They did so only to protect those executive golden parachutes and for no other reason. Patriotic intententions had jackscitt to do with it though many in the masses bought it hook, line and sinker.
You would be wise to read this. While it had nothing to do with patriotism it had nothing to do with executive benefits either. It was about saving Ford. It's a great read and certainly opened my eyes about the auto industry. I'll certainly never touch a GM or Chrysler product again.
http://www.amazon.com/American-Icon-Mulally-Fight-Company/dp/030788606 
