I’ve blown my negativity horn on the Big Three long enough, and I hope this post will the last time I feel the need to voice my displeasure about the Big Three Automakers anytime soon.  Not until they come back in March 2009 begging for more taxpayer money at least.

However, being a student of behavioral economics, I participated in an interesting lunchtime debate this weekend and thought I would share it with everyone here.

Will the majority of American’s who opposed the Big Three Automaker Bailout hold any animosity towards Detroit?

Will this animosity affect their future auto sales?

If so, have GM and Ford permanently labeled themselves as a second tier brand in the eyes of the American consumer?

I tend to hold a grudge longer than most, so I’m probably not the best person to answer this question.  But with the constant deterioration of Detroit’s market share, I think it’s a worthwhile question for their public relations departments to consider.

Personally, when I feel like I’ve been stiffed on a deal, I make a vow never to buy a product from that business again.  Ever!

Best Reads from my RSS Reader this week.

Financial Times:  Hedge funds gain access to $200bn Fed aid.  Talk about socialism for the rich, capitalism for everyone else!  Just to qualify as an investor for a hedge fund, you must have a minimum net worth of $1 million, or two consecutive years of annual income greater than $200,000.

American Consumer News: Is It Worth It to Get Divorced?  I know a few folks who have gone through a divorce, most notably my parents when I was young, so I can attest to the financial difficulties divorce can bring.  However, if a married couple finds themselves miserable and remaining together adds tension to the household or has negative impacts upon the children, just pack your bags and call the divorce attorneys.  Having money is great, but I’d rather be broke, happy, and living on Raman noodles any day.

Budgets Are Sexy:  Guess What??? We did it! We finally got our wedding pictures!  An excellent full circle series of articles about a couple who couldn’t get their wedding pictures from a shady photographer, and used their blog (and a few other tactics) to get justice.  Definitely a great read!

Brip Brap:  Wait Until Tomorrow to Change.  Steve has an article that is a mirror image of my thought process from dropping out of the corporate world 2 years ago.  Business travel and frequently flier miles sounds sexy to most people who spend 9 hours a day in a cubicle, but if you’ve lived the road warrior lifestyle, it gets old pretty quick.

This Old House:  How to Insulate an Attic?  I know, it’s not a finance article but I think it qualifies since an under-insulated home is likely killing your wallet.  I’m a wannabe handyman so I love the “how to” videos from This Old House.

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The Excellent “Crash Test Dummy” Photo is from John Sherffius