last presidential election as I went down the list of possible candidates..."One of the best things about John Edwards is his wife Elizabeth. She's his closest advisor, and pretty much everyone agrees that she's fantastic." My sincerest condolences to her family and all of those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

George Steinbrenner passed away this morning. I am sad. I had tried to reach him last week on his birthday (July 4th) which I had done every year for decades only to discover he was unreachable. The general concensus on George was that he was one tough cookie, but I knew a very different George Steinbrenner. He was always there when I needed him. He stood with another good friend Tip O'Neil and gave his support during those dark days when we were working to save Chrysler. Whether it was a Derek Jeter bat for my grandson or joining him to watch his beloved Yankees, George is counted amoung those rare individuals who are true friends. He used to call me "Big Man", but in fact he was the "Big Man". I'll miss you George.

HEALTH

The other day I received a complimentary email from "Martha". She had read the interview in AARP's March issue and noted the photograph of me. Martha wanted to know what my health regime was and felt I should share it with other folks. So, here it is as I enter my 85th year. I work out nearly everyday for about an hour, either with a trainer or by taking a brisk walk. Twice a week I get a massage. I eat three healthy meals a day and I'm known to eat the occasional piece of "See's" or dish of ice cream. I still smoke a cigar everyday (not during Lent, however) and have a "finger" of Dewers each evening. I'm technically retired, but still engage in some business, my foundation and other philanthropy of interest. I throw catch with my dog and try to keep up with my 8 grandchildren. I believe I was blessed with "good" genes, so I intend to continue to do whatever I can to make the most of my life.

Obama's Speech

The Wall Street Journal requested no more than 100 words of my opinion on President Obama's inauguration speech. Here is what was published:

President Obama got it right in his inauguration speech.

He did the one thing I believe is the most important: He asked everyone to join the team in service to the country. He is smart enough to know that the presidency is not a one-man show. It's a team effort, and in this case, the team is millions strong.

A true leader has the humility to understand that when he's at the top, he's standing on the shoulders of the people. We all have our work cut out for us.

Detroit

It's been awhile, I hardly know where to start. There are so many important subjects that we need to address. The other day a good friend, Bob Fria sent me an editorial he wrote that I agree with and is right on the money. Please read:

"Take a hard look at bankrupt company retiree pension costs for the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp.)

General Motors alone has 500,000 retirees on the rolls. Pension costs transferred to the PBGC, by law, would absolutely bankrupt the PBGC coffers, which is already stretched to the limits. The PBGC is funded in full by congress, to absorb B-K company pension obligations. With current liabilities, it will be itself out of funds within a few years. In addition to all the new bankruptcies which will occur under this economy nationwide, the PBGC will be beyond its capabilities next year. Adding auto manufacturer liabilities will become a MAJOR congressional obligation with overwhelming tax payer consequences over several hundred billions of dollars, a cost surely to exceed any investment today in the industry. It is incumbent on the Government not to allow any of the big three to enter bankruptcy, for this reason alone.

I speak from experience. I am a retired United Airlines Captain now receiving severly reduced pension payments from the PBGC after UA entered bankruptcy several years ago. The United problem alone nearly caused insolvency for the PBGC."