My arguments are not straw man arguments. Not in the least. You say a proper capitalist roader company does not get government benefits—even when its in the public interest that they do so. I’ve showed you half dozen or so examples historically and contemporary where in fact that is the case. Companies do enjoy government benefits—especially when its in the public interest—and they have done so since the founding of the republic.
According to your ideal realm where metal birds sing—gm & ford are good because they make profits stand alone. But in 2009 when they almost went under—they were bailed out by the federal government.
I know— that was a democrat thing.
On the republican side, the coal companies were almost regulated out of business—but Trump brought them back to life by deregulating them.
Again, here is what I said
"I applaud him for taking advantage of the system. His rocket $ from gov is hardly the only subsidy he’s received. 1) tax credits for cars 2) tax credits for solar 3) Selling credits on his cars for MPG to other car companies due to CAFE requirements put in place by Obama etc. But just because he, and other companies, are good at taking advantage of the US taxpayer doesn’t make him a jewel."
Hint: the others companies include a lot of other companies, including GM and F. F, however, was not bailed out by the government, and most of their profit comes from Trucks and SUVs. I would never use Detroit as an example of American exceptionalism in the last 50 years. Hence, your strawman.