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Originally Posted by _Sky
Very interesting material.
I do think the "worker pool" or "jobs pool" need to go! They can collect nearly full pay and benefits for not working (even when a job opens up) PLUS government unemployment.
Also, to note, the auto companies already are government-tax payer paid/subsidied...due to the individual States that bid for their plants, and pay multi-million(billion?) dollar "incentives" for them to come there and stay there... That's one reason why they insist they do have to bail them out and not allow Chapter 11...because it's we the people who own them! 
Also, without saying right or wrong... one reason our cars are so expensive than the same company's cars in other parts of the world is because of the environmental saving build ins. Now, read that... we are the only country required to save the environment..the other countries can drive less expensive cars because they don't. Regardless of what is right or not, it should (ooh I did I say "should?") be the same world-wide. IMO.
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A lot of good points made here Sky, environmental regs do add to the cost of production but I would have to make one small correction. Japan's emmission laws are actually stricter than ours. In fact so much so that anyone who ones a car there is all but compelled to by a new car every 5 years or risk having a non compliant vehicle.
Keep in mind that all companies who sell here are required to follow the same regs as domestic companies. Safety is also a factor, every car sold is required to meet requlations for hood height, bumper height, front and side airbags, and next year all cars sold will be required to have electronic stability control ( This is actually a good law because waaayyyy too many people in this country drive poorly)
It is interesting that Hyundai can deliver a Full Size car ( The Sonata) starting at $15,000 with rather good build quality, manufactured here ( Alabama) in America. You can also buy a new car from Nissan, starting at $10,100 (the value packaged Versa). This one however is imported.
I actually think even if we give them the loan, that GM will likely end up in Chap 11 anyway. I believe all indicators show this recession will last till at least 2010, and that means very slow business all around. Toyota and Honda both have sufficient cash reserves to carry them through. Of the big 3 Ford is in the best shape money wise.
Chapter 11, contrary to popular belief is not the end of the world, almost every major air carrier has filed bankruptcy at one time or another and yet you can still get a plane ticket and fly anywhere you want to go.
If GM followed my plan, they would be ready to emerge with a strong line up of very desirable cars to satisfy any and all tastes.