Anybody out there?

Both of my girls are home. Boarding school has done wonders for their relationship. They are working cooperatively on a complex art project, and this makes me very happy. Watching them in their new teen phase, I realize that my job as a mother of young children is over. Well, you all know that -because I started writing this blog as a means of dealing with the change. I am still figuring out my direction, but, for this week, at least, I am merely a chauffeur. However, I did pick up the telephone to speak with Damon Lester, president of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers. We discussed the awful situation faced by Greg Williams, proprietor of the GM dealer in Huntington. I heard Mr. Lester and Mr. Williams last week on Brian Lehrer's show. Apparently, dealers who received termination letters prior to the GM and Chevrolet bankruptcies have no protection under state franchise laws. They have been required to return their inventory and are being held personally liable. In Mr. William's case, he is on the hook for $5 million, but his inventory was returned to GMAC upon receipt of the termination letter, and there is nothing he can do about it. Mr. Damon and I reviewed legislation currently before the House and Senate that would afford legal protection to franchisees, such as Mr. Williams. We came up with small additions that would drastically change the meaning of the legislation to effect better protection for franchisees directly affected by the GM and Chevrolet bankruptcies. So, that was constructive. I probably won't get many opportunities to write for the next 3 weeks, but I am also interested to know whether anyone out there is reading my blog?!!! Please send me your feed back!