“The United States is based on a capitalist society. We seem to be moving to a more socialist economy where the government will step in and help companies that are failing rather than relying on them to produce a product that people want. I'm concerned that job losses will have a profound effect on workers in the affected companies, but on the other hand, as a tax payer I'm concerned about the heavy burden that these actions will have on future generations.”

Stuart Levine with daughter Kendall, Princeton

“I have a hard time bailing out companies that have made products that Americans don't want. No one is looking to bail out, say, Toyota, which has built factories here and provided thousands of jobs. It's unfortunate that there will be a loss of jobs, but I expect that over time the affected workers will find new jobs in companies that make better cars and products that people want.”

Andre Marciano, Princeton

“A bail out of any of the ‘big three’ is, in my opinion, unnecessary; but if they do it, oversight has to be huge. They cannot go back to the way they operated in the past, being unable to compete with the Japanese and Korean manufacturers which have made cars that people want. Bail them out? Maybe, but if they do, make then accountable.”

Dan Weed, San Jose, California with son, Jonathan, PU senior

“It's a terrible idea, unless you get rid of the guys who have run the company into the ground.”

Michael Meringolo with Sebastian, Montgomery

“No, because of the expense to the taxpayers.”

Dan Delaney, Princeton