CNN

probably because they haven't been impacted by the corporate greed, whereas after working for the auto industry for 29 years, i had to retire at the early age of 48, becuse i couldn't relocate and follow my job to another state, or should i say another country, because of nafta

Because they "feel" they haven't benefited from the excesses of Corporate Greed...now they want the CEO's to suffer like they have...revenge is very short sighted since the CEO's won't feel a thing and the industries with paying jobs will be destroyed, hurting only the workers...again.

Its obvious those are the only ones that have interests there..... investments, bonuses its not going to help the every day person say the other 80% us, so this approach of coporate welfare is ok.

Think it is probably mistrust in the government handling our
taxpayers dollars properly. Have not seen that happen with
the previous bailout and that coupled with lack of exposure by
the media on the secret 140 billion dollars the treasury snuck
through during the financial crisis for the financial institutions
results in great concern about putting the American people
first.
Although the auto industry has made mistakes, they are
also victims of the financial institutions greed. We all are
and our government appears to be moving very slowly
in making them accountable and instituting regulations.

Well, if 20% say aid to corporations is a good idea, then that means that the remaining 80% of us whom are home owners are probably in need of some type of bailout too. I really don't see why we, as taxpayers should have our taxes spread around to CEO's for their bailout, when it's those very same CEO's that had no problem with spreading all our jobs around to other countries. Let them suffer, and maybe it will teach them the same lesson it's taught us. "Be careful of the company you keep."..............PUN INTENDED!!!

Jack,
I am gonna go out on a limb here. Corportaions do not learn from their mistakes and always need more money. Case in point AIG. We gave the several billions, they sent their executives on a posh spa weekend. They asked for more help and then sent the executives on another posh retreat in Arizona. Dion't these people ever learn? Try the buffet at the Holiday Inn guys PLEASE>

Because of companies like AIG who don't have a problem coming to the taxpayers to help them while at the same time throwing lavish seminars & meeting & posh resorts. It's the rotten apples that ruin it for the rest.

Jack,

Its like my workmate said. "I don"t pay attention to this stuff because I do not see how it affects my day to day life." A lot of people do not pay attention to what does not directly affect them on a day to day basis. If they see something on the news that they don't think affects them they tune it out deeming it unimportant. What they don't realize is giving Government money to large corporations to bail them out, Especially to buy stocks in them. Is resolving to the same problem we have been trying to avoid for the last 50 years. Socialism and Communism. It's a shame really, That we are so self centered that we think if we don't see what it does directly its not important.

Joshua Thompson
Miami Florida

Because they will inevitably use a large portion of such "aid" to increase their officers salary and give golden parachutes and/or have a "meeting" somewhere in Las Vegas or other large lodge. Just read your own book, Jack. You mention that in several of your chapters.

Because most corporations don't think aid to Americans is very important. People know that profit is what drives corporations, often at the expense of ordinary people. Why should people think corporate handouts are important if the feeling isn't mutual?

It means for a long time people have not been interested in balancing their checkbooks and have ignored the huge debt on their credit cards. Many are only beginning to realize the consequences of their decisions. Since the people cannot understand on a small scale they obviously cannot understand it on a larger scale. Keeping your nose to the grindstone only makes your nose pointed. You have to think.

hi jack
the 20% are pobably the rich and dont have to worry about how the auto makers effect the economy,we need to come together and help everyone we can,look we spend more on helping other countries than we help our own.
clearwater,fl

I don't think these CEO's deserve anything at all, nothing, nada! They received a paycheck like everyone else, and they spent all of their bonuses on what they wanted, had lavish lifestyles, and had more choice of how and what to spend their money on. They made their money on the backs of people who were poor working slobs like myself. They're spending the taxpayers money now feeling their entitled to more and the Govt. keeps giving and giving. That sucks. Let them rot I say. Nobody is bailing us working poor out. Shame on the people who think they deserve more money. I just know in my heart this money they're taking form taxpayers will never never ever be paid back to us. This idea of bailout was so bad and I can't still believe it happened.

I think many people dont realize or see how this money is going to help them. Many feel that we are just giving money to CEOs who are in part responsible for the current economic problem. This confuses many who want relief for themselves. When in fact this money is enabling the companies to stay afloat so that people arent losing benefits and getting layed off left and right

Being retired from General Motors and knowing how they have operated over the years I have first hand knowledge on how they operate and take advantage of areas they either exist in or are relocating to in the future.

These corporate entities suck the localities dry with their threats of either pulling out without getting massive municipal handouts or not building their plants in an area without all kinds of concessions from the locality like tax breaks etc.

These large corporations have perfected the art of getting corporate welfare from their hosts over the years up to and including today where they threaten to close if not given excessive handouts.

It means it's hard to be concerned about corporations that do their accounting in billions while your trying to scrape together ten bucks to put gas in your car so you can make it to your job so you can make stagnant wages during rampant inflation.

i think it is very clear that this aid is no cure-all for what is going on with the corporations. The government is handing over billions of taxpayer money on the hopes things may improve– but are not sure. In the end, all this debt will still fall on the tax payer and there will be no bail out for them. The debt does not disappear.

It is very hard for people who are scrapping by to understand that big business comes first when the money is meted out. It should only be fair that the public should get first service, but that is not the way it works in a Capitalistic world. We help the big business make the money by making their products, by working at wages that they choose to pay, and when they spend all of the money that we have made them by making bad decisions they ask the public to be their savior by asking us to bail them out. How is the working people in this country ever supposed to stay ahead if we are continuallt asked to give, and give, and give. Come to think about it, maybe that is the way that it is planned to happen, keeping us at the hands of their mercy, and slave wages.

This one is simple. 80% of the people don't understand the economy. They don't understand the nuts and bolts of the economy and how these big corporations are interwoven into the well being of the whole economy. If the economy goes Kaboom!, they will be the first to point fingers and give us their "I-can-see-russia-my-house" expertise on how the government should have bailed out these big corporations.

It mean 80 % of Americans are alert and knowledgable and 20 % of Americans have been under a rock for the last 8 years.

It seems like that 20% want back their IRO (Return On Investment) but keep in mind that failure is an excepted risk in business.

I am hard-pressed to feel sympathy toward Corporate America as a whole, and the auto industry specifically. Corporate America has run amuck with greed – expending outrageous salaries for its corporate officers, as well as stock options. The auto industry should not have expanded toward self-financing ... let the banks and credit unions cover the financing aspects – defaults would not damage the industry's profit margins so dramatically. Regardless, until Corporate America reigns in its overall costs – beyond laying off middle-class workers, freezing pay, cutting health and retirement benefits – it should not be the recipient of taxpayer money! Workers are expected to live within their means ... we have no say when costs rise whether it be utilities, groceries, healthcare (let's not forget that insurers don't bear the brunt of rising healthcare costs – they pay a % of the COVERED AMOUNT ... in other words, they set the price and WE, the insured, pay the difference), etc. If we find ourselves having difficulty meeting our financial obligations, we must "tighten our belts" or, worse, find a SECOND job. We don't get annual raises, cost of living increases, profit-sharing bonuses or dividends, etc.

Isn't it one of the tenets of free enterprise that some companies WILL fail? Okay, so they are big, they haven't been competitive for years, they are still making gas hogs instead of fuel efficient vehicles, and they won't deal with the unions in any logical way. Greed? Of course. Let them fail and see who comes up in their place, because someone will.

I am confused as to WHO is Socialist and WHO is REALLY on welfare.

It suggests that folks don't believe a bailout will help prevent layoffs and shut downs. If you are CEO it is easier to lobby for a subsidy than produce a competitive product.

Simply because they don't understand it.

Because maybe only 20 percent of us are employed by, or invested in, large corporations?

How about because 80 percent of us feel manipulated by, or taken advantage of, by large corporations?

For me it's because we've been hearing how many millions and billions of dollars in profit they've been making for many, many years and now they have a few bad months and they are broke? Give me a break! Guess C.E.O.'s were never taught to save for a rainy day. Welcome to my world.

For the past 40 some years of my working life, every large corporation I worked for dictated what I had to do each day, how much money I made, when I would come to work, when I could go home, when I took my vacation, how much I paid for insurance (if it was offered). My only decision in the work place was if I wanted to keep working there or not and often times, that was decided by upper management when times got lean and pink slips were handed out.

Now, after the large corporation almighty decisions makers made a lot of bad choices find the company in financial trouble, they want me….the taxpayer….to bail THEM out? I think not!! Pass the pink slips. Those 20% that consider aid to large corporations “crucial” are obviously upper management

I think they are buying into the same fearbased rhetoric that sent the Confgress scurrying to the $700 billion BAILOUT... We need to get rid of Paulsen or neutralize him immediately....CORPS are still beholding to the Shareholders!!!!

What they believe about the Congress is true...They have not done anything to safeguard or put stops on the funds we the taxpayers are funding!

Perhaps the 80% who do not see public money aid to corporations as being a positive good would be a little more receptive to the idea if the upper management of those corporations who led their failure were removed. They probably see it as a "money pit." Look what AIG has done with some of the public money they have been given (of course AIG leadership denies any wrong-doing). Why should more money be put in the hands of the very CEO's who failed in the first place? The American public is not that stupid, far too patient perhaps, but not stupid!

Its because our country uses a capitalist economy. The governemnt has no business giving out corporate welfare to private companies. The first bailout wa a mistake and was opposed by the people but Congress passed it anyway. Now they want to do the same with the auto industry which refused to adapt to the changing times. They saw what Toyota, Honda and other auto makers were doing, yet they sat back and did nothing.

The UAW for years has ignored the financial instability of the auto makers. The greed of the unions has contributed as much to the failing of the automakers as the lack of leadership in the corporations. They refuse to compromise and refuse to do whats best for everyone. Now their greed has put all of their members in danger. of being unemployed.

Unions are like the mob. You want protection, you pay us every payday....

they are the rich people who think reagan trickledown economics worked. it did not work !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because most of us believe that if capitalism and free markets are to work fairly, poorly run businesses need to be allowed to fail just as much as well run ones will prosper.
As to bailouts, I am sick of hearing that banks need help, auto companies need help, airlines need help, etc. Guess what – I need help too – where's my bailout?

Clark
Hurst, Texas

Because most Americans really don't have a clue what is going on and the ones rich enough to care are going to be the ones to benefit.

Barbara
Richmond VA

Jack,
The answer is simple, corporations have been allowed to reap a great amount of profit for many years, now that times are bad they want the tax-payer to pick up the tab, i say no, let them fall, the strong ones will survive.
Carl

We should take the $$$ being considered for the Automotive bailout and give it to taxpayers in the form of a voucher to be used to purchase new American made automobiles. These vouchers can be gas-mileage dependent, which will spur sales of more efficient cars. it will also help State and Local infrastructure, by increasing tax revenues. Why Not!!!

Marcus

Jack,
Because when the typical business in America FAILS, the Government doesn't come to BAIL THEM OUT! For over 30 years Detroit has remained sheltered from defeat & competition. If they cannot get their act together to make BETTER cars...let them wither.

Just returned from UK drove a Ford Car there that gave me 50 miles to the gallon. No more money to these huge companies who have mismanaged their funds until they build cars here in the US that they are selling overseas. Shame on them

When there has been a couple of decades of balloning executive compensation while average worker pay stagnated and job security and benefits have been evaporating, it is hard to have trust that helping corporations will not just result in more of the same. How can one feel confident that the saving of some US jobs will only be temporary while executives scheme to further exploit cheap foreign labor in short-sighted efforts to reap benefits for themselves and gutting the long-term substance of the companies they supposedly lead?

It means 80% still believe in the principles of our economy. These companies are struggling now because the middle and lower classes have been bled dry. Now the government's trying to save the parasites that did us in.

If we don't believe it's necessary and our "representatives" believe it is, then there is a massive disconnect between the "citizens" and the "representatives". We voted for change. If there is no real change, then the "citizens" need to pursue other methods of change. It is our right to not have taxation without representation. The current reps better figure out who they really represent, "corporations" or "citizens".

Jack – I think it is partly due to the sad reality that most people have become disengaged from one another. It will take embracing the notion that we are all interconnected to view this as an "us" and "them" situation.

Hello Jack:
These companies that are asking us for a bailout are the very same companies that outsourced hundreds of thousand American Workers jobs. So I really do not understand why we should help them. I believe they should ask the countries that they outsourced jobs to, to bail them out.

Why cant big Auto Workers Unions help their employers get out of hole after all they have been paying top wages for the last 30 years to their workers so its time for a little payback? Autos have been going up to cover wages & benefits for a long time now, so time now for a little help from the people that has lived very good for years now on wages paid to them.

Jack,
I don't believe enough rules and regulations have been put on these handouts. Maybe instead of handing these companies a large check, we should be seeing what they are paying for with it. After all it is our money and we should have a right to govern it.
J.K. Boise, Idaho

I think there are two main reasons for this. The first is that most people don't really understand the impact of a company like GM going bust – like an estimated 2.5m people becoming instantly unemployed. The second reason is the last 8 years of government and the fact that most of the public don't trust those that are in power.

Because the other 80% realize that to corporations (especially multi-nationals) and those who work for them in upper management the average person is the cattle that they make the money off of while they help send our jobs overseas, destroy our retirement funds so they can have another yacht, keep wages depressed in the name of "globalization", and contribute exponentially to greedy politicians who try to keep this reality as it is. Average incomes of people who run these corporations have gone up 146% in recent decades while the lower class it has only gone up 9%. Help them? Why? We get screwed either way so I'd rather they suffer with the rest of us.

If Big Business was clueless that its fortunes were intertwined with those of the Middle-class, why shouldn't the Middle-class be clueless about the same?

The assumption is congressmen and senators are not born dumb, they just act that way for expediency. Bailing out the banks on the working man's response of "walking away" from exhorbitant mortgage payments is the surface issue. What needs to be controlled and federally regulated, since the state banking departments won't do it, are the usurious and ludicrous credit card charges assessed by the Delaware and South Dakota corporations in the credit card business.
Has anyone ever really looked at the "charges" and then calculated the fee, interest and late charges that brings their "take" well into the 1000% APR. Paulson, Barney Frank, et al, need to get real and get at the real problem.

Jack: When the other 80% look at what will happen if GM, and Ford go under they will understand that over 2 million people will hit the unemployment lines, unemployment pay will run out, and away of life and part of the American story will be gone. Maybe they would rather loan the American Automakers 25 to 45 Billion dollars, and recieve loan payment over the next 30 years. Think about how not only auto factories closing , but also the suppliers will close. It will take 5 to 15 years to recover if the auto makers go under.

John
Alabama

Jack that 20% must get some thing out of it. I would if I were in that percentage would'nt you.

Newt Gingrich seems to think he's a player/potential president even though he was an active adulterer while impeaching Clinton for the same thing so why not? Edwards has at least shown a concern for the working class. Yes, he can come back. He deserves forgiveness otherwise none of us do.

Jack,

Why should corporations worry about responsibility when they know they can go to the government for a handout? It's the same with the way Washington spends our money. That's why 80% don't support the bailouts.

Individual Americans are expected to be responsible with their money, pay their bills and accept what the corporations want to force feed them with no safety net. Oh, and if your job is moved out of the country, sorry but thanks for your service!!

If these companies don't manage properly and have to go bankrupt, then so be it. As a country we will survive. Corporations have to be held responsible for their actions and bailing them out only reinforces the bad decisions that got them into the mess to begin with.

In a word.....fear.

Fear these companies and their leaders remain undisciplined.
Fear these companies and their leaders remain arrogant.
Fear these companies and their leaders remain narcissistic and greedy.

Let's add another word.....fear and trust. There is no such thing as blind faith in business, we all went down that route and look where it got us.

I don't know. But I wish they would consider giving me aid.

Most likely because they are sick of the abuse. AIG has left a bad taste in everyone's mouth because of the use of taxpayer money for luxury junkets.
Taxpayers figure that they are held accountable for their financial missteps, why not corporations?

Corporations are run by CEO's and Boards who individually prosper whether they run a profitable business or not. There is no accountability. Most people live with the consequences of their financial judgment.

Investment interest. The other 80% could care less.

This is due to the fact that it seems the american people as of recently have finally realized that our financial security and our overall well being has obviously not been protected, or held precedence in this country for a long while now.Oh! i also don't support the bailout in anyway(besides the goverment using my tax dollars to fund it of course!) because when im in financial trouble no one bails me out,what makes wallstreet so special?I'M SPECIAL TOO!

We pay taxes for the government to render goods and services back to "US" the people. It is a gross misuse of those funds to bail out private corporations that were grossly mismanaged in the first place. If Detroit builds junk cars that nobody wants why should OUR money be taken from us to subsidize vehicles we've already said we DON'T want?

They don't work for them.

It means there are 5% of Bush's backers who didn't understand the question.

Dear Jack, Why should the American tax payer bailout any of these greedy corporations? If the average American ran a company in the groud, no one would bail them out, in fact, they would find their butt out in the street. I'm tired of these greedy people getting breaks. Whether it's a politicain or a CEO, they always find a loophole, for someone like me, I get the shaft.

It means you're asking the question to the wrong group of people. Instead of asking middle class Americans, ask the top 1% of Americans who hold the most wealth in the country and I'm sure that 20% will increase dramatically.

Jack,
Can you explain why we should bail out the auto industry? Why can't they have car sales like the department stores and discount their cars to move their inventory, make some extra cash and give the people some discounted prices. I have two cars but would be willing to buy another if I thought I could get a good buy on one.

Because corporations are far less tangible than the family down the street losing their house or the individual being laid off.

Corporations aren't really seen as ordinary people, mostly as those few billionaire CEOs called before Congress to explain how the economy is not their fault despite making huge profits and walking away with golden parachutes.

The campaigns put this picture in people's minds and it can't be undone.

If they can't run their own companies they should go out of business. The U.S. auto industry is a joke.They keep making to this day cars nobody wants. And we're supposed to bail them out because their stupid.Stop making those damn cars - make a product people want. and their taking our tax money and their still not being held accountable for any of this.Get rid of these CEO's and bring in a fresh mind

because we are just angry at them. right now we feel better nowing that we aren't the only ones with financial problems and want to watch them squirm. After we have time to cool off we can think logically about the fact that corporations are the biggest suppliers of jobs in this country and to ensure our economic stability and standing in the world we have to protect them. Thats not to say that they shouldn't pay the government back because they should with interest.

Jack, each case should be considered individually. Are their CEO's making millions and getting fat bonuses? Are the companies shipping all their jobs oversees and being allowed to use offshore banks? Are these companies paying taxes to the United States of America? Answer these questions and most of us will know if the companies need bailing out.

Perhaps Jack, it is because, these corporations pay their executive management hugh amount s of money for status quo results. GM, Ford, and Crysler should have been ready for this. Instead they were in bed with the oil companies and the oil companies pupped on the Auto-Makers. Just think if natural gas vehicles and intergrated electric and natural gas vehicles were 10 years old. Where would we be now? Where would they be? Instead they did not change, they paid their executives millions for the same old, same old. The brought about their own demiss!!!

Jack, we must all be concerned about the well being of our corporations. The well being of the CEO's who run them and the executives who are well paid, get big bonus checks and have a lifestyle we all aspire to live.
What would the rest of us look up to if all these companies failed and these poor executives had to sell their mansions, Bentley's, and their entitlements?
The other 80% who think donating tax dollars to these unfortunate corporations is a bad idea, just haven't thought the whole thing through!

Corporate greed, out-sourcing of jobs, pay cuts, benefit reductions, golden parachutes...the list goes on and on. Jack, many of these large corporations are acting as if they are entitled to this money or else. We sholud not reward such poor performance and planning with taxpayer money and further corrupt capitalism.

It is simple really Jack. Most people see anything that makes more money then they do as evil or bad. They don't think about those corporations providing jobs insurance and benefits for others. Of course now if it is their corporation going under then by all means, 'Bail me out Federal Government'. It all depends on where you are standing Jack. If you have a job you don't care. If you don't then perhaps it is more important to you. A whole lot of people in this country can not see the forest for the trees.

Many of the top corporations in America pay little or no taxes. Also, they reap the lion's share of government benefits and subsidies. It's no surprise ordinary Americans, who pay the bulk of the taxes with and receive very little benefit, are outraged that CEO's with golden parachutes get Uncle Sam to bail them out when they fail. I have to live with consequences of my actions, they should too.

Jack,

I think few realize how precarious this credit crunch is to business. Without a guarantee funding on credit our entire economy will collapse. All business runs on credit, for goods, payroll, shipping, everything. No bailout, no jobs, no nothing.

Enough with the "too big to fail argument" and socialized losses. Maybe we need to limit the size of corporations so that failure is always in the cards encouraging them to be honest, efficient, and well managed. You know, sort of like small businesses have to be.

Why should we bail out the companies when the companies wouldn't bail out us?

Jack,
Remember the rule of 80 – 20, the 20% have 80% of the wealth and the 80% bite and scratch for the remaining 20%.

I am surprised the number is so high. Where do the bailouts stop and how do you get in line for one. If we always do what we always did , we will always get what we always got....Maybe time to sweep the executive offices and bring in new blood with new ideas.... It was shameful to see AIG host a conference for 150 people that cost almost $350,00...

Because we went along with the original bailout and they spent the money on resorts. Maybe we should get some of these middle class families to take over the corporations...many of them are looking for jobs and they would know how to spend money wisely.

Jack,

Because most Americans realize they provide lots of jobs, jobs, jobs for the country...

C.I., New York

Because citizens are smarter than politicians. Why on earth reward bad management? Come to think of it, why do citizens constantly vote in the politicians that are only ripping off their money and rights? Guess you can fool some of the people some of the time...

Most Americans don't support another corporate bail out because we're about fed up with megacorporations getting and hand out at our expense while the we, the taxpayer and consumer gets the short end of the stick. With over 30,000 jobs connected in some form to the auto industry it feels a little like extortion. Give us the money or else... Heres a thought, we agree to another taxpayer bail out but we get a 50% off coupon good towards next American made auto purchase. That would be a win win situation !

Jack, it is hard to look at the leaders of the corporations in this country and have “sympathy”, “empathy”, or any other emotion aside from pure disdain. These corporations are the same ones that benefited for years in a Republican administration that told them that their CEOs could reap the whirlwind of profit and golden parachutes all the while cutting their employees’ benefits, 401k’s, and finally just laying employees off for higher dividends on their stock options.

Now, they are turning to the same people they have been screwing over the past eight years with their hands out and asking for help? Jack, that is one hell of a tough pill to swallow if you ask me. Trickle down economics worked all right, too bad it was only the misery that trickled down and not the money.

If America lets these big corporations fail.Then now will our economy rebound. If GM fails then how will this country generate any money. The point is if big American corporations fail,and are replaced by foreign corporations then how will this country generate any money. If this country wants fix its corruption then companies need to quit giving bonuses when their business is failing. They also need to learn what it takes to run a business. It is greed and stupidity that run a company in the ground. As for GM, there greed and stupidity ran them into the ground, if any thing they should ask the oil corporations to bail them out, not the American people.

I think it means that the 20% are not paying attention. These corporations are not learning from their mistakes. AIG is a great example of this. The middleclass are the ones that need the bailing out. The CEOs of these corporations will survive. What about the rest of us?

The behavior of most Corporations provides little to like. Nevertheless, we need to keep the US auto industyry and should protect other industry like steel (needs rehabilitation), electronic, and appliances (this type industry can be imortant to defense,

1) Because few of the 80% are not stake-holders. Maybe, if the bailout funds purchased equity (shares) in these companies and then all taxpayers mailed stock certificates....this would make all tax payers owners/stakeholders.

2) Supporting the credit system in its current state discriminates against those that use it because of the exorbitant interest rates and fees. Therefore, interest rates and fees need to be reduced by regulation.

Let me see if I get it.."Spreading taxpayers wealth" is bad if it filters down, but Ok if it goes up...? Do I have it correct ?..I am kinda confused about all this. I'm sorry, but this really looks like a final payout to big business by outgoing govenment to me..Years of payments to contractors (no bids for a lot of it)..High gas prices to the energy companies...Default swaps gone bad, and the ultimate patsy, the taxpayer ends up holding the bag for the whole thing. We are threatened with our livelihoods if we don't shut up and pay..It has to stop somewhere..My children can't afford it

Boils down to a deep misunderstanding of economics. Then again, isn't that what got us into this mess in the first place?

In a nutshell Jack, most Americans see the downfall of large industrial companies as self inflicted, and see financial institutions as corrupt & greed driven. We don't feel it's just to make the middle class pay for their indescretions.

AIG is setting a bad example when it comes to government bailouts.

Unless corporations are prepared to drastically change the attitude and bad habits that got them into trouble, government should not provide handouts that don't address the root cause of the problem.

Jack, I'm still waiting for the corporate CEOs to pony up some of their "hard-earned" multi-gazillion dollar paychecks and bonuses, to help bail out the working folk who made them rich in the first place.

Jack, it's because these big corporations that are getting the aid don't seem to act like it's very important to them. For example, AIG – these people made massive mistakes, we gave them money, they continued their lavish lifestyles and needed more money – and we gave them more money. I know these corporations are supposed to be "too big to fail", but I'm really starting to feel like saving them isn't helping us at all. We're constantly hemoraging jobs and nobody's economic situation seems to be getting any better – maybe we should let them all fail and let the strong survive.

For the last 200 years only 20% of large corporations thought aid to the little people was important. Now the situation has been reversed. People perceive the economic woes on greed and self-indulgence. No one wants to spend their tax money supporting other people's excesses.

It means that 80% consider learning from and paying for your own stupid mistakes and decisions important.

When the immediate need is a roof over your head, food on your table, and gas in your car, it is difficult to see how helping out the big corporations helps. And with the recent news stories about multimillion dollar salaries for doing a mediocre job as a chief executive, the waste and the perks, it is hard to understand why we SHOULD bail them out.

Intellectually, I can see their importance in the scheme of our economy, but frankly, emotionally, I'd like just a few thousands of the billions they are throwing around in waste.

Jack,

Those corporate CEO’s must be treated as they have treated the workers in their company. CEO’s should be paid for productivity as are workers, no productivity no bonus, perhaps a pay cut for performance issues. Perhaps they should be required to “tuff “it out for one year at say at 6-8 million, instead of 12-18 million dollars of inflated pay and bonuses. Give up one or two of their homes, not use corporation condo’s and fly by commercial jet, say in coach. Americans want to make sure they have a taste of wondering if you can pay your heat bill, house payment, or buy food for your kids or take your kid to the doctor because they are ill.

Jeff

Our industries must compete with companies that get assistance from their governments. That is why our corporations are getting clobbered. If our government assists our industries, we change the way we have been doing business. There is nothing in the Constitution that says what kind of economy we should have.

Most people have a false idea about what constitutes profits, or how to measure return on investment, and nearly everyone except for the few top economists in the country hasn't a clue as to when it is importatnt to let bad companies go out of business and when the occassional industry-wide recession should be avoided because of the potential to trigger a full depression. The auto industry should possibly be given some guaranteed loans or tax-credits, but with the exact same strict covenants that a bank would demand, such as cost-cutting and wage-freezes, dividend freezes, and certain consolidations, and possibly joint ventures but only if there are restrictions that keep the profits from being transferred to foreigh units.

Corporate greed, outsourcing and golden parachutes. My health insurance is increasing from $40/month to $500/month next year and I am supposed to feel the need to help these people? Get in line!

I understand it will hurt the economy when large corperations fail, but that is the nature of the game. I have been on food stamps before and it`s not very pleasent, makes you feel like a looser. These guys get to party at the finest hotels and live it up at tax payers expense, with no remorse at all, even laughing about it. No corperation should be to big to fail,or our government will have no choice but to serve them instad of us. Who`s in charge here anyway?

Because Treasury Secretary Paulson was the guy who INVENTED mortgage derivatives and NOBODY trusts him to not reward his buddies in the financial world. They are already finding the loopholes to give big bonuses and golden parachutes to executives with OUR money. And AIG executives partying on the taxpayers dime certainly doesn't help. Meanwhile, the little guys and gals are still struggling to survive in hard times.

Jack,

It might have something to do with CEO's getting more than their share of the spoils and not passing it down. Trickle-down economics does not work. Isn't trickle down economics what President "Daddy" Bush once called "voo-doo" economics?

Craig
in Oklahoma

May that 20% are the employees of the companies that keep getting bailed out. If I need a bailout, the only place I have to look is in the mirror as the poor have always known . It's time for these companies to learn what we ordinary mortals have always known.

I guess we have to help these companies out but, it is my opinion a lot of this trouble comes from all these companies leaving this country.

We used to have General Motors and Chrysler near by . They have moved away or sold out and left low paying jobs in their place. People cannot afford the price of a new car on the wages they make and to top it off everything has gone up.

Craig from PA,

Boy, do I agree! Who's really on welfare...the single mom with kids whose husband ditched her with no child support, and who gets food stamps and a pittance - or the companies whose CEO's make more in salaries than some small countries do in Gross National Profits and yet who are getting mulit-billion dollar bailouts?

How about some trickle UP economics?

While I understand some not liking any kind of bailouts perhaps they just don't understand the consequences of not doing so.

Bankruptcy of the Big Three would be very expensive to the American economy as a whole and the government. Economists estimate it would mean loss of 240,000 very high paying jobs at the Big Three a loss of 980,000 high-paying jobs at the suppliers and local dealers, plus the loss of 1.7 million additional jobs throughout the economy–a loss of 3 million jobs It would cause a decline in personal income of $151 billion the first year, and $398 billion over three years.

The federal, state and local governments would lose tax revenue and spend on welfare programs a total of $156 billion over three years. State and local layoffs would ensue.

Jack
Lets take a long hard look at AIG, need I say more. Poor management, lavish trips, big expense accounts. Why should we be concerned ?

The companies are incredibly selfish. Seriously... a posh ski weekend when the company is going under? Its all about greed and the people are sick to death of catering to that greed when they are having trouble putting food on the table.

The majority of our country is fed up with the corporate greed. The spread of wealth between classes is getting larger and if you're not on the top end, it's not a good feeling.

Jack, because they don't realize that corporations have for the most part been the authors of their own poor economic performance. It simply boils down to bad management. These people have escaped the so-called free market forces that punish only those who still have to heed its corrective discipline. To bail out these organizations is a waste of taxpayers' money because it is a signal that incompetence gets rewarded.

It is very hard to feel sorry for corporations that have fallen on hard times, especially when they are usualy more than eager and willing to gouge their customers whenever they can. AIG never lowered their premiums, or cut salaries and bonuses at the top, in order to save their customers money. Detroit automakers never resisted the idea of moving their production to cheaper labor markets, and Big Pharma overcharges Americans in a shameless display of profiteering.

People are tired of this aid for big corporations needy cry. 80% don't feel sorry for them. It's because of all of their greed that we are where we are at now. I hope that Obama is more like Robin Hood because that's what middle class and poor Americans need right now!

It means that 20% of Americans forgot that we have an existing system that covers failed companies. It's called Chapter 11 Bankruptcy where the taxpayers don't have to pay a dime.

Um, I guess they are the 20% who still approve of the job Bush is doing. Enough said.

This is what capitalism is all about. If a company folds, another company can buy it out and rebuild.

This happened with KMart and Sears, for instance. There was no need for a government bailout.

However, if the three auto makers go out of business, then the dealerships go out of businiess, the car parts makers go out of business, and on and on.

And then there's the problem of not having anything for us to drive!

That 80% of Americans don't trust Washington and we shouldn't. These bailouts won't fix the problems because it's all about JOBS, Jack. If we don't have good jobs we can't buy cars, houses, and all of the stuff made in China.

Jack, most people believe that corporations got themselevs into this mess and should get themselves out. The top management get paid up to several hundred times what avarage Americans make. They should earn their pay with superior performance.

It comes down to excessive greed and the lack of trust. We don't trust our government and we don't trust the CEO's and top executives who earn obscene amounts of money. In Houston before Enron crashed the fat cats took care of themselves well before the melt down. The vast majority of the employees lost their life savings. If people can lose their jobs, homes and cars for behaving irresponsibly the least taxpayers should expect from the corporate titans who got us into this mess would be 1. be fired with no severance pay whatsoever. 2. return the bonuses they received while driving the companies into the ground. 3. Jail time.

Because we have been taught that capitalism and our free market system is a survival of the fittest economy. the strong businesses are supposed to prosper and the market will be made better and stronger when the weak, the lame, and the lazy businesses perish. This Darwinian outlook is supposed to foster innovation, imagination, and ambition as business try to grow ever stronger in the marketplace. Government intervention is corrupting the system.

Jack: It is probably because they are part of the 2 percent that controls 60 percent of the wealth in this country...and with controls like that......they actually run the country.

Because most Americans have no idea how bad America's economy is. We have sent all of our industries out of the country along with good paying jobs. The only industrial complex left it the auto industry. When it goes so does at least 10 millions jobs

just give every 1 over age 25 2 million dollars an we all will survie. thats pennys to the billions of bailouts

I am wondering how many CEO's have taken a pay cuts a la Lee Iacocca in the 80's. I would like to see any company that accepts federal money demand pay cuts for executives and no "bonuses". If a small business conducted themselves in the manner of these large, clueless corps., they would be OUT OF BUSINESS. Period. Why reward foolishness?
I live in Michigan; have relatives who are car dealers and they can only sell what the automaker delivers. They are frustrated.
For years, Congressman Dingle stood-up for the automakers but discougared change. The hot-shots take when times are good but do not give back when times are bad.
I hope we take this opportunity to radically shift gears, go small, go high mileage, go green and lets have a new Industrial Revolution.

The car industry dug their own grave when they decided to continue building large SUVs and gas hogs. They had a chance during the Clinton administration to do the right thing and get funding to retool. They mismanaged their companies and are now trying to sell products that the American people do not want due to the gas prices. If a company can not change with the times, then they should be left behind. Jobs will be lost, but this is what has to happen to have management in the car industry replaced with responsible leaders that are ready to run a business with the changing times. If you look back at our short term history... Things we no longer use: typewriter, VHS tapes, 8 tracks, camera film, people no longer buy music CDs, most people now days use cell phones instead of house phones.

Please ssy "NO" to the Bailout of the car industry. They had their chance. It's their fault! They could have cars that get 60 MPG by now!

Jack, you're not stupid, with that said it's all about JOBS. We could spend the $700 billion dollars to build 700 manufacturing plants around the country and hire a lot of people and then our Congress should pass laws like some of the foreign countries that in order to sell a product in this country it must be made in this country.

In the past eight years, we've seen corrupt and incompetent CEO's walk away with multi-million dollar severance packages. We've seen the government make it hard for individuals to file bankruptcy, while making it easier – and even commonplace – for large corporations to do so. It has been government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich and it ends in January of 2009.

Jack,
Eventhough I consider that all these huge "pigs" do not deserve a bail-out, I still have to remain realistic and admit that to ignore them will be to shoot ourselves not in the foot but in the head. In regards to the auto makers, they should be bailed-out to save the workers but the company should be forced to make the commitment to create only electric cars within 5 years. The transformation is possible if the three giants work together against the import. Giving them money without changing direction would be idiotic. By the way on a funny note, GM should merge with GE and create a 'GEM' (General Electric Motor)
Sounds catchy doesn't it ?

Let's just consider the auto industry. For decades, they've built oversized, overpriced vehicles and held hands with the credit companies that finance them, charging interest out the ying-yang. They've done nothing affordable to create eco-friendly cars. Thus, they've helped the oil industry grow to be the monster that it is. All that does not inspire me to love them or to care what happens to them. Bail out? The auto industry - like most corporations - bailed out on the American consumer long ago.

Sometimes we don't see the big picture. We think aid to corporations will only help the guys on the top of the ladder, but fail to realize all the people whose work is dependent on these corporations will be the ones out of a job. Right now people are crying foul to giving the auto industry money. Think of the little people that will effect. Car salesmen, advertisers, bank personel shuffling the paper work, truckers moving parts and finished cars.... We're talking millions of everyday workers. Then think of the ripple effect of these people out of work. They won't have money to spend at the stores you own, the daycares you need, the mom and pop cafe's down the street. I have no problem using tax dollars to save all these guys.

Jack,
Because most people in this country can not see the forest for the trees. Why not consider aid to U.S. corpartions look at all the aid we give to countries and people that do not even like us or want us to continue our life style. It is an evil who's time has come.

Jack - the other 80% od us believe we have gotten "the shaft" by Corporate America for too long. We are tired of seeing big companies getting subsidized for bad business decisions and selfish indiscretions; while honest, hard-working people (you know, the other 80%) don't recieve anything except, pink-slips, billing statements, inadequate health care plans, and benefit reduction notices. After that, we get to read how incompetent and ineffective corporate leaders get millions in bonuses.

Those of us who cannot manage our business and pay our overhead do not have a government bailout available to us. If government helped small business, it would be called socialism. It is just another example of corporate greed.

I think the average American worker is sick and tired of seeing corporations like GM, Ford, AIG and many others being run by so called "executives" that are worried only about their own personal profit and NOT their shareholders and workers. the greed and avaricious of these people borders on the criminal.

with people like these running corporations, I'm suprised that even 20% of American taxpayers would be willing to help them. in fact, I would think that most Americans would want them thrown in jail for fraud.

Because people are aware of the outlandish CEO salaries and perks.
In the auto industry, years of giving in to unions for labor peace which gave excessive salary,benefits and vacations to union members that far exceeded their contribution to the companies. I would be glad to see CEO's and top managment in the bread lines but the trickle down effect that hurts so many others is hard to tolerate. Give the auto industry financial aid after CEO and top management salaries are adjusted down and payscales and benefits are a match to the skills brought to the companies.

Valerie

Because most Americans have no idea how bad America’s economy is. We have sent all of our industries out of the country along with good paying jobs. The only industrial complex left isthe auto industry. When it goes so does at least 10 millions jobs that include direct auto workers as well as Jbbers, Prts Supliers, Transport companies, Tool and Die shops, Restaurants, Grocery stores, and sundry shops. These 80% have no idea what will happen and have never lived through a depression. They had better get a gun to protect their families food supply!

Jack, the reason we don't care to see corporations get aid is that their greed and selfishness has hurt 80% of Americans. These are the same companies that ship our jobs overseas, have been charging us interest rates that were once considered racketeering, and keep us on hold when we have a problem. Meanwhile, they're funneling our bailout money into their personal bonus packages and corporate-sponsored retreats.

Why on Earth would anyone, save George Bush, have sympathy for these goons. If they cannot survive on their millions, they are not fit and will be replaced.

It's all about trust, Jack.... Look at the AIG spa-thing... Look at where some of the financial bail-out money is going... to line execs pockets.. How many billions does it take to 'buy' an honest man??

And you have to ask??

I'm still trying to find these people who make at least
$ 250,000, not in my neighborhood. Ever try living on
$ 790. a month Social Security?

Hi Jack:

As a taxpayer who now has a stake in the Financial, Insurance and (soon) Automotive industries I have no issue with these bailouts with a few conditions -

I want all top management fired; a freeze on all bonuses; a halt on company travel and expenses unless absolutely necessary and an immediate end to corporate junkets.

Sincerely,

Melissa
Shareholder

Shareholders want to preserve their capital and wealth while the poor pay for their mistakes.

I think it's because we feel like we are being taken for granted by these companies. If we don't bail them out, it will have serious repercussions but if we do bail them out then they can continue to live fat and happy while doing nothing for the health of their company. The CEOs live fat and happy even while their company is being driven to the brink of bankruptcy. They expect to be bailed out because they know the repercussions of the US economy if they fail. I am okay with the bailout ONLY if severe restrictions are placed on corporate salaries and actions and ONLY if we the taxpayers get stock ownership! Then I heard someone on CNN say "well these CEOs will go somewhere else if they don't get their $50 million salary" – like they would have someplace better to go. Tell these CEOs that IF they take bailout money then they have to accept MUCH smaller salaries and NO "extras" until the entire bailout is paid back with interest to the taxpayers of the United States! If the CEO wants to go elsewhere, then don't let the door hit you in the back on your way out!

I don't know Jack, but Id be willing to bet that most of that 20% are worried about losing their job if something isn't done!
If GM goes bankrupt alot of hard working blue collar workers will lose out big time,not just the big wig's! 6% unemployment is just a number,unless your part of that 6%!

Because we are slowly becoming a marxist society and corporations are to blame. Please hear me out here. There used to be a sense of mutuality between corporations and the public. Corporations made money, but they gave a lot back to the communities in the form of jobs, public works, excellent pensions, medical benefits, school grants, and overall loyalty. There wasn't a sense of exploitation in the name of capitalism. However, over the past few decades, we have seen all of this change into a growing malaise and people are fed up. Corporations have put profits ahead of people. We have CEO's and executives making ungodly salaries with lavish benefits, at the same time American jobs are being shipped overseas and we are being told that it's because of budgetary reasons, rising costs, etc. Who is exploiting who? Americans are not stupid, Jack. People say that Obama is a marxist, but I think it was the other way around. Bush, McCain, etc. those are the new marxists. Thank God we the people finally have an advocate in the Oval Office to restore some sense of fairness and preserve our capitalist system which made this country great.

Roland
St. George, UT

The corporations are a big part of the problem. The majority of them are full of greed, and a total lack of concern towards the people (consumers) in this country. We need JOBS from smaller businesses who actually care about the people and communities.

They don't understand that the bailouts aren't for the benefit of the CEO's, or even the companies themselves. They are to prevent unemployment and losses to retired workers, among other things. It's a complicated issue.

Jack, when I get in over my head no one comes to bail me out. If the multimillionaire CEO's run their corporations into the ground first: why are they not fired in disgrace, and why should I and my fellow Americans bail the company out? They cook their books and then they need "We the people" to keep them from failure. Pshaw! Then again, I guess paying to keep these corporations American isn't too bad an idea. How much of American idustry have we lost during the reign of the W. (Sorry I meant the Bush administration?)

Dobbs will probably have a heart attack with that question. He has to realise that the American Corporation, as much as he thinks that protectionism is the real deal, cannot cut it in the new world of commerce. And not keeping up with the deisres of the buying public does not give them the right to get tax payers money. Let the Free Market process work the way it is designed. Some corporations will survive and others will not. The feds will have to get accustomed to paying out unemployment benefits until retooling happens and people can buy what they want. AS they say, Lifes' tough and then you die. Unfortunately, linking the general public's problems with 'having' to keep the economy afloat seems to be the falvor of the day.

Lima Peru

Jack, I think that 80 % of the population is uninformed. Jobs in the auto industry make up 10 percent of the total jobs in America. If the big three go down, they will also take down all the supporting small businesses in the industry. That would be a catastrophe for one in ten of American workers.

The auto industry already recieved 25 Billion and now they want 25 Billion more, where does it end? After the Auto Industry who will be next, before we know it the tax payers will own every corporation in this country. It has to end somewhere. On the other hand if Nancy Pelosi says it has to get done then you can bet some how she will get it done with OUR money. Pelosi has way too much power and she sure knows how to abuse it.

I think it means that most Americans (at least the ones being polled) only see the small picture, as it applies to their own immediate lives. These people have no idea what the auto industry means in the large picture and how the problems of corporations and the auto industry would affect the economy of the entire country should they go under.

Can we take a step back. Sarbains Oxley is designed so the heads of companies are aware of their financial situation. They are bound by law to be on top of the books. Suddenly its "were all out of money and the end is nigh".
The heads of these companies need to get fired, with a boot to the head as compensation, and if the companies are going to be bailed out because they are just too big, then a whole new team should be in charge.

Jack, large corporations today focus on one thing, themselves. These corporations are not the ones from years past that took an intrest in the American consumer and basically doing the "right" thing. Large CEO bailouts along with massive American layoffs have left the American public unsympathatic towards their situation. The American people are fed up with the greed displayed by these corporations. The pervasive attitude towards them is simply this, just let some of them feel my pain for a change and if they can't compete then maybe they should fail. Also, the ones left standing will hopefully get the message that if you don't do the right thing by us, you too will fail.

At some point people will need to realize that we can not afford to lose up to 3 million jobs by letting the US auto industry fail. There is nothing to gain and much to lose if we don't financially support the auto industry, I just hope we can put aside ideology and get this done.

It means the 80% who are not in favor are those who make up the major portion of the Bush disapproval ratings, and then some. Loan them money to help keep them afloat or they will go under, taking thousands of middle-class taxpayers jobs with them. Jobs gone, tax revenues gone. It may help avoid a major chain-reaction. As stupid as I think the automakers have been for not keeping up with green technology, we have been just as stupid for buying the big gas guzzlers. It's payback time.

Only 20% agree with the corporate bailout, because they are the ones benefiting. Companies like AIG are abusing the funds, which belong to us. Time for accountability. Bush and Cheney have been lining the pockets of the rich , including their own for 8 years.
Paulson is in knee deep with these corporations, and needs to be fired. As do all the CEO's of the bankrupt companies. The average worker gets fired for screwing up, so should they, and Bush and Cheney should be in prison for crimes against the constitution.

Yesterday is gone for ever. The concept of trickle down and supply side economics was voodoo economics and will remain in a dustbin with other failed economic systems. People will suffer as living turns to survival. We will learn a great deal about human nature and slowly forget it again. It is a dance we do with ourselves. All systems are good in the beginning with safe guards against abuse and then the cry of freedom is heard. The call to deregulate and to trust in the human spirit to regulate ourselves. We humans do not yet understand our true nature, The new technologies we are using is way ahead of our ability to use it wisely. We may be as Einstein said doomed by it. The world needs better leaders who understand their own nature and its limitations. We will not survive in a world whose very nature has not kept up with the technology it has created

Large corporate America has a well earned reputation for excessive greed, and rewarding their CEO's at the expense of their employees and customers. I'm surprised even 20% of the people are in favor of giving them taxpayer dollars. I think any corporation wanting federal bailout money should have to first provide a detailed, realistic, barebones survival plan before they get a dime.

Jack,
People see corporations and the C-suite executives who run them as one in the same. Promise to cap executive compensation, end boondoggles disguised as offsite meetings, make them buy their own country club membership, and (the real pain) fly commercial airlines and you might see a different response. They can put the $15 charge for the first bag on their expense report.

Queens New York
I think the last twenty years of so called "trickle down economics" makes the average American feel we have been hoodwinked once again by politicians, lobbyists and corporate America. We keep pouring salt on an open wound, most Americans are bleeding profusely and don't see giving money to the out of control executives as the answer. Yes more jobs will be lost if something is not done but eventually the piggybank will come up empty! Then What? Why not take the bonues and pay back some of the loans these companies borrowed from the treasury!

People are angry about the inefficient management of the auto companies. Automakers do not make the fuel effiecient cars that are needed, catering to those who want the expensive fuel guzzlers. Unions and retirement packages are weighing down automobile companies, and something needs to be done about that. At the same time, the effects of letting the auto industry collapse are huge with all the auxillary industries that will suffer along the way. It is frustrating and maddening for taxpayers to be put in this bind . I hope those who govern are listening to our anger.

I think the American people realize the companies that need a bailout are companies that were mismanaged or could not adapt to the world market. History taught us about Dinosaurs but obviously unions and CEO’s and others missed that while sleeping at the wheel. No Bailout No Way No How. There is no sense in watering a dead tree.

Don
Texas USA

Because they (the 20%) are on crack Jack. Make the corporations
do what the rest of us Americans do. File bankruptcy, revamp, reorganize, and realign. Is that not the American way?

It means that people don't realize how important manufacturing industries are to our nations defence and survival. Wait till we are required to beg Germany for steel and France for fighter planes....

No one likes bailout of private business but failure of a economy means failure of a country and maybe the world. If you read the answers to your question you will see that education in this country has been a failure other wise they would understand that to allow these major businesses to fail would lead to economic failure among all businesses which would mean who would have any money to spend. money spent is what makes the economy go round and round. no money means no economy. Simple????

You could ask why only 16% of Americans give Bush an ok approval and basically come up with the same answer.

What's happening to our economy is beyond serious but it's not at all complicated. What's frightening is that no one with the power to fix it has any clue what to do.

Our economy is based on credit. In the last 8 years or the screw the consumer era, sub-prime loans, foreclosures and credit card company scams have manage to destroy enough consumer creditworthiness that our economy can no longer sustain.

It ain't rocket science Jack. And until someone gets hip and finds a way to bring 50-100 million people who got their credit destroyed by
by corporate greed back into our economy. Our economy will continue to decline.

There's your answer Jack.

The vast amounts of natural gas in North America should be considered when handing over billions of dollars to the auto makers. If the people of America are to bail them out, them certain conditions need to be enforced, such as tooling all new vehicles to be fuelled with Natural Gas instead of gasoline and diesel. If all fleet and transport trucks were converted you would save millions of barrells of oil and gas in just a few weeks

Only 20% consider large corporation bailouts important, because 80% of people are thinking...Why should we reward them for overpaying their employees, and for imcompetant management which got them in this mess in the first place, while the fat cat management still get their bonuses? However the people that don't agree with the importance of bailouts, forget that these same large corporations employ thousands of people who soon could be collecting employment insurance if the company goes belly up, then consumer confidence goes down further, & the downward spiral of the economy continues

The credit crunch could potentially effect everyone who gets a paycheck. The auto market only affects those who work in it or buy GM. The U.S. auto industry is like the Republican Party, totally lost and way off course and they need to find their way back to be competitive again. I am guessing that way is not building more 25,000 pound SUVs.

Hi Jack:

they all have money hidden. They try and play on the sympathy of the public. This is a huge injustice. LET THEM ALL GO BANKRUPT.

Ron San Diego

The little people are making $8 an hour with no raises for years while inflation increases and the big guys are living high on the hog spending money on ski trips. Instead of giving raises to people over the years, they've simply been keeping the profits for themselves so they can spend even more money on luxury ski trips.

Next time they need to start taking care of their workers. They need to start giving people real wages that real people can live on and not send their workers overseas.

They're complaining about messes of their own making. Maybe if they took care of the people in their own country, the people would be more likely to back them on a bailout.

The problem is that they haven't shown they can learn and the current administration has been allowing them to get away with murder. The corporate greedy CEO's are overcome with corruption and no one has been stopping them.

The corporations can suffer. Some of them will go under. And good riddance. Maybe if their CEO's stopped taking the million dollar monthly salaries and gave it back to the people, they wouldn't go under.

Wallstreet – AIG has ruined the bailout routine for everybody else.
AIG are crooks and the CEO needs to be FIRED! How can the American people believe that trying to bailout the auto industry isn't more of the same? No doubt about it, the auto industry does need help, but what kind of help? it all comes down to CORPORATE GREED!!

Easy- because the news media and people like yourself have created the fiction of the evil corporation. TV, Hollywood and the media are constantly showing us evil corporate villains. Sure there are corporations which have not done the right thing and since they are all run by humans that should not be nay surprize but there are also plenty of companies which have been square with their employees and their customers and which try to do the right thing.

I have worked for P&G and I am not ashamed to say that it was basically a moral corporation which tried to make a profit by providing high quality products to the consumer and which shared the benefits with it's employees at all levels. Another point which gets lost is that corporations and businesses are the vehicles to create wealth- government cannot do that it can only print money which becomes worthless. Our educational system does not recognize this and too many teachers have never held a job where the government was not paying the bills and in one workshop which I attended the participant actually thought that the government was the ource of wealth!

Please don't laugh at me...I am really dense about money and how our economy works. Along with everyone else I'd love my own bailout. To me, within my money challenged mentality, for there to really be a quick shift in our economy the bailout would need to be a whole package deal to include the US taxpayers, and I don't mean a one thousand dollar tax rebate, please stop insulting us!

Even with each taxpaying family / individual receiving a "bailout" amount of ,say, oh, just one million dollars, costing our govenment much less than the corporate bailout amount, most of us would go out and buy cars, which increases demand, supporting the auto industry, also, household items and clothing, again increasing demand and supporting industry. Additionally, we'd pay off our mortgages (or buy new homes with cash), credit cards, loans, and have some money left for eating out and supporting our local economy plus, dare I say it....investing / savings.

Isn't this the way to stimulate the economy? (What is it I am not understanding about this?) I've ask Ms. Pellosi why that can't be done. I imagine she 'fell down the stairs laughing her &$#@ (head) off.' (OK...I asked her for five million per household, but I think we'd all settle for one million!)

They've been screwing us over for decades, Jack. Now it's our turn.

It means that 80% of the public doesn't trust the corporations' intent on bailouts. It means that the standard if living will probably drop for those 80% of Americans as well as these know that something cannot be bought for nothing. Someone will have to pay and that is the 80% disparity and mistrust in this matter. Who is too big to fail while the rest of us have to fall on our swords to bail these out? How is it that Bush could have allowed something as egregious as this to happen? Bush doesn't seem to be speeding through the auto bailout and he seems to have always been only an Oilman and letting other aspects of the economy like GM,that stalwart of the economy that it was said: As GM goes, so goes the rest of the country, fail. A school kid would have seen this coming and a CEO president simply let the US economy falter! Thus, the 80% of the nearly 76% who think Bush has done badly. Any connection do ya think?

Based on the number of Americans who buy foreign made cars coupled with the distrust of the Major Auto companies whom have had chances to build better cars but opted to build big SUV's that are fast becoming dinosaurs, its not surprizing that 80 % of Americans don't trust them to use our money wisely if we bail them out. We all are concerned they will just get bigger golden parachutes, continue to build cars that get maybe only slightly better gas milage and spend alot on marketing and PR to convince us its OK to have a big car we can't afford to drive. The poor auto workers aside, I don't think the american people think the big auto makers deserve a bailout- at least not at the top. Mark in PA

Jack,
As important as the auto industry is, we do need it, but it is time that even they must balance their budgets. The government is doing entirely too much bailing out of major companies. Probably the best reason why 20% consider to aid it because those are the ones that have so much invested in them. Yes, it would be a shame if the auto industry did bellied up, but what about the millions of Americans now, hard working Americans that are soon to see their dreams dashed?

Daniel Ambrose,
Atlanta, GA

Jack..that's an easy one.
The major corporations are in many ways responsible for the financial mess they are in. While spouting conservatism and prudence in the front door–they were reckless and cavalier at the back doore using investor resources like they were a bottomless pit to draw from.

Now the Chicken has come home to roost!

No way to hide now, and the taxpayer should have limited liability when corporate greed and imprudent investing created the economic losses some corporations are now beginning to fee.

Raise the bar if necessary–even help them out financially–but establish the expectation that reckless management of their boards–and a lack of focus on long term employment for consitutuents-should be out front in our federal government effots.

NO bailouts–let them cut costs in under exposed areas like R&D and executive compansation.

Jack: It means that 20% of the American population (probably mostly corporate execs and board members) are "Fair Weather" capitalists who rant against "socialism" and "regulation" every time the government tries to influence their actions for the common good (gas mileage requirements, pollution controls, etc) but are first in line with their hands out for money when "market forces" don't go their way. Like Lenin with his free market New Economic Policy in 1921, our true blue American defenders of capitalism are not above a little socialism when it suits their pocket books. Mixed Economy, anyone?

Jack,

I think it means that 20% of those polled feel as I do, that is ... my tax dollars should not go to bail out one corporation .... I don't mind if my taxes are used to bailout an industry – like the auto industry, banking industry. I am mad as a hornet that my tax money is used to bailout AIG and/or American Express.

I think the American people concerns are narrowed down to the necessities of life now, Shelter food clothes education and if there is any desire left for luxuries they make a choice to pay their bills or buy that new TV. In the mean time our hard earned money is taken out of our hands and spent on lifestyles fit for a king or a Trump. Why dont Paulson give some of his $700,000,000 back to the companies he hijacked it from.

There is a serious credibility gap here. We get our dire predictions from corporate executives and politicians. Who would believe people like that?

Ask former steel workers.. they will tell you. Employees working for auto makers should have been smart enough a long time ago to start retraining. Those who did not are going to learn a lesson.

Don
Texas USA

It means that Americans are tired of of big companies taking advantage of our money fund huge expensive trips to hotels, that most of us have haven't even heard of and passing these trips as "BUSINESS MEETINGS."

Because I thought the money was supposed to go to those insitutions that would help people that are burdened with those inflated mortgages. If we don't help the middle class re-constitute itself, then no one buys a car & GM, Ford, & Chrysler can go under & there isn't a damn thing anyone will be able to do to stop it. Not even this bail-out.
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.

Because bailout of private enterprise is fundamentally wrong in a free market system. This should be self evident to 100% of the population, not just the informed 80%.

I believe the word Greed comes to mind. Corporations with the help of a Republican president for 8 long years and a Republican Congress for 12 even longer years has trampled all over the working class. Only now when they have totally looted the economy , they want corporate welfare. I know they need help and I suppose I support it, but still, it makes me sick. Just sick.

The ongoing fiasco with Wall Street says it all.

The way to bail out the Economy is just give every taxpayer who is making less than $250,000 a year 1 million dollars, and that will solve this whole economy mess we're in. The housing problem will be solved, people will spend and invest that that money, and the good part, the Government comes out ahead, they dont have to give out 750 billion dollars on these Corporations.

Hopefully we are asking the question of why they are in trouble and what they will do differently to avoid the same problems, so if they are bailed out, they will be successful – and can pay back the loan like all of us have to do with a business loan!. Also, bailing out any company that would ultimately result in trimming production and laying off workers to "be competitive" just doesn't make sense, does it?

Bailout equals charity for mismanagement and bad judgment. A pig with lipstick ?

Don
Texas USA

After hearing what H. Paulson had to say this morning, about what they had decided to do with the $700 billion, he should be arrested for fraud. But, should we expect anything different from a former CEO of Goldman Sachs. He wants to make sure his cronies are taken care of, and everyone else can whistle dixie!

Jack I do not consider it very important because 30 years ago when people were talking to them about making changes and producing fuel efficient vehicles the Auto Industry resisted and when the government began to impose MPG increases through Congress the industry resisted through it's lobbyist. The were being told of the companies overseas making more efficient vehicles and the companies and unions resisted and continued to prevail.

WELL IT IS TIME TO PAY THE PIPER and I mean no reference to the child of Gov. Palin. Let the industries go under and start new ones.

For one they see the AIG Ceos continue to go on and spend on the bail out. That burns my backside. If they bail out the big 3 the govt should take over and force them to make smaller cars that get better gas mileage. If all three go bankrupt so will the country.

Because the financial gangsters running these corporations have repeatedly treated the public like dumb pigs. They act like we don't have a choice, they refuse to produce the kind of cars we want, and repeatly try to manipulate any legislation that would force them to improve thier products.

Jack, most people believe that corporation were responsible for our economic woes. In addition, most people believe that aid to the population, be it for foreclosures, etc. is more important than to corporations which can survive and have enough money .

Jack,

It means Americans have forgotten what makes our country what it is. If we want to let our largest corporations fall on their face, it will make way for foreign corporations to fill the void, not upstart American corporations. If we let these corporations tank, we can say goodbye to the might of the American economy and the American dollar. Hello Yen...

Brian
Moscow, Idaho

Because the other 80% know that the "bailout" money will go into the pockets of the senior executives who mis-managed the corporation into the mess in the first place. The production worker will still be out of a job, NOT the "good old boys" at the top who should be.....

It's because our trust has been broken. The government has put corporations before the people on a consistent basis for many years. Then there's the trillion plus dollar blank check they gave wall street and the banking industry without any requirement to help those losing their homes (or anyone else for that matter) or to change their business practices when we were promised regulation and accountability. Why should we think the auto industry bail-out would be any different?

It means that 20% of the polled are buying the MSM and Congress garbage about having to save stupid car companies from going under. The rest are not so gulible. We know that any bailout will not do anything but enrich the already filthy rich. After the so-called bailout, these companies will still go down and their workers will still be laid-off. But the CEO's will retire with their tax-payer funded loot.

It means that 80% of the public feels that they got themselves in to this mess by their poor planning and we're tired of having to bailout all the bigwigs. Why not bailout the little guy who pays his bills and still can't afford healthcare, groceries or heat.

Because of the golden parachutes and the money that the execs make like former oil exec Lee Raymond who walked away with over $400 million while the people who mop and sweep the floors at these places are barely making minimum wage with no benefits. It is a no-brainer.

They made crappy cars for 30 years, after muscle cars went out of style. The US auto industry has been a failure...yet their egos have been bigger than their innovation to keep their leadership in the field...My 95b Toyota still gets 35 mpg and is great in every way.
Next year a little Vespa like scooter that gets 140mpg will be introduced here. Is it made here??? NO WAY!!!
Don't give them any of my money. They have been asleep at the wheel.

Hi Jack,

It means that most Americans are struggling to survive and see corporations such as AIG entertaining their executives at posh resorts. Maybe if they would hold their training sessions at Motel 6 (who keep their lights on for us), more Americans would be sympathetic to their begging for more and more bail outs .

Lots of people think that its the corporations that make their life more difficult, and the golden parachutes stories don't help. Look at the people that would shoplift from a major store, but wouldn't dream of stealing from a neighbor. Because they seem to think that they are getting even with the corporations. Lots of people don't realize that these are the corporations that keep us going, jobs, etc. However, I hope they regulate it so AIG doesn't get another seminar in a fancy place, CEOs don't get big paychecks, and the money truly goes into helping maintain these companies.

As far as the automakers go, they had 30+ years to catch up to the Japanese as far as quality, efficiency and an attractive product. They just don't want to. I purchased my first Japanese car in 1992. I bought a couple of American cars since then, regretting it both times.

I do get terribly confused at times, one minute is is all about free markets, the next it is all about a socialist bail out. The bottom line is that in reality this is national socialism, frankly that scares me more than marxism; more so because many people in this country cannot identify the difference.

Martyn, Fort Lauderdale.

Hi Jack, It shows that it is time for the heads of businesses and government to stop thinking only of themselves . The US needs
to see business and governmental leaders set an example of truly caring what happ[ens to the rest of our society. Stop , the ME FIRST, way of living. Also run their businesses and government on a sound financial basis. Stop taking gambles with their income and
exspenses. Keep a tight reign on credit spending.

jack;
It means that "sleeping america" is finally waking up! According to your figures, 80% of the citizens, realize that Paulson and Bernake, have "played us" for our hard-earned tax dollars.
Is anybody surprised, after 8 years under Bush?
RI

It has always been the consumer who decided which company or product succeeded or failed by the choices/purchases they made. Put all that money in the hands of consumers who buy and let the market compete for those dollars. Handing out money for failing is nothing but welfare.

It means that we have had it up to here with the unbelievable greed and corruption that we see with our corproations and Wall Street. We the peolpe are already done in, and a lot of us believe that the future is hopeless. The scoundrels at the top should be made to join us down here, where they will not survive. They caused all of this with their voodoo math, and crystal balls. Two plus two equals four where we come from, not an imaginary four million where thay come from.

Jack -

I don't know why that Henry Paulson isn't Fired, or hasn't been Fired by now.

Honestly, If you listen to thsi guy, and listen well, anyone with half a brain can tell that you can read right through him, like a screen door.

He's just trying to save his own self, and with all the money he makes,
he's got everybody that listens to him buffaloed.

He's nothing but an idiot, and he keeps making excuses.
He should not be trusted, especially since he's on Bush's Team.

Larry C.
Houston Texas

Could it be perhaps, Jack, because 80 percent of us drive Toyotas and shop at Walmart for cheap Chinese products, we couldn't care less about companies that make over-priced, crappy products and can't hack it in the marketplace? It's just a theory I’m kicking around.

The corporate elite have shown no loyalty to their employees,only to their own pocketbooks. When they were flush,they became greedy and pushed everyone else around. Now they are hurting and on the verge of collapse because of their own greed and avarice and they want the government to bail them out. So we get them out of their own mess and they recover,are they going to change or will they return to business as usual? I believe it will be the latter.

It's because the american people have become financially simplistic after being fed baby food economics for years, all the while the economics have become overwhelmingly complex and interdependent.. However, we must wait for the Obama administration to perrform the bailout. Bush and Paulson absolutely do not believe in economic financial aid to the common man. Soon ALL ot the 700 B will be just given to the bank/investment fat cats on the insanity theory of trickle down. Listen to Paulson and you will know where it all went; down the toilet.
Pelosi and Reid: Demand the money back and a full accounting NOW!
Jon in Calif.

Here is my proposal on how to help out US Auto industry.

1. Put aside a sum of money for consumer auto loan for US cars. This will directly help the Big-3 to sale more cars. This money will be paid back by consumers so it is not throwing away money.

2. U.S. federal government will sign long term contracts with Big-3 to build electric cars as federal vechicles. For example, all the new Post Office delivery vechicles will be powered by electricity.

3. Let the Big-3 to come up proposals to build electric/natural-gas powered buses and provide grants/low-interest loan to cities and school districts to replace their current fleets of gasolines powered buses with electric/natural-gas powered buses.

The goal is to help Big-3 to have more business to help them to surive and at the same time to help U.S. to be more energy independent.

jack,

maybe we can give you back a question: what would happen if they filed for chapter 11. give them time to re-organize and maybe give us products we need and want. jack can they borrow from the oil companies instead of us tax payers, did i not hear of record earnings last quarter?

Yes they should bail out the big cooperations.They should also help the little businesses. My Painting business is getting a little slow and I help Lowe's stay in business along with Home Depot, Walmart, K-mart, paint stores, gas stations, convenience stores, McDonald's, Burger King and many other eating establishes. I could think of some more business's I help support, but I have to go roll up a roll of pennies to help support G0-Gas.

Kenneth Chadbourn N,C,

Jack:

Simply put, for last eight years, the corporations are the only ones in this country that have gotten any aid. The "Decider's" decision was that the financial burden of this nation would be borne by the middle class. Well, that burden has beaten down the middle class, now it should be up the the greedy corporations that have bankrupted the nation.

It is not obvious why corporate aid is the right answer and people are sick of politicians making this claim without providing any evidence as to why this may be so. There needs to be a concrete, detailed plan of action, with all potential flaws highlighted, that can be scrutinized by the people before such action can even be seriously considered. The auto industry is not our scrupulous best friend in a rare fix.
Cambridge, MA

Jack, people are aching and the pain isn't going away, and yet they keep goinf to the aid of companys who may or may survive. It's just too much to bare.

Hopefully it means that people have finally woken up and want to stop spending future generation's money.

So let me see if I have this straight with my 1 semester of econ in high school eons ago. When we take from the rich and give to the middle class it is spreading the wealth and socialism ("marxism, communism, redistributing wealth"), but when we take from the middle class and give to the rich it is called capitalism?

Sheila from Memphis

Just in case you didn't notice. The auto maker bailout will only benefit the unions and their bloated penion and health funds. These are the same people that funded the ACORN push to elect the democrats. Letting auto companies fail and reorganize although painful would result in a new business model that woudl benefit American and real Americans. Bailing these guys out rewards the "same old." If we are going to give them money, make sure that the unions reap the benefits of Obama's health care program that he will inflict on the rest of us.

helping corporations wont help if the average joe still cannot afford to by their product

Because the 20% work at Wal-Mart.

Just sooo happy to see people out there protesting for something that they believe in, We have become so complacent about getting screwed over, from the president to the banks to big oil and most of the time we just sit and growl about it.

Jack, I believe this entire economic situation was planned to transfer the wealth of the middle class to the bushy people.
I don't see how the President, the Senate, and the House could be so collectively stupid and inept as to do this by accident.
I am completely convinced it was contrived and worked very well. I am sure Bush sees himself as a complete success, mission accomplished.

Eighty percent of those polled have the sense to know that in a free market system, profits AND losses are private. When you make the losses public, or put the public at risk by virtue of bad private business decisions, then it's no longer a free market. I wonder what percentage of CEO's would think it important if we socialized their profits but made losses theirs alone to bear? (Come to think of it, given the confiscatory American tax system, that's about the situation that may have gotten us into this mess in the first place.)

If no one has money to buy a car – what good does it do to loan the big 3 money to make more cars that no one can buy? It's like me asking for a loan to keep cooking liver and onions for dinner when everyone in the family hates it. This is the definition of insanity.

Jack, Let GM and the rest of them go bankrupt and Toyota will buy them out and make good cars and fuel effecient too. With my last two GM vehicles i had more miles going up and down on the repair lift then i did driving down the road. American cars are JUNK!!!!!!!!!
Terry, Piscataway, NJ

The auto industry has made fortunes for years on suv's. The margins are much larger on a $40K suv than a fuel efficient compact at less than $20K. So they focused on the big windfall rather than developing cars to compete with the Japanese and Korean cars that are selling now.

At some point you have to learn from your mistakes and I think that is what the majority or 80% are saying.

These companies shouldn't just get a bail out but their top corporate managers should be made to feel the pinch just like the rest of us. CEO's should be brought into line with the hourly employees and they should use their savings to survive until their company shows a profit. Let them feel the crunch of using their savings and just getting by. And they can't quit either but ride it out with the rest of us.

I think the percentage would be a lot higher if the CEO's of these companies were held more accountable for their actions and not given these "golden parachutes" like we keep hearing about. Let the head's of GM or Ford or AIG learn what it means to struggle over everyday things, like how they plan to feed their families this week. Their million dollar compensation packages prevent them from "getting" it. They just don't understand that what they are doing to improve their lives is killing us Jack. We are experiencing the highest form of selfishness there is, and until somebody steps up and slams the cash door shut, Joe Six Pack, Joe the Plumber and the rest of us Average Joe's are going to continue to suffer. I think the survey is saying that maybe the big wigs should feel a little of our pain.

It means that some people aren't thinking how it would affect OTHERS if the cooperations, auto industry, etc. weren't bailed out. If we were more in the mindset of caring about EACH OTHER as opposed to seeing things that happen only in our own "small worlds and perhaps small minds", then perhaps we could see the BIGGER picture.

Sure, on the surface you want to say "you made your bed now lie in it", but who would that truly benefit?

It's obvious the vast majority of Americans do not believe in "trickle-down" economics or as the elder Bush used to call it "voo-doo" economics. Why? Hmmmm... let's see... the average CEO compensation for the Fortune 100 is over $12 million a year. AIG execs seem to think it's OK to party and go to the spa on the taxpayer's dime. And maybe, just maybe, most folks believe that the rich have just gotten richer over the past 8 years and the average hardworking person just trying to get by has gotten screwed! So if the feds wanna give out some bucks, creditors of the middle-class just don't seem to care to wait for it to trickle down, let's just cut out the middleman and make out the check directly to the family that needs it — needs it now.

It says that 80% of us are smarter than to let gamblers gamble with our money on Wall Street. The rest of us either think the big-shots need to be allowed to take their lumps just like we have to do when we make bad investments or commit crimes for financial gain. It says that the rest of us realize that the $700 billion socialist Bailout for the super-rich was just the beginning of a long gravy train of giant corporations and states who will be waiting in line for their handouts.
Brownwood, Texas

Corporations really need to "listen" not "hear" what the people say and think. Listen means paying attention and figuring out that what they need to actually do for the public that keeps them in business. Take Wall Street financial firms....they don't manufacture anything, they pass paper around between themselves to make themselves look prosperous to their stockholders. If any of them actually had to "pay up" a loan they can't do it. The ordinary people can't afford to pay off a loan if it is called by note holder either.

Most people rightly believe that corporations are just a clever way for individuals to make a profit without any individual responsibility. It is rare that any corporate executive is found criminally liable for flagrant and purposeful wrong-doings harm and sometimes kill the ordinary citizen. The day that individuals at the helm of these covens of anonymity pay their debt to society is the day Americans will feel anything close to OK about this bailout.

People are sick of corporate welfare. Corporations do not care for individuals, they do not care for their workers. It is all about the stockholders and the executives. They want a bailout....not one cent to go overseas, not one part that is not made in the USA. I do not think any taxpayer money should go for anything that does not keep Americans employed or make American jobs.

Rae
Avon, IN

Jack,

Since when do we ignore the majority in this country? Obviously, the 80% of Americans opposed to these measures have lost money in the stock market or have lost their homes and want the government's help. They are sick of seeing the governement bailout private industry and not the taxpayer.

Tanya, NJ

I believe that most Americans feel that our business entities have let the American public down. I think however it is our government who let the American citizens down completely by allowing big business to police itself and pushing economic trade deals and deregulation which allowed big business to send jobs off shore and practice reckless business practices which in the end painted the country into our present corner. If there has been a trickle down effect I can't see it. Unfortunately we must bail out these institutions and corporations now to save our economy.

Considering the fact that 1 in 10 jobs in this country are either in or directly related to the auto industry, it is very important that we do something to bail them out. But, it should not be without conditions. I believe if our government gives or loans them money, it will have to be with the condition that they start producing fuel efficient cars. The fact that they missed the bus on this is part of the reason why they are in trouble today.

Because 80% of us have never felt any appreciable concern for our own financial distress. Greedy corporations who have mismanaged themselves into their current crises try to play the card that says we'll all be helped if they are helped. Whimper. Whimper. Well, if my children tried that reasoning on me, they'd be sent to their rooms to think about what they had done.

Jack,

Because it feels like a charitable deed to give money to those in need. The homeless guy at the corner gets a dollar everytime I see him, animal shelter low on funds? I'll donate.
But a major corporation that is crippled by its own greed? Screw 'em!
Sure it's all related – the whole Wall Street to Main Street connection makes perfect sense. But it gets offset by CEO salaries that can feed a small nation.
Besides Jack, bailout or not, it seems all the experts agree that we'll be in this mess for quite a while – might as well let some banks go belly-up and see what happens.

Maybe the 80% who don't support a corporate bailouts feel that our taxpayer dollars shouldn't be spent on companies that don't support American workers. For example, in the auto industry, the Big Three "American" automobile companies have outsourced much of their manufacturing to Canada and Mexico. Those companies don't deserve American dollars to prop them up in hard times. They should depend on the Mexican and Canadian governments for that. They haven't been good corporate citizens of the U.S., and therefore we owe them nothing.

Perhaps if we knew where the billions of dollars were going to be spent by these big Corporations, then there might be more Americans interested in helping out. We gave a billion dollars or more to the Big 3 years ago for Research & Development to come up with more fuel efficient vehicles. What did the Big 3 do with that money? Shortly thereafter, they came out with the BIG pickups and SUVs. I don't feel sorry for them now, and I have family retired and/or still working for GM! Time they find out what it is like when the little companies go under... employees lose their jobs, lose their benefits, lose their pensions and so forth. It is very difficult times in this Country now – why should the banks, Wall Street and the auto industry be the ones we bail out. How about the little guys?

I feel sorry for the 2 million people who might lose their jobs right before the holidays. I guess I'm part of that 20%. If people aren't working, they can't pay taxes and the economy will just get worse. They could lose their homes and you know the rest.

The fact that there is a low percentage of people who believe aid to large corporations is "crucial" shows that people are re-examining their idea of capitalism. The days of the Reaganites and their "trickle down" theory are going, going, and soon will be gone. Americans are suffering in the present economy and the financial community is using bailout money to go to the spa?? What will the auto industry do with the money?? Reagan was able to convince the American people that if big corporations receive money (in terms of tax breaks) they could be trusted to reinvest it in the business and create jobs for people. But they outsourced jobs and contributed to the fall of the economy. We have no reason to trust them now. If they want our money, their use of it needs to be regulated very carefully.

It means that Americans have lost faith in the auto industry. The American Auto Industry had a chance to build safe fuel efficient cars but they chose greed and large cars with poor gas millage. It should have been the American auto's initiative to take Americans into the next century with new "green machine " cars but they let the foreign auto makers do it and now they lost.

Because the same old trickle-down effect dosen't work. You will have bigger and better results from the trickle-up effect. The banks and institutions will eventually get the money and people will be promp to spend money. Especially paying thier mortgage and thier credit card bills when reciving adequet money. A public bailout is best.

It's because Americans are sick and tired of their hard earned money going to the so called "corporations" who sucker to the government into giving them money and end up just spending it on lavish parties, company trips, and spa treatments instead of securing their backsides!

Jack,

Remember, for the most part these are the same people that keep buying at Walmart without realizing that they were sending their jobs to China. Ignorance is bliss!

Jack, it means that the 80% do not understand the situation. If the government does nothing and allows all three American Auto Manufacturers to go bankrupt, the mealtdown will expand very fast.

Les
Garland, Texas

Jack, probably because the other 80% of Americans are too busy keeping their own heads above water.

When the American people were told by their government they will not bail out the ones who borrowed on houses they could not afford. Then they hear their government saying they need to bail out the auto industry be cause they made too many cars American people could not afford or wanted. This leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. It is not like they'd didn't see this thing coming. And for the past several years they been creating more jobs in other countries then in their own country, makes a very bad argument for a bailout.

Because they cannot relate to how it affects them as an individual. The connection between Main Street and Wall Street is still not fully understood. Not to make some Americans look stupid, but not everyone understands economics.

I feel that way because if I fail I have to file bankruptcy, and take my losses. Big bisiness doesn't have to they just get more from Uncle Sam. Then go on there merry way taking more and more, and spending more and more.

For years these industries have been driven into the ground by failing to anticipate or prepare for challenging market conditions by building vehicles that are generally less economical and reliable than there foriegn counterparts. My guess is that one out of every five Americans don't own an American made car or own stock in the American auto industry as a result? Go figure. Call it a no confidence vote.

Jack, I'm from Michigan and my husband and I are retired, but our kids and our neighbors aren't. If the Auto industry goes under a lot of good people will be out in the cold. Let's save jobs. Take the money back from wall street and put people to work. The fat cats need to suffer for a while, and that includes the idiot's in Detroit who have been building big gas-hogs for 30 years. Let the fat cats work for a change and receive the same salary as the workers on the line's do.

Paulsen need's a new job, and not in finance.

Well Mr. cafferty that should be an easy answer. The 20% percent of amercans that approve of the aid to big corperations are probably make $250,000. They have an investment to proctect. If the United States Goverment is bailing out failing corperations and giving all types of financial aides to others countries, where is the aid and/or "bailout" for homeowners to ensure them that they have a place to live? Thats a question I want to hear the answer to.

I believe we're all feeling burnt watching the billions of OUR dollars passed around already. How Congress can approve these bail outs, without a turn-around plan from each of these corporations as to how these funds will be allocated is beyond the believable. Anyone requesting a bail out should also provide extensive financial information to be independently reviewed prior to fund distribution.

Think about it Jack, the way the bailout is set up, funds can be distributed without prior approval – I believe the Secretary of the Treasury meets with Congressional representatives every 30 days to review what has been distributed. After the fact? Cart before the horse?? These are educated politicians we elected? Seriously?

Does this sound like legal use of our tax payer money?

Because corporate bailouts run contrary to the belief that success is built on hard work, honesty, and making the right decisions. When I grew up, that's what we learned at home and at school.

The automakers kept producing gas-guzzlers when there was a finite amount of oil in the ground. The banks kept lending money without security. And now we're going to reward this greedy short-sighted idiocy?

If we continue to reward failure, or even lack of common sense, we indirectly punish true success. I hope it's obvious where that leads us.

Jack, Is this not just another way to continue to feed the top 2%. All this has done, so far, is strengthen the value of the banks stockholders. Banks continue to hord the governments money, not lend it to the small business owners struggling to stay in business or save a house to restructure a loan. Where is the public benefit?

David
Lincolnton, NC

Perhaps they are just plain sick and tire of being screwed over by the wealthy elites who made this mess to begin with.

...because aid is understood to mean money paid directly to executives of the company. Very little money actually finds its way to furthering the companies actual business objectives.

Jack, It means we should let them go under, the people have spoken and are tired of being forced to pay every time the private sector makes mistakes.

Self-interest, mistrust of the government, and mistrust of CEO's

The Big 3 have had a strangle hold on the american automobile market since the market began. Their irresponsibility has put them in this state and thus we shouldn't bail them out. With the economy how it is and them being on the verge of bankruptcy, why am I only seeing commercials for the new Hummer and a "hybrid" Escalade? These are american cars that are barely fit for export. Which is no good for our economy. Break these mega-trusts up and encourage REAL competition. Then maybe a conscientious american car company can come up, probably owned, run, and staffed by the thousands of automotive builders and executives that have fell victim of job cuts by these irresponsible giants over the years.

Because the other 80% are ignorant of the facts or consequences. It’s that simple and unfortunately there is no cure for stupid

Jack, I think it is because those 20% are invested in the Auto Industry. The ones against it are saying that the government has put the people into so much debt that America won't see a 'surplus' for at least 100 years. About as long as Mr McCain and the Republicans want the war in Iraq to last.

ps: Maybe the stockholders and executives should ante-up the bailout money instead of future generations paying it off.

so we give the auto companies a bail out now. question is, who's next, McDonalds????

Rick
Michigan

Most American are so very worried about how bad things have become economically in our own homes, we cannot imagine out of the box to realize auto makers create jobs for the little man. It is starting to become a dog eat dog time in history.

Jack, I don't know the answer to your question, but why don't congress
or who ever, tell the auto companies,(all of them ) they have to merge, and make one auto company, from all of them, or they won't get any bail out. Period... It was done before, why not again? You know Geranal Motors.

Thanks Jack , keep up the great work, if you ever leave the show, it will be a big loss for everyone!!

Mary, wisc.

If the car industry is allowed to go out of business then not only the people working there have no jobs but neither will the millions who depend on auto workers to spend money at other places. The truth of the matter is that all of us are economically linked. what hapens to one segment ripples out to the others. Help the auto industry by helping them make the tough choices, like re-tooling to make greener cars and make the unions take a look at the free ride they have had. A person I know receives 45 dollars an hour to install windshields beacause he has been with Ford for 30 years. That job would pay about 15 dollars an hour in the real world. Not only has the upper management been overpaid but so has labor. There is plenty of blame to go around. Bite the bullet and fix what is broken.

Most people see this as socialism, and they were indoctrinated over generations that socialism is evil.

Of course the same people favor high levels of employment over the alternative, they just don't understand the full implication of the auto companies going under.

As I understand it, corporations produce a product which can be sold which can make money and if the product is not good and doesn't sell then the corporation does not make money. They may have stock holders or not but they basically survive because they made a good product.
I think the 20% are managers and fat cats and this thinking comes from the managers at the top taking care of the managers at the top and the workers on the floor being treated like slave labor and never the two shall mix. Managers should make a percentage of the net income as determined by the stockholders.
But then AIG is probably a corporation and they have taken their second boon-doggle. Corporations should be embarrassed to ask for any kind of assistance from any body.

The auto industry knew it was being totally irresponsible during the last two decades when it created the large SUV's that the irresponsible consumer then bought.

If Washington doesn't particularly believe that irresponsible home owners need a bailout for signing up for bad loans they knew they couldn't afford in the long run, why should we bail out banks and corporations who were being totally irresponsible themselves?

Corporations and CEO's have always inferred that they are smarter than everyone else. This time around these people with their MBA's have shown us how stupid they "really" are or is just the business and economic professors at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford that have let the whole nation down by teaching economic principles and models that don't actually work over the long run? I mean, who else could have told these out of control corporate bosses and bankers that what they were doing was ok except for economic and business professors and mentors.

Geri – Mead, Ok

It means you cannot fire your customer base, and still have their loyalty.
34 years of hollerin about Lowering taxes, and cutting american jobs
is coming home to roost.

What WE are saying, is that if help shows up on the doorsteps of your avergae American, then WE will be able to put money back into the system by paying our bills, and buying things from socks, to cars. WE are feeling like the government ONLY cares about these huge corporations, not the people that these corporations depend on for business...
WE have been suckers for long enough, paying outragous cash on overpriced items, such as cars, so the huge ceo's of America can buy the multi million dollar homes.
I know the auto makers are hurting...but so are WE...

Because 80% of Americans aren't fascists.

Because only 20% of American's can afford their bailout.

it's easy, american workers are tired of being blamed for corporate failure and corporate greed. I don't see any coprorate ceo offer to help by giving up their salaries, pensions or bonuses. and lets face it, the auto industry brought this situation on itself. they have had 30 years to begin building fuel efficient and green vehicles, so what did they do? Build bigger and less efficient vehicles. pathetic.

Oddly enough, the bailout of the Auto Industry is the only bailout that actually makes sense.

Automobile construction in the US supports so many jobs that the loss of even one of our 'big 3' automakers would do more harm that the loss of any number of our banks or investment banks.

Each car made in the US supports jobs in: the factory, the dealership, the financial institution, repair shops, accessories stores, gas and convince stores and so many other industries.

So boosting our domestic auto industry should be done without delay.

Tom in Iowa

Since there is consideration for requiring oil companies to set aside some of their record profits, and the oil and auto industries are interdependent, why can't the oil companies chip it to save the auto industries and bypass the taxpayer?

why isn't there a freeze on making cars?
with cars not selling at a high rate there should be enough out there to supply who wants right now. In the meantime i believe the workers should get paid til the end of the year, while the companies retool their way of making cars in the next few months.

It means that the public has no clue on how important or big the industry really is. They view it as the government spending their money on a "Worthless" investment that the Japanese manufacturers are far superior. The public needs to wake up. 3 million jobs lost is more vital to the economy then spending 25 billion to try and save it.

It means Politicians should listen to their constituents!

I'm a baby boomer. When I was younger corporations had to EARN their revenue through providing a good product & customer service at a competitive price. With THAT model, we built the biggest, strongest corporations in the world. Since Chrysler's bailout ala Regan, combined with subsequent massive tax reductions (which we pay the taxes for) and free money subsidies (again) – product quality, certainly customer service, and countless millions of our jobs have all gone by the wayside. We need to get back to the original model which was so successful for America as a whole.

Bob G in Florida.

Why give money to large corporations when what seems to happen is that executives get the bonus and the company gets the shaft.

Jack:

People are sick and tired of bailing out the mismanaged corporations at our expense. They created their mess so let them suffer.
That said, the truth is that those mismanaged companies employ many in well paying jobs that this economy desperately needs to revive the itself.
The auto companies provide these kinds of jobs and letting them go away would have a cascading effect on our economy.
It would look like the world trade towers collapsing in on themselves on 9/11.

Jim in Texas

Easy Jack because thats about the percentage of people who work in that field probaly.

Jack,

Americans are tired of socializing corporate costs and privatizing the benefits. Businesses have free reign to do whatever they want as long as they're big enough to send the entire economy into a tail spin. While Japan made smart, fuel saving vehicles all our companies cared about was SUVs and their bottom lines. American car manufacturers weren't forward looking, and are suffering the consequences.

It most likely means that the other 80% of the country has no idea what helping large institutions actually entails or does for them. Considering that the 'experts' don't even understand how to fix our economy, why would the majority of the 'public'? We are a very ignorant country, on average, and this is way over most people's 'pay grade'.

It shows that Americans are fed up with being held hostage by large corporations, from Walmart to oil companies reporting record profits. We are sick of seeing these corporations not only getting away with raping the public, but being fiscally rewarded by the government. It is time for that to stop and start helping the people that make America strong, not the corporations that are responsible for so much of the current economic problems we are facing.

They ether are rich or work for the auto companies or both.

It either means that Americans don't understand the sitiuation or that a bailout for the auto industry actually isn't necessary for the economic health of this country. I suppose 80% of the people can be wrong, but it seems highly unlikely!

It means that the average American person is tired of paying taxes and seeing it go to corporations and CEO's that are doing quite fine on their own. The American people are tired of doing without so that corporate executives can throw decadent parties for their friends. Unless the corporations are willing to make drastic changes in how they do business, I think the American people aren't going to keep bailing them out when they mess up. I don't see Congress rushing to bail me out when I can't afford my tuition for school!

I think the answer is simple. Twnety percent peole have something to do with an auto indutsry and thats why they think it is important. the rest doesnt think it is important because it does not affect them!!! I just wish people would start saying how important everything is to fail..and saying that small business is not important so it can fail..all businesses are of the same importance!!

Is it any wonder that American's are unsympathetic towards the bail out for the automotive industry?
When it's time to buy a new car, the torture of negotiating a price and dodging the deals and gimmicks that are offered makes you want to head for the door. Perhaps the lack of sympathy is pay back for the games played in the showroom.

Because those 20% work for the auto industry or are related to it through investment or as a supplier.

I am not an Economist. I don't fully understand the current down-turn, recession, depression or whatever economic descriptions you want to use to describe the current financial crisis. Main-street was in financial trouble long before wall-street. If consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the U.S. economy and wall street accounts for less than a third, propping up wall-street without getting the real engine of the U.S. economy running will surely fail. You can bankroll the casino but if your patrons don't have money to play, the casino will fail.

We have become a country without accountabiity and it has to stop somewhere. Corporations should be forced to live and die by the decisions of their management. Maybe then the CEOs and CFOs would be more accountable to their employees and shareholders. They took their bonuses in the good old days, while making poor decisions so now let them make the painful decisions that every other business owner has to make during hard times. Personally, after having worked in the private sector without the benefit of unionization for years, I will not be retiring with a full set of benefits. Why should my tax dollars go to funding those in the automobile industry?

I'm no big fan of the American auto industry, but if any of the big automakers goes under wouldn't that mean hundreds of thousands of unemployed auto workers? Not to mention the supporting industries. That would have a profound effect on our economy.

It means that we, the taxpayers, are aware that it is the corporations that were in large part the cause of the financial meltdown and find it completely foolish to continue to support them. We need a radical change in the way business is done in this country. How about some honesty, integrity and realistic policies in both government and business?

For years these industries have been driven into the ground by failing to anticipate or prepare for challenging market conditions by building vehicles that are generally less economical and reliable than there foriegn counterparts. My guess is that one four of every five Americans don’t own an American made car or own stock in the American auto industry as a result? If it is so, that is pathetic. Call it a no confidence vote.

It means that while I can understand the reasons that I am having ramen for supper – I am asking myself why the government is wants to buy that other guy more steak.

Sarge
Indianapolis

I think we should let ALL these companies go under...
instead we help middle management and the work force (the ones with all the ideas), open up COMPETITIVE companies to deal with the world markets.

Just a thought.

Jack, Where was the auto companies (manufacturing base for that matter) concern when they shipped American jobs overseas? Now that there is no one left who can afford their products it's "whoe is me." Well, maybe it's only the 20 percent who still has a job left. Maybe it's time for all these big corporations to bring back the jobs to the USA, and realize that it's a partnership between workers AND business that makes this country work. What do you think of "Free Trade" now!!!

It means the American public is tired of carrying the burden of these companies who made bad business decisions. Which industry is next? Airlines, energy, or agriculture? Enough is enough!

It seems to indicate that once again, the general public is not being fully informed as to the dire situation the Automakers are in. As a Canadian citizen who lives in a community that produces steel that is used by American automakers, their struggle has a direct impact on our financial stability. It seems obvious that they are in trouble, but how deep does that go and why do lawmakers think another taxpayer-funded bailout will solve the problem? It seems to me that President-Elect Obama is correct in his thinking that Detroit needs a new business methodology. And yet again, what does he really mean by that? When only 20% think a financial bailout is the answer, it seems to me to clearly show that the general public doesn't have enough information to make an informed decision. So to the automakers and the lawmakers – don't hide the facts! If America is to be ONE nation as was so strongly promoted in the recent election, let the nation as a whole know the facts so that you can all work together to both fix the financial problems that are extending beyond your borders to affect many, many more families and formulate a viable new framework for future financial stability.

It would be interesting to see the impact in dollars if one or more of the auto companies fails. How many people lose their jobs and pay no taxes. The companies would also pay no taxes if they no longer exist. Maybe the cost of doing nothing is far more expensive than some kind of assistance from Washington. Many people complain about the CEO being paid millions but it will be the little people who suffer. All the name calling of fascists and socialist etc is ridiculous and serves no purpose except to sell the fear that has been sold to us for the last eight years.

It means that Americans recognize that these companies need to adhere to the survival of the fitest ideals of capitalism. These companies reap the rewards of managing their companies correctly, let them experience the consequences of their missteps. It is absurd that the government might be gullible enough to help these companies without overhauling their business models and STILL very little is being done to help Americans who are struggling with simply living in this country. Let other automakers buy them or let them perish.

Most people don't support it because it involves our tax money however many fail to recognize the effects if not bailed out. The 20% who support the aid are those who understand the causes and effect of this big economic mess.

Well, for numerous years the American auto industry has fought against raising fuel standards, shipped American jobs to other countries and avoided taking responsibility of saftey issues where their vehicles could cause harm to consumers. Now, that their business plan of doing want is on the verge of collapsing, they want the same people who's concerns have been ignored for decades to save them from bancruptcy. I could not see anyone supporting bailing out these companies unless we force them to increase fuel standards, bring back the jobs they've given to other countries, and be subject to stiff penalties for not recalling faulty equiptment when they are first informed of a problem!

It means they don't get the connection.

Jack, Great question! But, I just want to know where I can get the application for my bailout. How about a bailout for those of us who are in dire straights because of the Wall Street/Capital Hill fat cats? I guess the only way I'll see that trickle down effect is if I go to work at a resort where AIG is having a corporate meeting. 20% agree, 80% against. Duh. What does that tell the feds. As if they care.

Jack-
People talk about energy independence yet fail to understand that a viable American auto industry is part of the manufacturing engine that will help to drive us toward that end. Substantially more than 50 percent of all energy use is used in the transportation sector. As we move toward alternative energy sources we need the American auto industry to provide the research, development and manufacture of replacing the fleet of vehicles. Do we really want to put such an important element of national security in the hands of Asian manufacturers. I think not.

Because 80% of Americans haven’t fully grasped how bad the situation is yet….

Hey Jack, it means that people are sick of Ceos and corporations bleeding them dry and feel its time they saw how the other half lives.

After 8 years of tax breaks for rich businesses and most workers suffering with shrinking wages and evaporating buying power, the people no longer believe the trickle-down myth that greedy and unethical businesses will make decisions that will have any benefit for them. The trickle stops with only the top 5%. Middle and lower class citizens never feel a drop. If the corporations get the bailout they need, then tomorrow it will be back to business as usual – layoffs, downsizing and outsourcing at least long enough so the rich stockholders can get a better price when they abandon the company anyway.

Jack,

It speaks to me that 80% of the American people do not understand the simple economics of the situation. Aid to the American auto industry is crucial not only to support the millions of auto workers but necessary for the industry to re-organize to become once again a competitive American industry. I understand the short term costs of spending billions of dollars to stimulate a nation but our goal is in the long term; and that’s where we’ll be back on track.

The only major concern here is the thousands and thousands of jobs at stake. My understanding is that without federal help, these jobs are at risk.

If the government "bails" out the automotive industry, then there is a perfect opportunity for a complete overhaul. With the huge amount of money that has been discussed, automakers should be forced to comply with a federal statute that emphasizes a renewed production in energy-efficient vehicles and new technologies. Every new energy-efficient vehicle off the line should also be more affordable to the consumer.

People are sick and tired of bailing out companies with their own hard earned money. Its time these crooks get a taste of their own medicine and not get a pass go and collect $200 card.

I think the American people are tired of bailing out Big Businesses that have constantly over compensated their top executives, while ravaging their retirees Health Benefits and Pension Funds. The Big 3 Auto Makers have been missing the mark for years. Now they want to be bailed out. If they get money the top exutives should be paid an hourly wage and the American People should get ownership of any company recieving a bailout.

Hello Jack. I`ve been watching this for a while and I`m thinking, why are they starting at the top to fix their own problem. Why not start at the bottom and it would be an instant fix. There are 133 million working house holds in the USA. Why not send each of then a check for about 200,000 dollars . The first thing they will do is pay off CC bills, Auto loans and make house payments. Dont you think that would take care of the job market and get people back to work. As for myself it would get me out of of dept. Buy a new car, get my busness started.
Think about it

Because the liberal democrats have deamonized big corporations as evil and the root of all our problems.....yet at the same time, most American workers work for a BIG corporations. The Democrats cannot have it both ways. Support the corporations and it's workers.

80% of us know the first handout usually isn't the last. What's that saying about give a man a fish & he'll starve, teach a man to fish & he'll never go hungry. The recent govt. handouts haven't come with conditions. It's a free for all with our money.

Jack,
The 20% must be the wealthiest of the USA. Our country was founded by the hard working class. Who poored their hearts and souls into building this nation. The economy is built from the bottom up. Evidently the present administration believes it needs to protect the assets of their friends and could care less whether we the people who pay their salaries and benefits get ahead. I have hope and wished for over a year that Wall Street would crumble but I didn't think the money of the working class would ever be used to protect the people who to me are the greediest in the world.

It means we don't want our tax dollars to be used to help out businesses that think nothing of helping themselves.

Hi Jack,

it means that the explanations are not clear and the expectations from the auto industry are not clearly explained by government! We should not bail out their deficits we need to bail out the workers...just like the banks we do not pay bonuses and dividends!

Real people will be loosing real jobs.

Jack, i think the general consensus is that the American public isn't willing to trust any of our appointed officials anymore. there is way too much corruption in government. it's all falling apart before our eyes. Good Luck Obama, in the truest sense.

If this situation we are in now is as bad as great depression or worst, with everthing that our government is doing or not is trial and error. No one or any group of people have an answer to the problem. You cannot fix anything in the middle of a freefall. Lets just brace ourself for impact and start to build from there.