In my opinion, if Ford went under, it would be the end of a company that is a piece of the fabric of America itself. I feel the same way for GM and Chrysler. These three companies are like Baseball and apple
pie to me. My grandfather worked for ford all his career on the dealership end, and I grew up wearing Ford hats and shirts. Its a part of me too.
I understand that these companies have made questionable choices along the line, but they also gave this country what it wanted and asked for so I can't blame them completely. America loved the big cars and trucks and the big three delivered. Small, fuel efficient vehicles just weren't at the front of their minds because no one in North America was truly buying/asking for them like the other models.
I'm really not savvy on the UAW so I try to stay out of that portion. I believe both sides have caused this mess. Though the potential job impact of the three going under would be HUGE. Chapter 11 would help them restructure, but they wouldn't be able to get financing to get back on their feet afterward...and who would buy a vehicle from a bankrupt car company after it comes back? And this isn't like the airlines, etc. Those are companies that provide a service one time, etc. Not one that produces a consumer product that people keep and depend on for years. Chapter 11 spells disaster as well.
Its my opinion that these companies ARE America. They have been a part of the growth of this country (good and bad) and deserve at least a fair glance by the government. I sure hope that America doesn't decide to shun companies that were a part and are still a part of the heart of this country. If they all go...what MAJOR manufacturing would America have left? We would be even closer to a completely consumer based economy than we already are.
Sorry...very long. Its just my .02. It would stink if they went away...especially Ford.