Dan Hartzell

2009 Outlook: Better Safe Than Sorry

Trying to look at both sides before deciding. I agree with you. A little caution and common sense approach and we'll start seeing and end to this recession later this year.

Bernanke Gives Up on Reverse Auction Idea

How about setting a specific amount. Say, 50 cents on the dollar. Make the banks take the remainder of the loss. Sounds too simple? Sometimes the simple answer works.

AIG: Hardly a 'Bailout', Absolutely Necessary

Bailouts can be good. With a controling interest, maybe the government can push management to make some tough decisions. If so, AIG will survive and not at the cost of the taxpayers.

Are Some Companies Too Big to Let Fail?

My analysis was if a large company fails, not declares bankruptcy. Many companies in the past that filed bankruptcy emerged, smaller but healthier companies. I'm talking closure. Doors shut. If Chrysler had declared bankruptcy, they might have survived or been sold. Either way in that scenario, workers would not have lost their jobs. As it was, there was new management that was able to turn the company around.

Now, I'm not advocating bailing out every company. Bear Sterns may or may not cost the taxpayers in the end. Fannie and Freddie? Well, even I think it's going to cost us.