Only in America!

Totally agree with you.  No wonder we are in trouble with a goverment not willing to hold these companies accountable.

I agree with you. I can not understand why the government can not hold them responsible. I hope new administration does make these  banks accountable

Paul :

The banking bailout was a basic handout, it dosnt direct the money to help the general welfare.

The banks are using it for their own purposes and could give a care about everything else.

They kind of said, I am on the ledge and holding your baby, if I don't get money I will jump.

Sometimes we feel we should have grabbed the baby and pushed.

Richard

Paul, IMO The only silver lining in the entire bank and lending business is now the rest of the world show know and see clearly it is not Realtors who are responsible for everything because of our big fat commissions... it was the stupid lending practices of banks and their greed.

Like you said, only in America. When I first came to the country, I thought I'd be contributing to the greatest capitalist country in the world, where when you work, you get to eat and when you dont work, you dont get to eat. It looks like this concept has definitely changed these past few years.

This may be a little off-topic, but it could go well into the discussion if you let me take it there.

Watch I have noticed with some of my friends' teenage kids. They much prefer to stay home to play computer games, or roam the malls than to get part-time jobs mowing yards or babysitting. When they turn 16, they demand for new(er) cars. Gone are the days you see them in $1,000 cars. Sad to say, parents cave in to their requests too. They buy and put themselves into debt to satisfy these things that have no eternel value (it's just stuff) but no character-building values.

What have we become as a nation of raising Great Leaders?

I'm taking this excerpt as a topic of my weekend rant. Off my soap box now.

Good one Paul-Dinah Lee

Paul,

I have written about this on several occasions.

Congress certainly was culpable too - handing over billions with no oversight or pre-conditions.

All this points to is that Congress can always make a mess (and with each new law, does) but they can't ever get us out of one.

No stronger case in the world for the government to butt the h*ll out of our business.

We can crash on our own quite well without government help to really screw things royally.

You can have your soapbox back.

My 2c.

Hi Paul, It just doesn't seem right, does it? And nothing seems to be changing either.  I'm afraid it may only be getting worse in the future.

$1000?  I think we should be talking about a LOT more.  Just to be on the same scale we should be talking about tens of thousands of dollars.  I am amazed at the incredible arrogance of the banking industry.  I think the bailout should be pulled. 

Responding to Loreena's comment:  I remember when I first moved to Plano, Texas from Ohio in 1982. I remember driving by Plano Senior High School... by the parking lot... and was just amazed by the number of Beemers, Volvo's, and "muscle" cars like the Chevy Camaro's and Pontiac Firebirds.  I remember thinking... if these kids start OUT driving cars like these... where do they go from here ?  It all seemed backwards to me.

Paul:  I received your email, and I know very well your name is not Loreena.  But... I am guessing if that is what you wanted to do, and you weren't hurting anyone, I am sure we would all support you on your name change.  Take care... :)