Without a fillibuster proof senate majority there is a very good chance that the Republican Party will stall any meaningfull legislation that will help clean up this mess. Do you really think they want to see Obama succeed?

You're proceeding from the perspective that government legislation is the way to fix this problem.

I'd rather see the market sort itself out.

Yes. I'd allow Ford, GM, Citi, AIG, etc.. to stand (or fail) on their own.

On the bail-outs I agree. However, legislation is needed to correct the policies of the Republican controlled Congress and the Republican President that got us in to this mess in the first place. The market sorting itself out? Ain't gonna happen. Capitalism is like fire. Useful when controlled, but devastating when let loose with no constraints.

I agree with Moonie, the automakers need to stand or fall on their own. They've been producing crap vehicles for decades and now their pigeons are coming home to roost. They can either innovate and make their vehicles desirable again, or they can step down and make room for an upstart to come in with new ideas. Though I wish they'd spin off certain brands, like Saturn, before they tank completely. Saturns, while not the greatest vehicles ever made, fill their market segment quite well, and make a decent vehicle for the price range. I think it could stand on its own if not overburdened with having to support the parent company.