Firing GM's CEO?

Some people are searching for historical comparisons to put President Obama’s decision to fire GM CEO Rick Wagoner this week.
Some say it is similar to the way Harry S. Truman tried to seize control of the nation’s steel mills in 1952.
In that case, however, Truman needed munitions for the Korean War. And, ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled the takeover unconstitutional. (Read about it here.)
Others have pointed to the way Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981. But in this case Reagan was merely upholding the law. The strike was clearly illegal.
The cases are similar to Obama’s move in that they represent radical, eye-catching, get-tough moves by the chief executive. But clearly Obama isn’t dealing with national security here, nor with a breach of law. (For an interesting take on how Michigan politicians are reacting, read here.)
The auto industry is a mess right now. It’s hard to argue with Washington wanting to get tough in exchange for more help. But we can’t have presidents appointing the head of General Motors. If Wagoner had decided to tell the administration to take a hike, he would have prevailed.