Sorry automakers – I'm not buying this.  For YEARS you have been warned that foreign automakers were going to overtake you in sales if you did not come out with a better, more competitive product.  You had decades to create "greener", more full efficient, cheaper and better vehicles that could compete in the global market place, and you didn't do it.  Instead, you continued using a crappy business model, while paying exorbitant fees to your CEO's and other top executives, while allowing your product to suffer.  Meanwhile, you use mob tactics for your finance divisions (how many people reading this can relate?) If you are a week late on a payment, the harassing phone calls start.  Now, because you ran your business into the ground, you want us, the consumer, who has bought your shoddy product, dealt with harassing collections calls in our hard times, to turn around and bail you out with our tax dollars, so you can continue turning out more sub-standard vehicles, and continue harassing us while we suffer.  Here is something else to consider: as I have typed this, I have seen 3 GM commercials. How much cash could you save with a less aggressive advertising strategy – my guess is millions.  Try starting there. There is no reason for us, the average citizen, to save your failing companies because of your bad decisions. What the government needs to do is bailout the workers – give those that are laid off the equivalent of one years salary, and help them get re-educated for new jobs in other markets.  It might not be the perfect plan, but it is a lot better then giving billions to greedy CEOs that drove what should be a healthy, strong industry into the ground.