Letter to the Editor:

Alabama Senator Richard Shelby has expressed his outrage at the proposed bailout for U.S. automakers. Could it be because of his anti-union animus towards labor unions in general, and the United Auto Workers in particular? It is apparent that Senator Shelby is interested only in protecting the interests of the union-free foreign auto manufacturers in his state.

The $14 billion bailout package proposed for the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers pales in comparison to the open-ended $700 billion bailout package given to mortgage lenders. At least there are payback provisions attached to any bailout for the automakers. Given the alternatives, the automaker bailout seems to be the best bang for the buck.

It's also obvious that Senator Shelby's record of working against the interests of union members demonstrates his obvious contempt for collective bargaining, rationalizing that union workers make too much money. Really? I wonder if Senator Shelby also believes that corporate executives are making too much money.

Where was Senator Shelby's expressions of outrage when corporate CEO's were (are) raking in millions upon millions of dollars in annual wages, stock options and bonuses? Where was his outrage at the Lions of Commerce and Industry when they got paid this outrageous compensation while at the same time leading their corporations into an economic abyss?

Where was Senator Shelby when the mortgage-lending shell game was being played out?

- Paul G. Jaehnert, Vadnais Hts., MN

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