IMAGINE IF CBS COULD FINE NBC – AT 8:18 A.M. ET:  The United States Government, which runs General Motors, has imposed the maximum possible fine on Toyota.  This raises very serious conflict-of-interest questions. 

We learned in school that the power to tax is the power to destroy.  Same with the power to fine or even harass.  From the Washington Times:

Toyota Motor Corp. faces a maximum penalty of more than $16 million, a record civil penalty against an automaker, for failing to promptly notify the U.S. government about defective gas pedals among its vehicles, federal officials announced Monday.

Toyota has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the U.S., and more than 8 million worldwide, because of reports of acceleration problems in multiple models and braking issues in the popular Prius hybrid model.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Monday that documents obtained from the Japanese automaker showed that Toyota knew of the problem with the sticking gas pedals in late September, but did not issue a recall until late January. The sticking gas pedal recall involved 2.3 million vehicles.

"We now have proof that Toyota failed to live up to its legal obligations," Mr. LaHood said in a statement. "Worse yet, they knowingly hid a dangerous defect for months from U.S. officials and did not take action to protect millions of drivers and their families."

COMMENT:  I don't know.  This bothers me.  Not to defend Toyota, but please note that this administration is running GM, a major Toyota competitor.  Also note that the United Auto Workers, which has vast influence among the Obamans, hates Toyota. 

Creepy feelings, creepy feelings.  Much government power. 

April 6,  2010