Bailout Season

It's everywhere, this word. A concept that was in our psyche since time immemorial but has really caught on in the public space recently. The rationale of having someone look after you  in bad times or in case you default has been extended to companies (US auto industry, Indian banking industry), country governments (Greece), and individuals (doles). It is a policy challenge/dilemma for all. Should you bailout someone? Should you be bailed out? On what conditions should the bailout take place? I think the real question is : is their a REAL bailout? Or is it a mindset that drags you to make mistakes confidently, let someone be responsible for your failings by giving away your freedom temporarily?

Another viewpoint would say that we live in a symbiotic space where even the flapping of a butterfly's wings causes effects, so in view of this bailouts could be seen as a natural process. Sometimes I save you, sometimes you save me.  

Ideally, one should strive to create a system (family, organisation, institution) where accountability is encouraged, where risk taking should be promoted. In such a system, people should be encouraged to reveal problems before they snowball. If they are reluctant to open up, the likelihood that they will hide systemic faults will be detrimental. At the same time, bailouts should not be ad-hoc but rule based.