Obama's $535,000,000 Waist Of Tax Payers Money

[12thMan]

I'll make two contributions. First and most importantly, my waist size is 32. And that's after a hearty breakfast, a couple of brews, and a Bloody Mary. Secondly, let's see if we can resurrect this flailing thread because it's actually a good topic worthy of discussion. Without trying to take sides (because you know which side I'm on), I'll post a couple of links that provide some insight as to why this investment unraveled and didn't work.

To be clear though, this was a program sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) in which start-up renewable companies could apply for a loan to expand their operation. This wasn't a situation where Obama stormed down to the local bank and pressured the loan officer into forking over 500 cakes. (<<<<slang) Or upped their credit rating to get them approved. As far as I can tell there was no impropriety or scandal on the part of the White House. If anything the White House probably got a little over zealous and didn't vet this firm good enough to warrant such a huge investment of taxpayer money. If Obama and the White House are guilty of anything here, they bet on the wrong horse. Had Solyndra succeeded there's no story, no thread, and Firstdown is asking where's Obama's birth certificate

Here's where I come down on this issue: Should government be in the business of investing in green companies or any start-up technologies to help them succeed and keep jobs here and not abroad? Before you say no, read this excerpt I clipped from one of the links.

But the real take-away is this: Can U.S. companies developing advanced solar technology compete against low-cost Chinese manufacturers who benefit from state support and a government policy to create markets at home and abroad for their products?


What Solyndra's Bankruptcy Means For Silicon Valley Solar Startups - Forbes

Solyndra: Yes, It Was Possible To See This Failure Coming - Forbes

Couple of good Forbes articles here and within one of them, it leads to another Blog where some conservatives are ripping Obama a new one. It's all fair game.