As GM and Chrysler shutter their plants waiting for their handouts from the taxpayers, I wonder: Is this blackmail or just common sense? The timing of the closings says it is their way to put the pressure on our politicians to save jobs. But in the common-sense world, closing the plants temporarily or permanently is something they will have to do with or without any bailout money. They can't just keep people working producing more gas guzzlers that no one will buy or can afford to buy. Just look around; the car lots are full of cars but very few customers. Wake up, America; let the free enterprise system work. The weak perish, the strong will survive. Your next car may not be made by the Big Three. If there is a market for cars, someone will make one and the auto workers will be first in line for jobs at a new car company. JIM CLARK, MOUNDS VIEW