As the big three automakers are pleading for a $25 billion bailout from Congress, a Meridian auto dealer makes the argument for why it's a good move.

"It is a loan. It's not a bailout," said Steve Hall, the general manager of Nelson Hall Chevrolet. "They will pay the money back."

That's because Hall says a lot is at stake. He said if the industry collapses, it could be catastrophic and everyone would suffer.

"And they need help and it would in the best interest of everyone for Congress to give that help," Hall said.

Hall says while business is going well at his Meridian dealership, he's worried about the nearly 200 other General Motors employees here, not to mention the retirees whose pensions may be affected if the industry collapses.

But many people say automakers put themselves in this mess and should figure out how to get themselves out, and not ask Congress for money. Hall said the industry had no choice because of the credit crunch.

"If credit markets were like they are normally, then General Motors wouldn't be coming to the federal government for the loan," said Hall. "They would just go out to the general market."

Hall said he hopes others will see this as an investment and not a handout.

"These people are Americans," said Hall. "And these people that have pensions, and many of them are right here in Meridian, need General Motors and we need that income for our economy."

Hall said he can't see 64 years of family tradition at Nelson Hall going away any time soon.

"We're going to take it a day at a time," said Hall.