bailout

Back in 2008, when Congress started dishing out its round of bailouts for industries "too big to fail", Ford decided at the last minute to decline a "loan" from the government and reconsider its businesses practices itself (even without bankruptcy).

Now, while GM (should stand for Government Motors now) has 60% of its company under Uncle Sam's control, and 10% of Chrysler is owned by the federal government, Ford is still an independent corporation and has recently concluded its fifth consecutive profitable quarter.

Next time Uncle Sam comes with an offer to "bail out" a company or industry it deems too big to fail, keep Ford in mind as proof that the private sector can fend for itself if it is willing.