Two Unpopular Views

First, all of these plans on top of plans are getting out of hand. Why does any bank need to be bailed out? They made bets on investments, the investments lost, they loose! If I go to Las Vegas and go all in, I don't ask the casion for a second chance. We are giving money to companies to pay their debt and stay afloat so they can turned around and force their customers to pay their own bills!!!!!! As for the AIG bonus scandal. What scandal???? Let them pay the bonus just do not give them another dime of tax payer money! No news laws need to be considered. Besides, AIG is going to fail anyway no matter how much money we give them. Do you know anyoone who would do business with them right now?? Every American who has an account with AIG should shut down their account tomorrow and withdrawl every dollar. Let's show the government that there is no such thng as to big to fail!!!!!

The biggest problem with the AIG bonus scandal is that it takes the focus off the trillions in projected deficits as well as the magic money that the Fed and the Treasury are creating outside the budget process. This is all very important and it needs a lot of review by the Congress as well as the public. No matter how the AIG issue is resolved, it will make no difference in our economic future.

Brava, Cheryl! The ranting and raving is getting overwhelming. When a U.S. Senator speaks about mass suicide we are waaaaay off track. Being right is more important than being popular. You're right on the money on both scores.

Great, Cheryl! Thanks for satnding up to the demagogues like Hannity! His thick-headed grandstanding gives rise to the torch-and-pitchfork crowd that flourishes here. The American public has been infantilized: the breast-beating about "unfairness" demonstrates the narrow-mindedness and immaturity of the debate. The simple truth is that we will require a massive reflation to get us out of this hole. AIG bonuses and earmarks won't even rate a footnote when the story of our economic recovery is written.

In regards to the AIG bonus scandal: Who gives a flying fart, our government is throwing trillions of dollars at the banks, lets focus on where our billions are going first then come back for looking for the "chump" change later. In regards to Geithner not being up to the job: There is not much anyone can do about this situation. This country spent years building up the housing and stock market bubbles, the bubbles are bursted and our problems cannot be fixed all at once. These guys at the treasury and fed are trying to strike the right balance between going into a depression or just completely inflating our way out of the mess. Either way we are all going to lose, however inflating things a bit may spread the pain out over time; but again, we are all going to lose.

How can anyone point fingers atothers, if no one read the stupid bill. Transparency my a???

1) At this point in time, it doesn't make any difference if Geithner stays or goes. No matter what he says, one group will feel relief ( and regain confidence ), while another has just the opposite reaction. As we find out more and more of what was known about AIG, THAT is what undermines everyone's confidence. No matter WHO the "mouthpiece" is speaking the words.., no one is going to be so trusting ( i.e. naive ), as to believe what is being said. Too much has gone on with lieing, and hiding, and sneaking things through, that putting trust in the administration and the powers that be in congress, would rank right up there with buying a position in Enron today. After a while, with this constant stream of untruths and enuendo , it becomes insulting to the public , to keep talking and feel that WE, the public, simply MUST accept what is being said. Think Sen. Dodd. 2) As for bonus reform..,the time for that was TWO years ago. Once you're on the public dime.., all the "old ways" of doing things are null and void. Since the contracts were formed prior to the bail outs..,subtract the amount from the bale out, and THEN pay the bonuses from what's left. Use Lehman as a template. Pay them the same as Lehman bonuses paid at the end of 2008. THAT'S what they are ENTITLED to. This tax bill, should be a wake up call.., that we are NOT being represented by our elected officials. They passed the legislation that caused the need for the tax bill without being given time to read it ! WTF

Cody and Rebecca just endorsed activists and assorted loons protesting on the front lawns of the homes of the AIG bonus executives. Regardless of what one may think about the bonuses, since when is cheering on class-envy zealots a part of a free-market (not to mention the rule of law) society? That was despicable and irresponsible and juvenile. This is inviting mob rule. Total boneheaded hysteria - grow up people!

First off, 1) We are not further eroding the public trust and confidence by firing Geithner. The trust and confidence just isn't there, so get someone else who has somc credibility to take his place. The public needs someone OTHER than Geithner to help restore their trust. 2) Simple, you pay your debts first. If you owe someone money, you don't go out and spend lavishly on yourself before you pay them back. Apparently, AIG Executive's greed has blinded them from from common sense. They should pay us, the taxpayers, back first.

Constitutional geniuses Obama, Reid, and Pelosi are probably unfamiliar with Article One, Section 9 of the US Constitution. Won't someone please explain to them what a Bill of Attainder is?

Mr. Obama approved the bonus' by signing the stimulus package. Didn't he read it first?

Funny they listen to the people about the wrong things and have closed ears when it is the right thing. Go figure.

I often don't agree with you but regarding the panic tax on bonuses, I do. It was a bad idea and it will ultimately hurt more people. As far as Geithner is concerned, he should never have been hired in the first place. He's a tax cheat and I believe he should be fired or resign as soon as possible. We need someone squeaky clean in his position.

He needs to go! Didn't pay taxes and was complicit in this protecting the bank bonus scheme. OUT, right now!