I am feeling a little postelection philosophical.
There's much buzz about who's being chosen for what job, what job's will still be around--and economy, economy, economy.

Not that I was asked my opinion, along with any other main street voter, but I ponder the way my taxdollar is volunteered for these bailouts.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't thoroughly comprehend the complicated nature of this. Perhaps that's a purposeful design flaw. But what I have heard so far is gobs of money from my taxes to someone else's business so they don't lay people off. Save the economy. Save the whales...or maybe it was the Hummers.

I don't know about you, but whenever someone asks for my dollar, I reflexively ask "What will I get in return?" I reply this even if my kid is asking for an advance in allowance.
Do I want to bailout the car makers? The answer is truthfully "no."
But if I don't have a choice in the matter I want some personal return on my moneys. I know some of you will say I ought to be pleased by knowing my moneys paid for someone else to keep their job. But selfishly if I want someone get a job with my money I want them to work for me.
And if I want to give to a charity, I want to choose the cause. I'd be more likely to pay for a water well for kids in Africa than donate to luxury cars and mortgages.

So back to the scenario of if we must bailout-- What will I get for my money?

Will I as a fractional investor get a check back as the automakers pay their loan--plus interest? If the government is paying them off with my tax dollar, the money shouldn't be theirs to keep. The check should be sent in my name, to my house.
Will I be an fractional share holder along with every other taxpaying American? Maybe then I'll want to buy a Ford on purpose.
Will the automakers be accountable with full disclosure to me and the other taxpayers?
These are the terms under which I have loaned money to others before.
So, fellow voters, if we had our arms twisted and must bail out another industry-- what suggestions would you make?