I’m a major capitalist. I support free trade and competition. I don’t like the idea of the government in businesses. If someone’s got a cheaper, more effective product than you, it’s your responsibility to play ball. You don’t whine and complain to your governmental mommy that the other kids aren’t playing fair. I have no sympathy for that.

So when I heard that the US auto industries were going under, totaled, if you will, I thought to myself–Good for the Japanese! Good for the Germans! If we Americans can’t stand the exhaustion, let’s get out from under the hood. I like my Audi anyway.

But now I’m not so sure. With Chrysler, GM, and Ford all on the brink of bankruptcy and the vice chairman of Chrysler telling the Associated Press that the collapse of one of these companies could trigger a depression, Congress has a huge decision to make. Chrysler needs $7 billion just to keep going, and GM asked for $4 billion immediately and $8 billion later, plus another $6 billion if the economy doesn’t get better.

Well, we know we can’t afford it. But do we do it anyway? And if we do it, do we keep bailing out every company that needs financial help to stay afloat? Do we drive ourselves into further debt, or put thousands of Americans out of work, decrease consumer confidence, and potentially kick ourselves back to the 1930s?

It’s an important decision. Get thinking, Congress. I know I am.