Is it unethical for the Unites States government to have a stake companies?

What is unethical about it? At best one might say it is not in the spirit of Madison Papers - the foundation of American Constitution, where the form of economy was "fixed" as free-enterprise capitalism, and made sacrosanct and made non-negotiable. But times are changing and demanding of the people different adjustment strategies. It is possible that there is cross-fertilization, and you are having US Government resorting to strategies, that are alien to the original architects of the constitution. US was a federation right from the beginning so they had to safeguard the various sub-cultures, that made the country. It was an intelligent decision for the States to have come together to form the Federal Government. Whereas Europe Balkanized, the States United in the American Continent to become the most powerful economy. The European Nations have just recently, c1999 realized the importance of coming together in a Union to their mutual benefit. In view of what is happening, the only understanding that you need to gain is that - Old order changeth yielding place to new.

Government should not involve in private business ownership or undertake business decision, it is not the role of government institution. Of course there will be conflict of interests in drafting legislation that favor government control industry or sector, so i think it is a bad idea in AIG and Citigroup stock acquisition by government using our tax dollars.

This is a very slippery slope that we do not need to be on. Of course the government is going to favor companies they partially own. they want a return on that investment. Just look at the scandels we have had with lobbyist and special interest groups with our elected officials. DO you really exspect them to act honorably? This has trouble written all over it.