[corlorde]

Why weren't they downgraded years ago?

One word answer: "Barney".

[Lancey Howard]

"Now the economy is just layin' there like a big carrot, Barn."

[Let's Roll]

Yep, I’ve seen a copy of at least one letter that GWB sent to Barney voicing his concern that FF were over-exposed (perhaps not the best word to use in connection with Barney - ‘connection’ isn’t either.) Barney told GWB that FF were just fine and GWB should mind his own business.

You darn well that Barney didn’t know if they were just fine or not because like most of his partners in crime, he has no idea what he’s doing.