[M203M4]

Yes, but that $30 taxpayer loss is for the Greater Good™. Plus, we all know that the government can make money on the deal, while private enterprise is wholly incapable of generating a profit under the same circumstances. What we do is take a bag full of garbage, recycle everything but the toxic waste at a profit, and shift the toxic waste to the taxpayer. Voila! As long as we only count the losses in some hidden way (for example, sweeping them under an inflationary rug), we can trumpet an overall government profit!

The theory of Free Lunch, cooked up using the magical powers of the fedgov.

[tumblindice]

Comrades: Is glorious `Comprehensive 5 Year
Ekonomik Reform Plan’! Da—from workers having ability to pay, to those domestic & foreign comrades needing rubles.
Hail to Commissar Paulson and brave nomenklatura!

[CharlesWayneCT]

Plus, we all know that the government can make money on the deal, while private enterprise is wholly incapable of generating a profit under the same circumstances.

Actually, that is true. There is such a large credit crunch at this MOMENT in time that nobody has the money to buy these assets, even at 30%, even if they think they are a great deal.

Meanwhile, banks need to SELL them, or else the banks can't lend money even to solid companies with excellent prospects.

When you see Warren Buffet running around snapping up companies (like Constellation Energy on Friday), you should realise that the people who HAVE money and are knowledgable seem to think that the market in some areas is oversold.