Loose Rules Sink Ship - Part II

And now ... for the rest of the story since 2004. Did Henry Paulsen see the financial markets imploding when he accepted appointment as Sec. of the Treasury in 2006? Doubt it. How much did Annette Nazareth know & when did she know it? When she resigned in 2007? Good questions & only she would know... unless of course someone sues & they all get hauled into some federal court with jurisdiction. Where would that be? Can our government be hauled into the Brussels International Court? ... More & more questions come to mind as I type. The New York Times reporters - bless their little hearts - have begun a series - "The Reckoning" - trying to answer some of my many questions. It will make the movie "Wall Street" look pithy & pale. Get front row seats & read all about it. Good night & good luck!!

Whaaa's Up Wall Street?

Perhaps the investment banking debacle will force the political chatter off-stage for awhile until it gets digested by the Chattering Masses on NonsenseNews. Reagan's trickle-down economic theories (voodoo economics) that have dominated markets & regulations for 28 yrs. are much like Rev. Wright's "chickens coming home to roost."

McCain's good buddy, Phil 'Nation of Whiners' Gramm of TX led the Republicans to sponsor & pass the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. It passed on a vote of 54 (GOP) to 44 (Dem) w/2 present. [S. 900 An Act to enhance competition in the financial services industry by providing a prudential framework for the affiliation of banks, securities firms, and other financial service providers, and for other purposes. Ck out the Roll Call Votes]

These "trickle down" economic policies were bound to get on that "free market" slippery slope leading to this mortgage/derivative debacle. So, now Wall Street's 'Welfare Kings' cry, "HELP US!" - maybe we do need regulatory babysitters after all.

McCain has indicated he will appoint Phil Gramm as Treasury Secretary! BIG reason to support Obama - smarts, resilience & demeanor attracts the best brains in the country to work with him.

Old Fed Reserve Chair Supports Obama

Does anyone remember 10% rates on 20 yr. mortgages (no ARMS then) & comparable inflation rates, then economic stagnation? Okay... can anyone remember Paul Volcker, who led the Federal Reserve from 1979 to 1987 (Carter & Reagan)? No? He’s that old guy who preceded Alan Greenspan & handled the 1980's debacle. Well, the nation may need him again... and thankfully, he's supporting Obama. Paul Volcker about Obama in Jan. 2008: “After 30 years in government, serving under five Presidents of both parties and chairing two non-partisan commissions on the Public Service, I have been reluctant to engage in political campaigns. The time has come to overcome that reluctance,” Volcker, a Democrat, said in a statement today. “However, it is not the current turmoil in markets or the economic uncertainties that have impelled my decision. Rather, it is the breadth and depth of challenges that face our nation at home and abroad. Those challenges demand a new leadership and a fresh approach.” He concluded: “It is only Barack Obama, in his person, in his ideas, in his ability to understand and to articulate both our needs and our hopes that provide the potential for strong and fresh leadership. That leadership must begin here in America but it can also restore needed confidence in our vision, our strength, and our purposes right around the world.” Volcker Joins List of Obama Backers The Wall Street Journal | January 31, 2008