In our final installment of learnin about our new investments, we can reflect back on what we've learned. For one thing, it's not so bad. Sure, we aren't invested in something cool like Toyota hybrid technology or a hamburger machine, but we are invested in the future of the American automobile industry and that's not so bad, is it?

We've learned that many of the issues regarding the auto industry are related to poor regulatory issues. With state franchise laws preventing dealers from moving brands on to a watery grave and other issues crowding up the lots with unsold cars, the Detroit Three aren't in that bad of shape when you try to put a positive spin on it like we have.

But enough is enough. The truth is that the brands in Detroit are flailing around like fishes out of water and they are failing with sinking prices and factory closures. No matter how hard we or mags like Business Weekly might try to spin this situation, it isn't good. The auto industry needs the help, badly, and it needs to recover.