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Bloviating Zeppelin: Fomenting Civil War

Bloviating Zeppelin

(in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Fomenting Civil War


From Associated Press via Yahoo News:

AP study finds $1.6B went to bailed-out bank execs
Banks that have their hands out in Washington this year were handing out multimillion-dollar rewards to their executives last year.

The 116 banks that so far have received taxpayer dollars to boost them through the economic crisis gave their top tier of executives nearly $1.6 billion in salaries, bonuses and other benefits in 2007, an Associated Press analysis found.

That amount, spread among the 600 highest paid bank executives, would cover the bailout money given to several banks that have shared in the $188 billion that Washington has doled out in rescue packages so far.

The AP compiled total compensation based on annual reports that the banks file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The 116 banks have so far received $188 billion in taxpayer help. Among the findings:

-The average paid to each of the banks' top executives was $2.6 million in salary, bonuses and benefits.

-Lloyd Blankfein, president and chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs, took home nearly $54 million in compensation last year. The company's top five executives received a total of $242 million.


But furthermore, what of the absolute arrogance of the recipients, the refusal to be accountable? Read this:
But after receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they can't track exactly how they're spending the money or they simply refuse to discuss it.

"We've lent some of it. We've not lent some of it. We've not given any accounting of, 'Here's how we're doing it,'" said Thomas Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which received $25 billion in emergency bailout money. "We have not disclosed that to the public. We're declining to."

The Associated Press contacted 21 banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings, and what's the plan for the rest?

None of the banks provided specific answers.

"We're not providing dollar-in, dollar-out tracking," said Barry Koling, a spokesman for Atlanta, Ga.-based SunTrust Banks Inc., which got $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars.

Some banks said they simply didn't know where the money was going.

This, ladies and gentlemen, isn't Washington's money. It isn't local money or any kind of government money at all.

This is your money.

There is only one source of money: yours. You possess the blood-vein from which all of government taps.

Billions of dollars to banks, investment firms, accounting firms and now corporations. Billions and billions of dollars proffered to those who are only assured to continue on the same path to fiscal destruction. Billions and billions of dollars pissed away with absolutely no accountability whatsoever. And there only exists a future of these same entities coming back again and again and again to feed at the governmental trough. A trough filled by you and me. A trough we are mandated to fill and refill by governmental fiat.

Further, the government wants to see my books once a year?

I want to see their books. Open. For everyone. All the time.

And I want to see consequences -- just as there would be consequences for my irresponsible spending. I cannot spend money I do not have. I would eventually be arrested, and suffer consequences.

Government spends anything it wishes with little if any oversight.

Listen to me, my United States government: if you actually wish to foment insurrection, mass insurrection, violent insurrection, even a civil war, then you simply keep on this path.

How long are We The People, the source of this cash -- which is the result of the blood, sweat and tears of our labors -- going to acquiesce and continue to allow this behavior to run unchecked?

This is simply too egregious to ignore. And I am of sufficient anger that I must end this post now.

BZ

25 Comments:

Blogger Z said...

Boy, do I agree with you, BZ...I keep telling my husband "How much more are Americans going to TAKE of this? This could lead to civil war."

I don't know what to do.
Did you read Congress just gave itself a $5000 increase? Is it true? I've got to check into it...saw it on a blog; looked legit to me. Can you IMAGINE?? NOW?

And we have banks telling us "Ya, we thank you for the bucks, but we just can't tell you what we DID with it!" ??? WHAAAA??????

A friend just finished rebuilding her home...added many feet, spent a lot of money..suddenly, Wells Fargo tells them the loan's gone! The loan they signed ONE YEAR AGO "GEe, folks, that particular type of loan isn't here anymore, so you don't get your money!"

WE are suffering, the big guys are laughing down their noses...what DO WE DO?

Mon Dec 22, 01:37:00 PM PST  
Blogger TexasFred said...

I hit this one yesterday...

AP study finds $1.6B went to bailed-out bank execs

Anger doesn't BEGIN to describe what we should ALL be feeling!!

Mon Dec 22, 01:38:00 PM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

The American public is very slow to anger. But I submit, for the consideration of all, that if the government wishes to instigate revolt with little or no support from the military and police forces, they are on the proper path.

BZ

Mon Dec 22, 01:47:00 PM PST  
Blogger Gayle said...

You worked youself into a roiling boil with this one, BZ. You're post also had this affect on me, although I've been feeling it for awhile now, this post actually made me even angrier! I hope it has that affect on all who read it. It should, because it's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our government spends our money like demented drunken sailors out on a binge, and it simply doesn't seem to care, but come February I will spend nearly two weeks doing the itemizing of everything we have spent to run this farm and every single penny of profit! If I don't, and if I'm not crucially accurate when I do so... if my books don't balance, then I could be audited with a fine toothed comb. When I do the taxes this year I'll be thinking about all this and I probably won't be the most pleasant person to be around.

This has to end... one way or the other!

Mon Dec 22, 02:16:00 PM PST  
Blogger Rivka said...

Gayle,
You are dead on right.

BZ,
Just stopped by to wish you a merry Christmas!! I know it is not there yet, but thought I would send some Christmas cheer your way!

Mon Dec 22, 03:53:00 PM PST  
Blogger Ducky's here said...

My. my, who'd have guessed that even the furthest right would tire of Kapital's shenanigans.

Mon Dec 22, 04:24:00 PM PST  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And they wonder why people are cynical of government and how your money is being spent. You have every right to be white-hot with anger.

Didn't your founding father warn of the power of these banking institutions. Never forget to hang onto your guns people, for that day when you've had enough may be closer than we think.

Mon Dec 22, 07:13:00 PM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

Mr. Ducky: those who hold to a Conservative and/or a bit of Libertarian bent do NOT believe in any kind of bailout -- myself included.

MK: already in Fornicalia: "Just aired on the local news is information that L.A. wants to be the first city to ban certain types of ammo including. 7.62, .50 cal, and many others. They also are working on 6 other ammo & gun ban related laws that would include the right for landlords to evict anyone with a gun in the rental without written consent. The laws are trying to be pushed through to take affect 1/1/09. They interviewed a highly respected retired LAPD gang detective who said: ”This will not have any effect on how the gangs and criminals run the streets and shoot innocent victims.” He also said, ”Yeah, the gangmembers are gonna hold a meeting to discuss how there is a new law on the books and that they would be breaking the law if they have this ammo.”

Quote: ""First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Social Democrats, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Social Democrat. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew, Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me." - Pastor Martin Niemoller

And how much easier does a governmental scenario play out when they come for you AND your guns BECAUSE of your guns?

After all, everyone knows, it can't happen here, it can't happen in the UK, it can't happen in Australia.

BZ

Mon Dec 22, 09:15:00 PM PST  
Blogger Isaac said...

Speaking of the Civil War, now with BHO coming to office I fear it might happen again... Not the most optimistic train of thought, but I fear the worst.

Ducky,
I agree with BZ on that, besides, it has not worked has it?

Mon Dec 22, 10:28:00 PM PST  
Blogger Unknown said...

If the American people continue to just sit back and let this mess continue, America as we knew it will be gone. The banks paid out nearly the entire amount of the bailout money in compensations to it employees.
The Auto Union is super rich, yet wants more Government money to keep it members working and paying dues!!
Who will be the next with their hands out for our money??

Tue Dec 23, 03:11:00 AM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

Isaac: quite true.

RGR: who next? Everyone -- save you and me.

BZ

Tue Dec 23, 06:32:00 AM PST  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On the plus side we DO KNOW what AIG did with theirs PARTY PARTY PARTY

Tue Dec 23, 07:12:00 AM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

WMD: yes, pretty much.

BZ

Tue Dec 23, 07:18:00 AM PST  
Blogger shoprat said...

You know we won't get a refund on it.

Merry Christmas anyway.

Tue Dec 23, 09:21:00 AM PST  
Blogger shoprat said...

We're looking at socialism at its best.

Tue Dec 23, 09:23:00 AM PST  
Blogger Unknown said...

Amen BZ....unbelievable.

Have a great Christmas!

Tue Dec 23, 10:46:00 AM PST  
Blogger LoneRider said...

I don't know anywhere near as much about law enforcement as many of you, and even less about the gangs of LA. But my concern would be, if they can't heat to a gun show, or academy or such, and get standard 7.62mm, then they will have to go to a bit more effort to get the ammunition of choice, follow me so far?

Thus they become a bit more picky, and make their effort worth while. So instead of getting the run of the mill 1700ft/sec 7.62 rounds, they might go the extra mile with the dealer of choice and get military grade rounds, N. of 3000ft/sec IIRC. The kind that will pierce body armor?

Just thinking out loud. I really with the politicians where at the blunt end of "unintended consequences" once in a while.

Tue Dec 23, 12:51:00 PM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

Lonerider: thanks for visiting and thanks for commenting. Yes, unintended consequences entirely. Where do a good percentile of guns come from into the criminal element, mostly in cities? Obviously not from gunshops or knocking over the FedEx or UPS truck, but from residential burglaries. Having taken a number of those reports, burglars don't necessarily enter one's home with that specific intent in mind, but with the intent of acquiring something, ANYthing that can be turned around quickly for cash. It is my experience that very FEW homeowners secure their weapons properly, either with triggerlocks, safes or other unfindable/unknowable locations -- even yard caches.

In any event, keep it up, US -- do your level best to deplete the middle class, spend billions on your cronies and then levy even GREATER fines and taxes whilst, at the same time, removing more freedoms from the electorate. Sure, it may take some more time but, truly, I don't think you'll enjoy what you may receive. Ever hear of, say, a NATIONAL refusal to pay taxes? A Tax Tea Party? If there can be a Day Without a Mexican, a Day Without a Gay, how about a Day With No Taxes and, say, let's make that day April 15th? Not saying, not advocating, just hypothesizing.

BZ

BZ

Tue Dec 23, 03:22:00 PM PST  
Blogger A Jacksonian said...

"... The people of this state will have very little acquaintance with those who may be chosen to represent them; a great part of them will, probably, not know the characters of their own members, much less that of a majority of those who will compose the foederal assembly; they will consist of men, whose names they have never heard, and whose talents and regard for the public good, they are total strangers to; and they will have no persons so immediately of their choice so near them, of their neighbours and of their own rank in life, that they can feel themselves secure in trusting their interests in their hands. The representatives of the people cannot, as they now do, after they have passed laws, mix with the people, and explain to them the motives which induced the adoption of any measure, point out its utility, and remove objections or silence unreasonable clamours against it. — The number will be so small that but a very few of the most sensible and respectable yeomanry of the country can ever have any knowledge of them: being so far removed from the people, their station will be elevated and important, and they will be considered as ambitious and designing. They will not be viewed by the people as part of themselves, but as a body distinct from them, and having separate interests to pursue; the consequence will be, that a perpetual jealousy will exist in the minds of the people against them; their conduct will be narrowly watched; their measures scrutinized; and their laws opposed, evaded, or reluctantly obeyed. This is natural, and exactly corresponds with the conduct of individuals towards those in whose hands they intrust important concerns...." - Brutus, in Brutus IV, 29 NOV 1787.

Yes those very few will see their elevated stations as separating them from the people... they will not know our concerns, and will see more in each other than they do with the common man. Because they are no longer of the people, they must be scrutinized and that, as Brutus said, is natural.

We have been told that the Anti-Federalists were one thing while, in fact, they represented many views and criticized the Constitution on many grounds, including that of understanding culture. If we praise the wisdom of Madison, Hamilton, et. al., then can we not also praise our fellow countrymen who warned of the problems that would be engendered by the endeavor and who offered ways to *address them*?

When we see representative democracy fail us, it is not only the immediate effects but the long-standing causes that must be addressed. One President wanted to keep the government's meddling out of our lives and the financial safety of the Nation, and he shut down the means that were set up to do that. Unfortunately we 'progressed' in a reverse direction and put in a new institution to do just that - meddle in our economy. That same institution got the policy wrong at the start of the Great Depression. Now it is well on its way to get it wrong *again*. Yet the political elites love it because they can back all sorts of unsound financial practices and call it 'good law'.

Now we pay for such 'good law' and pay dearly. The good banks, the small banks, the local banks, the banks that did *not* follow the dictates from DC and did the right thing... those are not going under and even, still, making a decent profit. A distributed financial system is inherently more robust than a centralized one as it can generate a multitude of responses and find ones that work best... appointed bureaucrats? Not so good at that, are they?

Too much power in the hands of too few that we do not know nor can we get rid of... both parties signed off on this over the last nine decades. It is neither regulation nor lack of it, but the intrusion of government where it does not belong that is the problem.

Not that you will hear that from the political class of either 'Left' or 'Right'. They like the meddling too much.

And are distant from the common man.

Tue Dec 23, 06:38:00 PM PST  
Blogger Bushwack said...

ANGER?? How about RAGE? We should be in a RAGE, we should be taking to the streets of DC and demanding resignations. We should be descending on Sacramento and explaining to the so-called leaders is our state that OUR VOTE COUNTS. and when we vote we expect that vote to mean something.

When will we wake up and take our country back? Only when GOOD folks are unemployed. When Good folks see that the only way to save our country and ourselves is to take up the cause of freedom and FIGHT. IT is closer to a civil war right now than in any time since the original. I think this time though we will have a large amount of ALL races fighting against ALL races... it will be a true civil war and GOD help us if it happens AFTER the gun bans.

Tue Dec 23, 08:14:00 PM PST  
Blogger Pasadena Closet Conservative said...

Yep, it's arrogance at its best. They should all be ashamed, but that would require a conscience.

Tue Dec 23, 09:40:00 PM PST  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas BZ and Mrs. BZ, and have a wonderful New Year !

Tue Dec 23, 11:48:00 PM PST  
Blogger Gayle said...

Merry Christmas, BZ.

Wed Dec 24, 07:24:00 AM PST  
Blogger Bloviating Zeppelin said...

Thanks for the Merry Christmas, all!

BZ

Wed Dec 24, 11:03:00 AM PST  
Blogger Mahndisa S. Rigmaiden said...

12 29 08

The Founding Fathers created a system of governance that allows legislators to make choices for the good of the people. This means that legislators can ignore the will of the people if they think it will be better for society. But the problem is, who are our legislators and are they making reasonable choices? Hell no! And that is why we are in this mess. Participatory democracy looks better and better to me sometimes particularly for this reason...

Mon Dec 29, 09:58:00 PM PST  

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