Why does every discussion forum seem to degenerate into politics these days?
Sanspeur if you are really interested in Solindra then look at the overall program the total number of companies helped and the great return we have had on the program.I'm not being political just economically realistic.Sometimes the government has to provide funding for untried technology, until it gets on its feet and can get a scale going to reduce costs and make money.
The Japanese Government has always encouraged cartel like behaviour in it's companies.They want to produce harmony and reduce friction.Here are some companies not doing so well as individuals, if the gov't steps in encourages them to merge with help of some money then the new entity will be stronger and better funded.It has worked ever since WW2 for them, check out what the 3 diamonds on the Mitsubishi logo stand for. It would never be legal here, nor is it part of our culture.We are all about the individual.I used to sell Datsun's back in the day and they were #1 but Toyota invested so much in parts warehouses, training and development they just beat them. Nissan just seemed to be asleeep at the wheel and never fought back.It's the same with cars. I find Toyota cars boring beyond beleif but they sell to lots of boring customers.Toyota worked out what people wanted and gave it to them. I once heard someby recount Toyota's philosophy, they make a product, don't care whether it is sewing machines or cars. Put in what is needed to please the customer, no less or more, no soul, and it sells.