The Bail Out

I am conflicted about this Bail out. My gut does not like government intervention in the market.

Why should these companies who screwed up be bailed out. What would be the actual effect on the economy if they failed? How do you bail them out and tell the guy who can not pay his mortgage Tough Luck?

On the other hand is it staving off a depression? A short recession is survivable but no one wants to re-live 1929. Larry Kudlow who I like and is a lover of free markets thinks it is a good thing and if it is done right the taxpayers will make money. He claims they made money on the S&L bailout.

I have a lot of questions on this one. Anybody out there have answers? I would love to hear what some experts think?