Great question, and a tough one. My inclination is to say "no". We supposedly live in a capitalist country, until someone with enough power (paid-for Congressmen) gets into trouble, then we become socialist-- socializing the debt while keep profit private. I'm sick of it.
Yes, I understand right _now_ is a terrible time for the automakers. On the other hand, the union bears some responsibility. They've been protecting their way of doing business just as the head-in-the-sand execs, who wouldn't know an innovation if it roared past them like the jet Hitler didn't see the point of in WWII, continue to sell us tin cans that are worthless in all the developing markets of the world that don't have good roads. There _are_ alternatives to the horseless carriage dreamed up in another age.
I am sick of the rich being protected at the expense of the poor. I am furious at the condoned theft that allows execs to get away with being complete turds while poor people are put in jail for stealing $50, and made to work as slaves for corporations who now own the prisons and can now acquire labor for 80 cents a day. We have really gone too far already in the lack of social responsibility dept, and our society is disintegrating because of it.
Add to that the powerful American myth, "I'm my own man!" I'm independent, I don't need to care about anybody else and I can take care of myself, thank you! Such pride in isolation-- and the cost is personal relationships-- we live in a terribly lonely society where no one gets much support-- and it's simply not true. I think the Buddhists are on the right track with their belief that everyone and everything is connected.
I think the auto industry failing would be a terrible blow to America's already reeling economy. I'm still inclined to say, "So be it." We went down the wrong path, in my opinion. And we're all so complacent, even fearful. I don't think people will change until they realize they have a better role to play in society then building their personal fortress and putting their fingers in their ears.
Squishy enough post for you?