[hedgetrimmer]

The banks decided to give out loans to anyone who showed up at their offices.

Think about it. What has changed in the last 20 years that banks would do this? When did banks start issuing loans to illegal aliens? When did foreign corporations and governments start buying significant stakes in our financial system?

[expat_panama]

"... foreign corporations and governments start buying significant stakes in our financial system?"

OK, so last year the Chicoms bought up Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac at $60 per share, and now they're hoping to get 50 cents.   I'm telling you Hedge, this is not bad for America.

[EGPWS]

When did banks start issuing loans to illegal aliens?

When illegal aliens were labeled undocumented and lost their criminal title.

When did foreign corporations and governments start buying significant stakes in our financial system?

Decades ago.