U.S. Republican politician Mitt Romney argues that the government should let the automakers go bankrupt, because only then will the needed changes come about. What kind of changes? Well, to start:

First, their huge disadvantage in costs relative to foreign brands must be eliminated. That means new labor agreements to align pay and benefits to match those of workers at competitors like BMW, Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Furthermore, retiree benefits must be reduced so that the total burden per auto for domestic makers is not higher than that of foreign producers.

Crisis points are always ripe with the potential for change, just not necessarily in the right direction. Take 9/11, for example. However, there is a reality behind Romney's ideas that we can't ignore. We've enjoyed one side of globalization (lots of cheap stuff to buy) for quite some time. Globalization has also persistently eroded key sectors of our economy, undermining our ability to maintain the quality of life to which we have become accustomed. The current economic crisis will provide ample excuses for governments, banks, and other companies who are no longer interesting in subsidizing our lifestyle.

Change will happen. The nature and direction of that change, the as well determination of who will benefit (people, governments, or corporations), will be determined by both our values as well as our political will to see justice done.