Jim and John,
My situation is different than yours but related. How would like to own a manufacturing plant that makes parts for the primary automotive industries? 45% of my output is automotive with the remainder to a variety of other industries.
We're holding our own the best we can, and maintaining employment rolls balanced to our orders. But my largest fear is of a domino effect of a GM or Chrysler bankruptcy on my suppliers.
What is disturbing is that I feel similar to most people in that we have paid attention to how we manage our business and our personal affairs, yet for some arcane reason, the very people (gov't and financial institutions) that are there to help us, are responsible for the currect crisis.
I've been pulling out hairs trying to think of another manufacturing line to move to, but the fact is, if John Q. Public does not have money to spend, he ain't gonna spend it.
Sorry for the rant, but I wanted to post an additional perspective on our economic mess.
T.Z.