Atrophy Quote by Mitt Romney
“If General Motors, Ford and Chrysler get the bailout that their chief executives asked for yesterday, you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye. It won't go overnight, but its demise will be virtually guaranteed. Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course - the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 2012 Presidential Campaign Rally, 2012
The quote warns that a government bailout would cement Detroit's decline rather than force necessary restructuring.
In simple terms: Bailouts prevent needed change, leading to industry collapse.
Avoid bailouts; demand restructuring.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- corporate strategy
- labor negotiations
- technology investment
- consumer trends
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Should the government intervene in failing industries?
- What alternatives exist to a bailout?
Bailouts may provide short‑term relief but can entrench systemic problems.