The auto industry, along with the rest of us, is in deep trouble. At a time some 60 years ago, when we also were in deep trouble during World War II, General Motors turned some of its capacity and work force partly away from automobiles and into the tools we needed to win the war.

The auto industry has a huge pool of highly skilled workers. Our economy should improve if more of them stay employed. Some of the tools needed to start us on the road to energy independence are the ones that will harness the power in the sun, the wind and the tides.

Wouldn’t it be great if the auto industry would turn part of its capacity, work force and know-how away from gas guzzlers and into producing the things we need so desperately?

Is it too much to hope for?

Harlan Gardner

Marshfield