The big three have been bleeding cash for months -- $6 billion collectively per month for the last quarter.

In plans submitted Tuesday to Congress, General Motors claimed that it will be unable to continue operating if it doesn't have access to $4 billion by the end of this month. Overall, it seeks an $18-billion "loan." Chrysler says it will need access to $7 billion as soon as possible. Ford, the company in the least precarious state, says it won't necessarily need to tap into its requested $9-billion line of credit unless conditions worsen.

Yet while American Automakers plead for help before congress, there is another story that you haven't heard. A story of the 'other Ford'.

It is a Tale of Two Fords: One saddled with an anti-capitalist, industry-killing, bailout-needing union; the other in a capitalist free market.

Flash over to the Brazilian Ford Plant. It's a wonderful world. Business and labor working together for the good of everyone involved. Employees trying their best to be as valuable to the company as possible. Dogs and cats living in harmonious, wedded bliss. Not much more really needs to be said, other than you need to read this story at the Patriot room. Then feel free to tell me that the problems in Detroit aren't in large part due to the big three running what is in essence giant assisted living facilities.

As Mitt pointed out weeks ago -- it's time for bankruptcy, not bailout. Six in ten Americans agree but we'll see if big brother listens.

UPDATE: GM, Chrysler May Accept Bankruptcy to Receive Bailout