I'm not a "legal eagle" so I'm really wondering about something.... Isn't it a conflict of interest to have the UAW owning one car company AND having a stake, via labor, in another car company (Ford)?

To put Ford out of business all they'd have to do is demand more pay from Ford. If Ford pays it they will not be viable. If they don't pay it then the union strikes until Ford goes under. Either way they can get rid of Ford.

Or is it just me?

Good point. Interestingly enough they relocated last year right accross the street from a ford dealership & if they closed this dealership then Ford would be the only ones in this rural town of less that 8,000.

I deliver for a world wide package delivery company. On my route, when I stopped at a Chrysler dealership, I had this exchange:

Me: Wow, the lot seems bare.

Dealer employee: After the collapse with the Chrysler financial wing it caused problems but they've been worked out. Soon we will get more inventory.

Me: Well, at least Obama is letting you keep your job.

Dealer employee: We got a notice that we were suppose to close but the owner (of this dealership) wrote to Chrysler & said we'd do whatever they want, we're in it for the long haul. Just today (June 2'nd) we got a letter back that said we can stay open.

In other words they said "we'll do whatever Obama wants if he'll let us stay open AND THEY AGREED!! What the hell is that all about?!?!?!

BTW - The guy at another point in the conversation gave away that he is an Obama supporter when he said "well, it's better than the last 8 years." I thought, really? Better now that he has to beg the president for his job? What a dumbass!