Bailout Scorecard: The End of the Beginning

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soundtracks of AL 5:25AM July 17, 2009

Spending $575 billion on TARP is only an economic fix,because it's limited to fixing an economic problem. TARP would have relatively little political impact. But if you gave the same amount ($575 billion) to the car industry here in Detroit,we could develop a complete system for running cars without gasoline,and then America won't have to import any more foreign oil. Eliminating foreign oil imports would have far-reaching political impact,since it would allow us to stop the war for oil in the middle east. Saving the car industry does more than save the car industry,it also leaves the car-makers free to solve our dependence on foreign oil,and as soon as we are free of our dependency on foreign oil,we can bring our troops home,since there won't be any more reason to fight a war for oil in the middle east.

Anthony Ratkov of MI 2:39AM March 31, 2009

As one of the public, we are left ignorant of the plans for recovery and as well of the financial conditions of the banks and insurance companies. This analysis of the various plans should be read by all interested parties. Thanks for the information.

Glynn of TX 1:32PM March 27, 2009

it probably would have been way cheaper to bail out people at the bottom by having Uncle Sam actually pay 50% of every mortgage payment in the country for a couple of years. Say about $750 a month on maybe 40 million or so mortages---a cost of $30 billion a month for a while.
No foreclosure crisis, no crash of mortgage bonds, no bailouts for Fannie, Freddie, AIG, Wamu, Merrill, Bear, Citi, Indymac, etc. Probably far lower stock market and job losses
But no, WE have to bail the corporations and would think it "irresponsible" to bail the people.

Muser of NM 5:11PM March 26, 2009

We wont know what it ultimately will cost -- but the amount of total dollars at risk -- all guarantees, loans, credit, obligations, etc is now over 14 trillion!
Astonishing

Barry Ritholtz of NY 2:12PM March 26, 2009

I really appreciate your posts because they present a measured response to what is happening. I am a retiree trying to steer between the shoals and it helps to have a good overview of what is happening. I also read Doug Kass who is knowledgeable and grounded. Too much hysteria and hysterical reactions to everything that is said and done.

Neil of SC 11:50AM March 26, 2009