Beware the "neo-bams"

Opportunity in crisis; a noble sentiment meant to restore confidence and a belief in American exceptionalism? Not so much. I highly recommend “The Future of Capitalism” multimedia series at www.FT.com. It’s a distinctly European view of the crisis – with European-style social(ist) solutions – but substantive none-the-less.Chrystia Freeland’s piece on the opportunity progressive Democrats see in all that’s happening is a must-read. It’s a theme more and more commentators are taking up. President Obama, Rahm Emanuel and Hillary Clinton have all said the downturn affords them an opening to push through agenda items that otherwise wouldn’t have a chance in hell. Hypocritical to say the least. President Bush’s supposed exploitation of 9/11 had political opponents red-faced with rage. All in the name of a neo-con plot to trample our civil rights and invade sovereign nations for oil. I can’t say I ever had jack-booted thugs break in my door. But I am seeing much more tangible and direct effects of the current President’s plans reflected in my 401(k) statements, and in the market’s daily wrap-up.