The support given to GM and Chrysler in particular, as well as the literal bankrolling of many large banks.
Actually, I think it's this same topic: the federal government has strayed into far too many areas it has no business entering. It's supposed to provide a military, immigration/customs ... prop up failed car manufacturers? Not in my book - particularly when others like Ford were viable - and yes, that was a federal handout, at least partly aimed at enriching the powerful car manufacturing unions, who just happen to be politically connected...This mix up of private and public responsibilites are a pestilence, but I guess that is another topic.