"Equalizing contributions"

From the WSJ:

General Motors Corp. is prepared to tell Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA today its price for a three-way alliance: A multibillion-dollar payment from Renault and Nissan to compensate for the greater value the Detroit auto maker believes it would bring to any partnership.

The planned demand for an "equalizing contribution" is the latest sign that talks among the three auto giants are in trouble and could blow up./

You know, that has happened to me so many times? Like when I wanted to date Brad Pitt, but he wouldn't fork over the money to compensate for the fact that I am so much more famous and good-looking than he is. And when Tiger Woods wouldn't pay me for golf lessons. Damn.

Actually, if you want to feel Rick Wagoner's pain, follow this link at Nancy Nall's to read about GM's healthcare costs. But don't think too much about GM's "greater value" thereafter.