Free Republic

Apparently New York's Mayor Bloomberg was on the short list to be named Secretary Treasurer back in 2008, and now the White House is revisiting the idea. From the NYPost: "It's been the focus of a lot of discussion," said one Democrat. "He's very well-liked and well-respected on Wall Street." At least the second half is probably true. The roots of this rumor are in Martha's Vineyard. Asked about last weekend's four-hour golf game with President Obama on Martha's Vineyard, Bloomberg told reporters yesterday, "The economy was the main subject, other than discussing golf."

I’m now convinced that the Obama administration is placing its political agenda above policies that would contribute to the economic recovery that millions of Americans so desperately need. That agenda includes bringing more economic activity under government control, making more people dependent on government, and, generally, redistributing wealth.I have come to this conclusion after listening to Team Obama’s spokesman, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, assert that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire on December 31, as currently scheduled, is good policy. In truth, raising tax rates when the economy is faltering is counterproductive. It will weaken the economy further. Given...

MAJOR FOREIGN HOLDERS OF TREASURY SECURITIES (in billions of dollars as of 12/09) China, Mainland 789.6 Japan 757.3 United Kingdom 2/ 277.5 Oil Exporters 3/ 187.7 Carib Bnkng Ctrs 4/ 179.8 Brazil 157.1 Hong Kong 146.2 Russia 128.1 Luxembourg 91.7 Taiwan 78.4 Germany 53.6 France 47.5 Canada 46.6 Korea, South 39.1 Ireland 38.8 Singapore 36.4 Thailand 31.7 India 31.6 Turkey 29.6 Norway 26.2 Mexico 26.2 Egypt 25.3 Netherlands 20.3 Sweden 19.4 Italy 19.1 Israel 16.6 Colombia 15.6 Belgium 15.3 Chile 12.2 Philippines 12.2 Australia 11.5 Malaysia 11.1 All Other 142.3 Grand Total 3597.5 Of which: For. Official 2404.6 Treasury Bills...

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner (GYT'-nur) says the U.S. government "will never" lose its sterling credit rating despite big budget deficits and a newly increased debt limit that now tops $14 trillion. [Snip] Moody's Investors Service recently issued a warning that the government's credit rating could eventually be in jeopardy if nation's finances don't improve. The cost of borrowing would increase significantly if the ratings service lowered the credit rating, also known as a bond rating, for U.S. Treasuries. Geithner tells ABC's "This Week" that will never happen.