No, I don't think the bail-out was an ideal occurance. However...
I paid for part of the bail-out. If I refuse to buy a GM car--I paid for something I did not get. That is how I feel about that.
I don't want a camaro, I want a Z06. Yes, the Camaro is arse inside. Not that the Z06 is so awesome inside, but the Camaro is just...well. You know.
Like I said, 5.0>Camaro. Z06>Anything else new under $100K. Seats can be replaced if you don't like them, and a lot cheaper and without voiding driveline warranties,etc.
I did not join the USMC. However, I lived with a Marine for a while. He had nothing against imports.
Principals...You have no problem paying unconstitutional taxes. Why? You would go to jail/court if you didn't. It's easier to knuckle under. Don't play the "I have principals" card.
History of U.S. Gov’t Bailouts - ProPublica
Do you fly?
Do you use any goods transported by Penn Central Railroad?
Do you have insurance through AIG?
Did you use any of the "stimulus" money "given" to the public?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above--again--don't come at me with "I'm a person of principal" and then knock me or those who decide to buy a GM because they view it as the best choice for them.
Further, no, Ford didn't get the bail-out, but they still whined for money and threatened and made a huge stink about it:
Ford: Bailout-Free But Still Begging | The Truth About Cars
So, once again, I will take the GM product if it suits me better than any other out there. I buy what I think will suite my needs best--especially if I have an investment in it (I am a tax-payer, I am vested in GM).
Also of note, your Uncle was from a different generation with a different mindset. People from my generation are less likely to exhibit brand loyalty and more likely to buy the products that we view as best suited to our needs. It isn't necessarily about integrity, but a different way of thinking.
Further, I think Nissan also participated in the cash for clunker "government stimulus". Good luck finding a "pure" company which has made it on it's own who can say the same for their suppliers as well if they make an item with 100 or more moving parts.