However, GM isn't an individual. It is a huge company with hundreds of executives at the top, steering the boat.
GM isn't a boxer that took a hard punch by a powerful opponent.
GM whittled itself down, year after year, making bad decision after bad decision. And GM didn't entirely pick itself up... it required a major reorganization, financial destruction, and outside management.
That is the key thing. GM must remember, as an organization, how they went from largest automaker in the world to bankrupt. They need to have the "lessons learned" burned into the very DNA of their leadership culture.
I'm glad GM is back on track, for numerous reasons. A failure of GM would have been catastrophic not just to the domestic auto industry, but to the entire economy.
They had better stay on top of the game now, because I don't think the American public will have the will to save them again.