Saving GM from disappearing from the face of the earth is "seizing one of our largest companies" and trying to make an irresponsible corporation make compensation for the damage they do is " billions of dollars were extorted from BP under the ludicrous threat of criminal prosecution".
No wonder it's almost impossible to have a sane conversation on this site. Half of these folks are nuts.
There was no danger of GM "disappearing from the face of the earth." A legitimate (non-coerced) bankruptcy reorganization would have allowed it to restructure its obligations to creditors and contracts with the UAW. Instead, the creditors were illegally stiffed and the company was given to the UAW along with billions in "bailout" funds.
No wonder it's almost impossible to have a sane conversation with people who constantly try to divert attention away from the main issue in the OP.