I haven't read the entire thread, but based on the title and the last few posts, I think I will toss in.

First, what is being sought by the automakers is a loan, not a bailout. It comes with conditions. This is necessary for the obvious reasons of knowing where the money is going and whether we have a chance of having it paid back. It is also necessary based on watching the dismal failure of the current administration to successfully manage the money given to assist the financial industry. Paulson hands money out with no conditions, and in one case the financial institution took the money and invested it in starting a construction company in China. It boggles the mind the arrogance of these bastards.

It is a loan, It should be referred to as such. The perception of "bailout" is "handout". This is not the same thing

Big Mick .............. from Michigan.