Andrewwhyte 1 #26 January 7, 2009 I think that among the large group of Americans who are willing to give Obama a blank check you will not find a lot of members of Congress. They will still defend their turf, Republican and Democrat alike. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #27 January 8, 2009 QuoteI think that among the large group of Americans who are willing to give Obama a blank check you will not find a lot of members of Congress. They will still defend their turf, Republican and Democrat alike. And run the risk of being called "racist"? Ask Harry Reid how that works.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #28 January 8, 2009 Quote>I disagree, there are plenty of banking regulations. There are indeed. However, I would argue that the elimination of oversight and reporting requirements on CDSes led directly to the CDS scandal and the collapse of that market - which was one of the early triggers of the recession. Seeing as how those types of instruments didn't exist 10-15 years ago, I disagree. Also, those instruments wouldn't be collapsing if the banks weren't providing shitty mortgage products (like 80/20s and 3/5 year ARMs to those that can't afford the adjustment). That created the oversupply by those needed to unload their suddenly unaffordable houses, crashing values, and rendering the MBS chain worthless.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #29 January 8, 2009 QuoteI disagree, there are plenty of banking regulations. Those regulations were side-stepped to a willing blind eye. No banker actually thinks NINJa loans (ala Indy Mac) are a good thing. The SEC was given red-flags over Madoff for years... Concur x 2. It is perhaps likely the conclusions and analysis regarding those facts to which we will differ. Why didn’t the SEC investigate? If bankers realized NINJA loans, securitizations, and other financial vehicles were problematic, does that not support the assertion that the culpability was there? The problem isn’t greed: greed is a relative ‘constant’ throughout history. The absence of oversight, the lack of tacit ability to implement, and apparent lack of consequences for those who engaged in behavior are the problem. Individual homeowners – whether a 2nd McMansion or rural poor – are experiencing consequences through loss of homes. VR/Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 334 #30 January 10, 2009 I find it amusing that Coleman, when he initially "won" by a very small margin, said that if the shoe were on the other foot, he would not be petitioning for a recount. Now that the shoe IS on the other foot, he want a re-recount. Franken is the better person for the office. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #31 January 10, 2009 Quote>A man that can't manage his own personal taxes, you want to play a >role in spending your taxes? Their choice. Heck, if Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan can get elected . . . . If, Al Franken does get the position and when he is sworn in says; "LIVE FROM NEW YORK... IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT! Look out! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,114 #32 January 10, 2009 >I find it amusing that Coleman, when he initially "won" by a very small >margin, said that if the shoe were on the other foot, he would not be >petitioning for a recount. Now that the shoe IS on the other foot, he want >a re-recount. Yep. I also recall him lambasting Franken for not withdrawing and wasting taxpayer dollars. But now that _he_ is in an opportunity to waste taxpayer dollars, well . . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites