Harley-Davidson Has A New CEO.

keith_e__wandell-officers-single-imagerefmc4wjpgHarley-Davidson Inc. named Keith Wandell of Johnson Controls Inc. as new President and CEO. Wandell, 59, replaces retiring CEO James Ziemer, also 59, on May 1, Milwaukee-based Harley said in a statement yesterday. Wandell represented the auto supply industry in U.S. Senate testimony last year, as chief operating officer and president of Johnson Controls, North America’s largest auto supplier. Harley’s profit fell 58 percent in the fourth quarter on slowing sales. And is cutting 1,100 jobs and closing three factories to save about $60 million a year.

43 Responses to “Harley-Davidson Has A New CEO.”


  1. 1 FUJI Apr 7th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    The toilet has been flushed . New blood ,New ideas, New seats at the round table.

    All became apparent today with the stock trying to find its true value.

    Just saying it’s my opinion the herd mentality no longer works as a faithful indicator it once was unless new blood is introduced. off shore sales will be vital . yada yada yada.

    New designers . LOL.

  2. 2 Justin Glory Apr 7th, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    Makes sense. Fire the bean counters, and continue to ignore the outdated products.

  3. 3 bobberiz Apr 8th, 2009 at 6:24 am

    I agree with Justin,let’s see some improvements in reliability and updates.

  4. 4 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:30 am

    looks like monte python heading the circus. i agree with justin, outdated products.
    no business will improve until the product improves, keep up with the times.

  5. 5 THUG CUSTOM CYCLES Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:50 am

    HARLEY’S ARN’T EVEN AMERICAN MADE ANYMORE!!!! HALF THE BIKE IS METRIC CRAP!!! WAY TO GO GUYS …YOU FOUND AWAY TO FUCK IT UP!!!! WHEN YOU SAY BUY AMERICAN YOUR NOT TALKING ABOUT HARLEY!!! FUCKIN COUCH ON WHEELS NO STYLE!!! GO AMERICAN CUSTOM OR GO HOME !!!! FUCKING JAP CRAP!!!!!

  6. 6 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:37 am

    AMEN-THUG

  7. 7 Lyle Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    So they are closing their 3 overseas factories and laying off 1100 foreign workers?

  8. 8 Icy Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Atta boy Thug: you are telling it exactly like it is. This is all that needs to be said about Harley Davidson. It’s nothing more than a HALF BREED COUCH ON WHEELS.

  9. 9 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:53 am

    It can be challenging for an American Icon company especially when tradition is involved. It can be hard to break from tradition which then alienates ones customer base yet on the other hand non traditionalists who are prospective new customers want change. I think their V-Twins are a very out dated product but I equally hear both sides of the market place. I have certainly seen many mis steps yet on the other hand one can’t argue with their brand loyalty/following.
    I like to see and believe made in America (quality made in America) and I also like to see progressive engineering and forward thinking. The auto industry rested on its made in America along with some of their arrogance in the 70’s and parts of the 80’s and 90’s but that only got them so far down the road, then it got time to “show me the beef”. This is where we’re a from here on out.
    I wish HD every bit of success.

  10. 10 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am

    it really pisses me off every time i’m at a bike event, seeing all the yuppies with flags on their prized american dream harley, like, look at me-i’m the great american. i bought this american made motorcycle, and i’m better than you!

    then, you have the goldwingers with american flags attached and flag back patches-real patriotic huh?

    i’d rather hang with the guys who make their own parts. hell, i don’t even wash the blood off of mine before i paint ’em.

    don’t get me wrong, i’ll ride with just about anyone. just don’t push your patriotism chips to my side of the table…….and think you can beat my hand.

  11. 11 Firetire Apr 8th, 2009 at 9:20 am

    These are all constructive comments, and “closing their 3 overseas factories and laying off 1100 foreign workers”… that would stimulate some new sales – even for foreign customers to know that they are truly buying an American product.

    Let’s hope for new achievements to come, and that Keith Wandell is reading this blog.

  12. 12 Grayhawk Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Outsourcing is such a sore spot.
    Reality is quite a percentage of Harley parts and yes more parts from a larger segment of the name brand custom builders then you may think parts are imported, they may design, test and spec. out their parts in-house but then make a bottom line business decision to contract out to Taiwan, Korea, China, and India among other outsource suppliers to import the parts you see on a lot of name brand customs as well as Harleys and yes the new Indians.

    So all the Harley bashing, “not American made”, mindsets may be in a sheltered place but not the world as it is today . We all would love to see the dollars stay at home but that is not the world as it is today. Same people bashing Harley in regards to imported parts probably spend a few dollars at Walmart as well, go figure, as a lot of mom and pop hardware and grocery stores have bitten the dust over the years.

    American labor costs as it does cost to live a decent life/lifestyle in 21st century America, EPA restraints, and just the cost of doing business has led a lot of businesses to outsourcing as well as a lot of us are driving that boat home in respect that we as individuals either can not afford to pay for what it actually cost to do it all in America or just are looking for the cheapest deal.

    It is a bit on all of us not forgetting about the Governments due part over the last 30 -40 years that has sent manufacturors in that direction. You can not chrome plate or drum dye leather in America anymore because of Government restraints or costs related to doing same in America, do you see any American made helmets in America these days, no, why because no one wants the liabilty or can afford the costs of product liability insurancet hat goes along with DOT/SNELL and Americans right to sue and support lawyers, etc.
    True in America custom or especially one off custom products cost real money and are not mass produced. Nobody can fix this as a whole but we as individuals can, support your local/American business’s where you can, pay what it costs for them to stay in business or it will all be imported.

    Respectfully
    Grayhawk

  13. 13 JB Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:57 am

    The Japanese do not make crap. It’s the Chinese that make crap.

  14. 14 Lyle Apr 8th, 2009 at 11:06 am

    Can’t blame HD or any other MC manufacturer for outsourcing. There are just some industries in the US that cannot produce the quality parts that HD uses. HD has been outsourcing major parts since the 70’s or even earlier. Remember the 70’s when everyone was bitching about the price of HD’s? Imagine what the price would be back then (and now) if all the components where made in the US? It’s not HD’s fault, it’s everyone’s fault: the cost of living, union labor costs, government and EPA regulations, lack of US quality, etc.

    Any anyone who’w typing this made in the US BS on any computer regardless of the brand, is nothing but a hyppocrite as most of their computer was made overseas. The only thing wrong with a Global Economy is uneven trade and tariffs. The third world countries a few years ago such as Taiwan and China are now beginning to outsource themselves to other countries such as India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. In a few decades, hopefully everyone will catch up to modern living standards and labor laws. Remember when “made in japan” meant something was junk? Look at them now. I just hope the USA returns to it’s manufacturing roots. We have become an nation of people specializing in “services” rather than manufacturing. Hell, most high schools don’t even have decent shop classes anymore.

  15. 15 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    you guys are right. HD bashing isn’t the way to go. the point is America is mentally uneducated to the way things work.

    outsourcing is the only way to make a profit if you are mass producing anything…..
    regulations, taxes, fees, tariffs, dues, etc,…

    i do shop at wal-mart because i have to, but in moderation. i will pay x-tra if mom-and-pop has what i want. i do patronize, cause i hate wal-mart..i don’t like seeing fat chics wearing flip-flops and sweat pants. and i don’t like buying printer ink & paper made in china,

    lyle, you hit it right on the button-high school shop class sucks now.
    i am invited every year to our local high school to deterimine the next year budget. it’s all BS.
    the shop class is taught by a lame teacher with a lame schoolboard.
    all they want are new tools & gadgets to show off with, they can’t even teach the kids which way to tighten a bolt.

    this mentality will result in even more outsourcing………

    we, as americans, need to go back to our roots. show the next generation HOW not HOW MUCH.

    i would like to see americans swinging a hammer, not a golf club.

  16. 16 MdRD Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    My neighbor is a vet, flys an american flag in his yard and on his Goldwing.
    Drives a Toyota due to its reliabilty and can save to put his kids in a good college.
    Has done more for his country than anyone else Ive met or talked to.

    stupid is as stupid comments…

    “choppertom
    Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am
    it really pisses me off every time i’m at a bike event, seeing all the yuppies with flags on their prized american dream harley, like, look at me-i’m the great american. i bought this american made motorcycle, and i’m better than you!

    then, you have the goldwingers with american flags attached and flag back patches-real patriotic huh?”

  17. 17 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    hey, mdrd.
    my post wasn’t meant to offend, simply to maybe open an eye or two as to what is going on with america.
    seems that everywhere we go , we are reminded who is american or who is not…….

    i ride harleys, have ridden hondas, suzukis, yamahas and others. i own a mazda, a dodge and a cadillac, i drink foreign beer and watch a japanese tv.

    I DON’T HAVE A FLAG STICKER ON ANYTHING. i don’t need to show how american i am to anyone.

    my son-in-law is currently in afghanistan, i support him all the way…all troops.

    i do however, show how american i am by speaking english and working hard enough to support my family and others. (others being the welfare who gets my tax dollars because they are too lazy to work at a job that pays less than union benefit)

  18. 18 Mike Greenwald Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Patriotism is one thing and nationalism is another.

  19. 19 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    what about realism?

  20. 20 Jrod Apr 8th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    I find it very sad to see so many people openly bashing Harley Davidson when so many of the posters very livelihoods are derived from the industry and culture that Harley has had a huge part in building, however it has gone about its business. Kind of the equivalent of shitting where you eat, which no intelligent animal does.

    Thug Customs: You state that you install custom 300 kits for Harleys on the first page of your web site! If you resent the brand so much, then why do you disgrace yourself to work on them? You are a parasite of a company you seem to hate. What does that make you?

    What made the United States so special? One of the things was that it was a melting pot for all races, creeds, and cultures. What is so un-American about a bike assembled with parts from Germany, Japan, and England… You your self are an American, yet your ancestors came from some other country. I have Irish, Scotch, English, German, and Norwegian blood in me. What’s wrong with my bike having mixed parts?

  21. 21 choppertom Apr 8th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    nothing wrong with mixing and matching, as long as the outcome is a better product….

    just don’t attach a flag to it.

  22. 22 Gerry Apr 8th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    So how much has 59 year old James Ziemer soaked up from Harley into that retirement fund? Rewards must be paid at all cost, for such a well done job!!!

  23. 23 James(Kiwi) Apr 8th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Well I just read all the posts here and they all have valid points though some are a might extreme.

    I live in a foreign country that sells allot of food product to the USA.Conversley we have 4 HD’s a Jeep Cheerokee and an ol 66 Chev pick up ( Rough but cool) in the shed.
    In the Great (What a dumb term) depression the USA turned inwards and ignored the rest of the World.Great (see told ya) Britain made the countries in the Empire put tax tarriffs against US products, read here Chev,Ford ,Dodge,HD and Indian so we ended up with horrible english pissy little 4 cylinder cars.
    Then the USA still ignored the what was going on and got bombed in 41 and had to join in any way!

    That may sound simplistic, but many in the Free world would rather have an HD or Jeep in the garage than a Yamaha or Mitsubuchi!!
    HARLEY DAVIDSON has done an amazing job exporting all around the world helping your balance of payments.They have their faults as do all vehicles but they are doing a great job for the USA.
    If CHev ,Chrysler and Ford had done as well in the last 20 years the US car industry would have the world by the nuts
    Finaly a mate of mine just bought a 6 speed Rev Tech box for his 88”Shovel ,and it has made in Taiwan stamped on the bottom.How many ugly billet queens use those for a box???
    Never thought as a foreigner I would be defending HD to Americans.!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Wheres the fcukin Whiskey.
    Have a good easter everyone, get out and do some miles and keep the shiny side up
    James

  24. 24 Grayhawk Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks James(Kiwi) for defending the good ole USA, points taken.

    I buy stuff from all over the world and will continue to do so as well as support the locals, that is not nationalism at least I am not posturing it as such.
    My point is Americans for the most point have gotten lazy and it got easier as well as cheaper to farm it out, manufactoring as some have stated above has left America in a big way and each year there are fewer craftsman which is not good for future America. Big Corporate Business’s will always seek the lowest costs sources as they develop around the world, just needs to be a level playing field and we need to have a rounded American society, not just financial, service, and white shirts, etc.. Small business’s, manufactoring and craftsman contribute a bunch to a society.

    Americans need to get back to getting their hands dirty if you will and producing. My opinion or negative international viewpoint only comes about from mass production importing that is subsudized by foreign governments utilizing undervalued currency, kiddy factories and/or bottom pay sweat shops , tariffs, no environmental nor hazop requirements or concerns or any other restrictions countries have imposed that is keeping your goods as well as ours from exporting to said countries.

    Grayhawk

  25. 25 THUG CUSTOM CYCLES Apr 8th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    crrrrrapppp!!!!!

  26. 26 burnout Apr 8th, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    good point Mr Greenwald. If I used only american-made products in my shop I would NEVER get a bike finished……………… Anyone remember Clinton’s NAFTA???????????? peace

  27. 27 Icy Apr 8th, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    Grayhawk, your preident went to Europe and made a speech that Americans are a bunch of arrogant people. You say Americans are lazy. What kind of patriotism do you call this ? Do you fly the Japanese flag at your house ?

  28. 28 Mike Sotto Apr 8th, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    Icy. If you don’t know that America is arrogant you understand nothing about the world. Americans try to impose their lifestyle, policy and ideas to the rest of the world. The Bush administration was the epitome of arrogance. Do what we do, even when we are very wrong! You must not have traveled abroad. Or you would know about the very negative image of the USA all around the world. For Obama to acknowledge abroad the fact that America was arrogant is a very intelligent approach and shows that he understands why things need to be changed. It is very patriotic for Obama to want to improve his country by correcting its defects. Your comment is full of arrogance because it shows that you feel superior. It’s people like you who made America so weak and losing its prestige. You are a dinosaur. Obama is patriotic. You are not. Do something to improve your country. It’s an easy thing to fly the American flag. It’s another thing to make the American flag being peceived as the absolut symbol of justice & democracy.

  29. 29 Rei Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    “Made in China”…sound familiar right now!

  30. 30 Shifter Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    I bet that the vast majority of Cyril’s readers would not ride a motorcycle/customize if it was not because of Harley.

  31. 31 Rei Apr 8th, 2009 at 10:28 pm

    nothing good is cheap, nothing cheap is good !!

  32. 32 Mike Greenwald Apr 9th, 2009 at 1:38 am

    Currently, “Made in America” has become a relatively weak term or slogan. During the past, almost sixty years, I have seen many changes within the USA.

    I have seen individuals, companies, and corporations enslave themselves to consumerism. I have seen treaties, promises and trade agreements broken. I have seen the transformation from a passion for quality to a passion for quantity.

    At one time, America had many different industries. America was, for the most part, autonomous. We all gave a damn about what we made and how we made it. We lost sight of outstanding quality of life and outstanding quality. We confused product liability with product usage and failure rates. We confused prosperity and greed. W confused “that’s bad” with “it’s all good”. We transformed ourselves from a nation of wisdom and character to a nation of smart assed characters. Wisdom became we is dumb. We accepted moving from the best, to just as good, to cheaper, to trendy, and on to crap.

    We were told to embrace globalism by our government. We have been told several times that we are running out of oil by our government. We have been told that we need foreign trade by our government. We have been told that campaign promises are “forward thinking” rather than lies. We have been told that our Bill of Rights and our Constitution are not relevant in today’s world. We have been told that motorcycles are dangerous by our government. We have been told that motorcyclists need to be regulated by our government. Believing our government has impugned our integrity of mind, integrity of spirit and all of the good things that life could bring to us.

    Many businesses and industries have established relationships with foreign companies because American companies, either, will not produce a competitive product or, cannot produce a competitive product because of poor legislation and laws that our government insists are for our own good. Our government screws us each and everyday more often than people look at porn on the internet. Our government is married to us and they are getting half and want more.

    Harley Davidson, historically, has outsourced and hired leaders that strengthen their position within the marketplace. Ziemer has done a good job during his tenure and now, with the economic climate change, have found a distinct need to bring in a leader with different talents, Keith Wandell. I wish both Ziemer and Wandell success in their future endeavors.

    It is up to us, as consumers, manufacturers, builders and riders, to keep our government in line and to demand that we be allowed to be the best that we can be.

  33. 33 Nicker Apr 9th, 2009 at 2:26 am

    Sotto,

    RE:
    “…. you would know about the very negative image of the USA all around the world…”

    Bottom line…. if this is such a bad place, and we Americans are such miserable conniving bastards, then tell me why the hell are people all over the world still trying to get in….???

    “… Obama.. is very patriotic …”

    Allow me to point out that BO is no “patriot.”
    Simply judging by his actions, the people he hangs with, and the policies he espouses, the best one can say is that he is a Marxist disguised in Socialist clothing.

    IMHO, Obama is not more a Patriot than Ron Dellums, Sol Alinsky, Sacco and Vanzetti, or the Rosenbergs. And that’s a judgement call based on published fact, not emotion or “Truth.”

    OK, now on to HD and American, et. al.

    Understand this:
    The “custom industry” arose out of a very small niche market of parts suppliers catering to non-mains stream scooter junkies who were driven by a need to build and ride their own creations. People like Arlen Ness and Bob Monroe built scooters because they were of that “ilk” and because, by doing so they displayed their products.

    Can’t recall seeing an American flag incorporated in scooter-activities before the “Captain America stupidity.” That movie kicked this little niche market into a full blown “trend.” In those days, since half of the bikes being customized were not American… all this flag-talk is simply irrelevant nonsense.

    The point is simply this:
    The mass commercialization of “the industry” as we know it today is basically a fad. Like any fad it will wax and wain in it’s own time. And although the economy plays a part in the amplitude or period of this market-cycle, it has about as much control over the existance of the cycle as SUV drivers have over Global Warming .

    However, the good news is that the core (hard core?) of that original niche market will never go away. To those of us who actually did ride motorcycles as school kids, custom motorcycling is in our blood, it’s in our very DNA. Although the mass populism we’ve seen will deminish over time, a “core” is not going to disappear. Like other such movements, it will continue to generate a cult-following into the future.

    How robust a following will depend on the creativity of the indusry itself to morph into other directions. Don’t expect the OEMs to lead this perade (think niche, think exclusivity).

    Now, regarding HD and what they should or should not do visa vi technology…..
    The simple fact is if technology (or the lack there of) were the culprit of HD’s demise, then the V-rod would have fixed that problem. But it didn’t….. most likely because the evo-V-twins are icons of an era that anchors the core to it’s past, much like America anchors it’s republic to Judeo Christian values and to Greek philosophy.

    A new line of scooters (Buell, MV, Armacci….etc, etc.) will not breath more life into that HD or the custom industry. It’s been tried it and it didn’t/doesn’t work.

    The dirty little industry secret is that “Custom” means “exclusivity”… “uniqueness”….
    I’ll say it again for those who didn’t get it the first time…….
    Mass produced commodities are simply not considered custom, not for very long anyway……
    Mainly because they are not “exclusive”….. it’s a contradiction in terms.

    One can argue all day long about how good or bad Big Dog is…. at the end of the day that’s irrelevant…. the fact remains that when ya stack Products up in a line they all begin to look the same. Bays and Girls, that fad is over.

    Today, if ya want exclusivity, get back to the scooter of the 40s-50s Bikes that:
    -That had to be kick started.
    -That bit your leg off if ya deviated from your starting ritual.
    -That had Spring loaded sport clutches and hand shits.
    -That needed to be kept good mechanical order to be dependable.
    -That would embarrass the shit out of ya if you stalled them in an intersection.
    (And we all know Posers don’t like being embarrassed………. 🙂 ……. )
    -That intimidate the hell out of the uninitiated with mental images of a “suicide clutch”

    Populated by the true enthusiast, the Niche market will never go away.
    But first, the industry needs to reinvent “exclusivity.”

    Don’t shoot the messinger.
    -nicker-

  34. 34 Icy Apr 9th, 2009 at 7:59 am

    Mike Sotto I will buy you a ONE WAY TICKET TO CHINA. You must never return to this country again. To say that Obama is patriotic is the most stupid comment anyone could ever make about this half breed. Take the free ticket.

  35. 35 choppertom Apr 9th, 2009 at 8:28 am

    free ticket to CUBA. i hear castro wants to be buddies BO……

  36. 36 Mike Sotto Apr 9th, 2009 at 8:57 am

    Icy. How many round trips to Wal-Mart/China did you do this year? How many Chinese products do you use? And for your information, Obama was talking about the arrogance of Americans in Europe. And fyi, China is not in Europe! Did you finish high school?

    Choppertom. Believe it or not, since a long time, there is a very long list of American investors (private, corporations) waiting to put their money in Cuba. It’s also the best way to defeat communism. The best next investment is in Cuba. Maybe I will buy some residential property there as a second residence (beautifu beaches) and make more money, pay more taxes and feed some jobless individuals like you who don’t know their geography and understand nothing about politics and economy. .

  37. 37 choppertom Apr 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am

    i do understand politics, economy and geography.
    i don’t understand how to defeat communism when it will be our way of life soon.
    i am sick of feeding the homeless with my taxes, but will gladly donate money to charity and put those to work who are willing.
    handouts are not required nor are they entitlements.

    get a clue-government control=commies.

    do you really think our govnmt will put democracy in the cuban court? no, they will write some bullshit law that will mean “we own you too”.

    c’mon mike, you obviously stand on the left side.

    i started posting on this particular thread to simply say “how many bikers flying the flag really means anything” or,if they really know what it means?

    but now it seams we are getting a little off base…..

  38. 38 Grayhawk Apr 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Icy

    You must be a college professor with mind reading capabilities. Lazy and arrogant is not the same word nor has the same meaning.

    GOING ABROAD AS THE PRESIDENT AND BASHING THE USA IS QUITE A STRETCH FROM MY COMMENT.

    The term Lazy might not have been the best verbage I could have used but the intent was When I said Americans have gotten lazy It means to me that we do not seem to have the drive that made us great, and seem to look for short cuts and the quick fix or easy or cheap ways out and as such was just implying it is in our hands to get our act back together where is that unamerican that is pro-american. I am a Constitutionist.
    Obama is not my man nor is big government , nor a self serving congress and they will never be to whom I look for the fix. My comments were not to impress or appease anyone just to make the point we need to get back to being what made America for Americans sake and our childrens sake. I am over 60 and pretty much retired so the crap that is happening now with big brother/big government will not affect me near as much as a bunch on this list. Politics suck and always will and does not serve the common man, the common man serves the common man.

    But I am smart enough to realize we need other countries for products just like they need ours so interface and international dealings are here to stay just needs to be in our interest as well.
    The Japenese flag comment was just lame.
    Grayhawk

  39. 39 Justin Glory Apr 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I manufacture clothing in America. I’ve never produced goods of shore and never will. That is my choice. Every company has that choice.
    I get no tax breaks, grants or bail outs. In fact, business credit lines are strangled right now, and the banks that have received this stimulus crap will not extend credit to small business.
    I’m in a position that I need to expand my business. The banks and SBA programs have actually told me that my business structure is not sound because my manufacturing costs are higher than most clothing manufacturers. I was asked why I didn’t produce off shore. I was asked this by a banks SBA official who’s sole purpose is to oversee a program of government secured small business loans. What I’m getting at, is that it’s so imbedded in the thinking of big business that they CAN NOT produce in the USA, that your are looked at as an idiot when you do so. I make a nice profit on the goods that I make. I do this at a very small level. If I can do it, so can a giant company. It’s all about greed. Most Americans have been on auto-pilot for 15 years or longer. Maybe now people will realize that buy sending all of our money off shore, the jobs that we’re killing may be our own.
    The point seems to get missed that the auto companies,like HD, will be spending the bulk of this bail out money outside of the United States.I highly doubt that any of this phantom stimulus money will ever reach small business. Have a good look at your American truck, your Dickies, your Levis or your Converse and your Harley-Davidson. These are all companies that wave the flag and rely on a consumers belief that they are iconic American brands. Make no mistake, the wolf is still wearing sheep’s clothing, only now it has a Chinese made American flag attatched to it.
    It’s not about patriotic arrogance, and it’s not about narrow minded out dated thinking. It’s about being a self sufficient country, that supports it’s own businesses and communities. If you think that anyone in Washington is going to help, you are mistaken. As a country, I think that we have to take back control of our future. We’ve all let big business call the shots for years and they robbed our country blind. So, this rant is just a long winded way of begging the US consumers to start buying USA made products the jobs you save will keep us all going.

  40. 40 James(Kiwi) Apr 10th, 2009 at 12:04 am

    As a foreigner I would like to say people do not find the USA or Americans arrogant.
    In fact I deal with Americans at a business and personal level and find them a warm and generous people.I’m not just talking about money, but with their time and knowledge.
    Some of your politicians surprise me with their policies and tactics.The problem with these guys is once you vote for them they tend to go off on their own agenda.That is democracy.!!!
    It is not perfet but better than living in China.Noth Korea,or Iran etc.It is the same pretty much in all democracies.We the people need to kick their arses as often as possible and remind them they are there to look after our freedom not take it away.
    As a country we have had no Trade restrictions since the 80’s, it is open slather.We lost allot of jobs but the country basically concentrated on what it does best, produce food.Great thing about that is everyone needs to eat.The transition was terrible and very tough.Out the otherside and it is much better than it was before.
    The US auto industry astounds me it has not got it’s act together.From the outside it is very hard to understand.
    Everyone hates the greed of corporatism,It wants to make serfs out of the common person and have an elite bunch of shiny arses doing very little at the top.
    Just like the days of kings and peasants.Human nature does not change just the times
    The USA is a great place, it will get better and it is you the people that will get it better.
    Just get on with it.It’s tough every where at the moment.!!
    Happy Easter,
    James

  41. 41 Kirk Perry Apr 11th, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Bring back the black and white-billed (tucked corner) Harley hats. They used to make the caps in black, and then in tan fabric.
    Give us something back we wore from yesteryear that made sense already.

  42. 42 leo Apr 13th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    This new ceo has never owned a harley, they should have got someone who knows and honors the product.

  43. 43 Craigj Apr 21st, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Most engineers prefer to work in metric. Base 10 is much easier to deal with than base 12. If the USA had adopted the metric standard back in the 1980’s, as they should have, this silly argument wouldn’t even appear here.

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Cyril Huze