As Washington, D.C., sought to oversee the Detroit 3 and the use of federal aid, word of a so-called “Car Czar” wafted from the nation’s capitol. Earlier this week, it was announced that there wouldn’t be a single overlord, but rather a car council lead by Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner. Joining Geithner is Ron Bloom, special assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers, and Lawrence Summers, director of the National Economic Council.

While it a witty bit of alliteration, the title “Car Czar” no longer applies. I suggest instead we call these fellows “autocrats.” Not to be confused with the Autobots from Transformers, “autocrats” suggests both the automotive oversight and the authority they will have to preserve and reshape the American auto industry.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “autocrat” as:
1 : a person (as a monarch) ruling with unlimited authority
2 : one who has undisputed influence or power

Let’s hope this group wields their power smartly and effectively.

—Jeff Bartlett