Keith Watanabe * NET 2.0

I really think it's great how the Democrats are demanding that the US automakers (actually those in Detroit) will intend to use the bailout money that they're requesting.  Obviously, Wall Street and those financial boneheads have squandered their bail out money on pool parties and executive bonuses kept under wraps, so another free hand out would not be acceptable this time around (especially with a far more confident and stronger Democratic government).  It simply isn't fair that these oversized companies can go in and demand money from the government.  Certainly, there are numerous other companies that face imminent bankruptcy as well, but you don't hear them begging for hand outs.

Sure, millions of jobs will be affected should these companies continue squandering their money on god knows what.  But it's not unlike this situation is well deserved.  We could easily traceback several years ago when the US automotive industry had numerous opportunities to halt production on their oversized, costly and economically inefficient SUVs and completely switch to hybrids.  It was painfully obvious back then as it is now that a new form of engine was needed to help combat the likely scenario of oil shortages.  Any sane person or someone who could read a newspaper would realize that.  However, some brilliant people on top and in accounting probably only saw large figures for each sale rather than the long term impact.  What, did these people believe that magically oil was going to rain down from the heavens and allow their behemoths to become affordable?

The fact that these companies made poor decisions must force them to be held accountable.  Certainly, it's going to be extremely scary for millions of people to lose their jobs.  But lessons like these need to be taught to demonstrate that greed and hubris are sins.

These companies long have needed to fall.  They've done enough damage.  Asian car manufacturers are what's leading the charge now, simply because they put a little thinking into their products, something that the lazy American automakers have refused to do. 

Personally, I think the people who deserve the bail out money are companies like Tesla Motors, Terrafugia or Aptera Motors.  These are the companies of the future.  If the Big Three have a concrete business plan, it ought to be to purchase these companies and let them shape the future of America's automotive industry.  We don't need to sustain old, worn out, and lazy companies.  We need to bolster the new, innovative companies that are going to lead America so that demand for these vehicles come not only from inside the country, but outside as well.