The use of the term “miscreants” (depraved, villainous, or base) is misleading when used in reference to the players in financial services. They are felons – in virtue, if not in fact.

The Pethokoukis piece, while factually accurate imo, hints of defensive posturing as the two titans of terror – Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue – duke it out. God made sin by inventing woman.

The incestuous “bonds” (triple play pun) that tie Washington to Wall St are probably too strong to be broken.

And buddy larsen, the financial contributions angle favoring Dems over Repubs must be considered in the context of likely electoral winners. If the Repubs had any reputation left, the money would reverse course. The Repubs are in a trough because the markets malfunctioned, which opened the door to Dem “management”. You can argue the ideological persuasion of those who contributed to the removal of effective market control but in essence they were agnostic players – following the money, not the dream.

(CRA being the great big exception – where were the Repubs? Protesting too much as the proper ladies they were.)

bl: Like the death of western markets and economies and societies and cultures will be the ‘unanticipated consequence’ of never being able to anticipate any consequences at all, because, lets face it, not everybody is equally good at it so it gives brains and character an unfair advantage?

I have to say, I do see that as well – concerted assaults on the markets.

I sort of side with Dave on the strength of American companies – good earnings, strong balance sheets, bottoming unemployment – which means I see a structurally sound upside to USA market growth.

Which means whoever is toying with us has a serious opponent.

Courtesy of the middle class I might add.