Starkman Approved

Ford’s Future May Rest on Its Lawyers

July 16, 2022 — Business, Technology

It’s a wonder how Ford keeps track of all its recalls and lawsuits, which are sprouting like dandelions. Three lawsuits with damning allegations about Ford vehicles were reported last week, and the company was forced to recall more than 100,000 vehicles because of engine fire incidents. Ford has pioneered what literally could become a killer category: Vehicle Flambe.

Little wonder that Steven Croley, Ford’s impressively credentialed chief legal counsel, reports directly to CEO Jim Farley and an influential board member.

Andy Levin’s Vile AIPAC Smear

July 15, 2022 — Antisemitism, People, Politics

“It’s all about the Benjamins baby.”

That was Rep. Ilan Omar’s infamous 2019 tweet accusing the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC of having undue influence on U.S. politics. Michigan Rep. Andy Levin is trying to smear his liberal AIPAC-supported primary opponent with the same argument, albeit a tad more subtly.

Here’s some insight about J Street, the supposedly pro-Israel lobbying group that far and away is Levin’s biggest financial backer and was an early supporter of Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a fierce antisemite who advocates a global Israel boycott to weaken the country.

Joe Biden’s Regulatory Destruction

July 13, 2022 — Medical, People, Politics

Americans appreciate first-hand the damage Joe Biden has done to the economy when they buy food and gas or experience shortages of once readily available staples. Not yet understood is the possibly irreversible damage Biden has done to U.S. regulatory agencies.

Under Biden’s watch, CDC has lost all credibility, the FDA its two top vaccine experts, the FTC is experiencing a staff stampede, a senior Justice department official was secretly receiving nearly $1 million from Stanford University, an FCC nomination is moribund, and the NHTSA is underfunded.

Biden’s only been on the job for 19 months. Imagine the regulatory state of America if Biden remains in office for a full term.

Gretchen Whitmer Played WaPo for Fools

July 11, 2022 — Media, People, Politics

Michigan governor played Washington Post reporter Ruby Cramer for a fool. What’s troubling is the Post recently declared Cramer as one of her generation’s “dynamic talents.”

Here’s another example of why Americans shouldn’t make political determinations and judgements based on what they read in the legacy media.

Elon Musk: His Word Isn’t His Bond

July 9, 2022 — Business, People, Politics

A man’s word was once his bond. In walking away from his previously unconditional commitment to acquire Twitter, Elon Musk has demonstrated that character in business no longer matters.

McKinsey’s Wrist Slap Fueling Opioid Crisis

July 7, 2022 — Business, Medical

Since developing an interest in healthcare more than two years ago, I’ve come to appreciate the industry is rife with very bad people who do very bad things. The New York Times revealed last week that McKinsey & Company deserves a special place in hell for its critical role facilitating the opioid crisis that killed nearly 500,000 Americans.
Fortunately for McKinsey, the best penalty multistate attorneys general could collectively muster was a paltry $573 million settlement.

Gavin Newsom’s Florida Misadventure

July 5, 2022 — Politics

California Governor Gavin Newsom imagines himself as presidential material. The hare-brained ad he ran on Fox News in Florida encouraging Floridians to move to California is reason enough to knock him out of contention.

Stellantis Warns Auto Industry Might Collapse

June 30, 2022 — Business, Politics, Technology

The top executives of Stellantis, whose U.S. brands include Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler, on Wednesday warned the auto industry is in danger of collapse if the prices of electric vehicles don’t significantly decline. Supply chain and materials’ shortages makes that scenario unlikely.

Underscoring the cluelessness of the U.S. leadership driving the accelerated conversion to electric vehicles, Reuters reported this morning that a proposed California tax on lithium mining could lead to additional shortages and stifle the U.S. lithium mining industry before it begins. China already controls the global EV materials supply chain.

The ineptness of America’s energy leadership comes as no surprise to Michigan residents who lived in the state between 2003 and 2011.

Hannah Elliott: GM’s Worst Nightmare

June 28, 2022 — Business, Media, Politics

When I worked in PR, I advised clients there was a 99 percent chance of pulling the wool over reporters’ eyes, but it was ill advised to risk the unlikely one percent. Bloomberg writer Hannah Elliott has taught GM the wisdom of my counsel.

Tesla’s Ominous Storm Clouds

June 25, 2022 — Business, Technology

I’ve learned never to bet against Elon Musk, but it seems reasonable to ask if he can forever sell problem-plagued vehicles typical of GM and Ford without serious brand and financial consequences.

Regardless, it’s a sad commentary on America’s stature in the world when Europeans regard China as the gold standard in electric vehicle manufacturing.

Life as a Perfectionist in an Imperfect World

[It can be awfully frustrating!]