If a company is a position where government aid is needed and it is objectively identified as strategically important to the nation, then I think that support can be justified. However, the current executive classes should be fired - they were bad at their jobs. No golden parachutes, no deferred bonuses, no pensions. Any bonuses in the years leading up to the bailout should be taken back. Shareholders should also take a hit. Bailouts should be so painful and costly as a disincentive to the manager class. They shouldn't get to reap the rewards when things are good AND when things are bad.