First of all, we're clearly going to bail them out, but my argument IS about whether we should. I'm an "all possible options" kind of guy. That is, no matter ho

First of all, we're clearly going to bail them out, but my argument IS about whether we should. I'm an "all possible options" kind of guy. That is, no matter how extreme, I want to discuss and rule out as many options as I can on my way to making a decision. It's how I frame things in my brain when I'm deciding. Secondly, I strongly agree with the main point you're making - that "we the people" should get equity in exchange for the bail out. When these companies bounce back in a few years we should all get a special refund the year we sell the equity back to industry. However, unless we're buying some HUGE stake, I don't think we should exercise the option of taking over the management of these businesses.