If we the taxpayers don't bailout the big US 3, start thinking about accelerated unemployment, de-flation, soup lines, and buy some really harsh pepper spray (i'm a pacifist).
There are way too many jobs tied to the auto industry in the US. Yeah the big 3 has screwed the pooch here, but the UAW has had them by the short and curlys for decades.
When the foreign auto makers we're forced too build in the US, from Bush SR import taxes in the 80's, we expected a level playing field. The UAW didn't let up tho, and then the pensions kicked in from the past, etc.
If we do bailout the big 3 the UAW needs to be on a Fed short leash. I'm for labor unions to some extent, but seriously... it needs to be capped.