The Big Question for Tuesday, Nov. 18: Is bailing out Detroit good policy or bad policy? (See all responses here.)

Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook’s response: The auto industry got itself into this mess by failing to adapt to a changing market and offering consumers safe, fuel-efficient vehicles. It traded short-term profits for long-term viability by continuing to market gas-guzzling, high-priced, unsafe sports utility vehicles. Detroit shouldn’t expect American taxpayers to come to the rescue to the tune of $50 billion without getting something in return. In this case, Congress must require the automakers who receive loans to achieve fleet fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon by 2020. Offering consumers safety and gas-saving vehicles will help the industry recover, save the public money and protect the environment. Providing an economic bailout without strict oversight by the Obama administration, a government equity position and consumer protections is bad policy, especially when it was the arrogance and greed of the auto industry that led to their current financial predicament.