StateofConfusion

The Bailout Pork Effect: Short Term Rally, Long Term Disaster

Bearfund, Well stated. I would just add that if wages don't keep up and jobs are lost at higher rates (I think this is likely) then non-essential goods like iPods, new furniture, etc. will deflate. Of course there is a fight between rising costs (oil and materials) and low demand. We already see this in big cars and SUVs.

Bo Peng, thanks for the article. You have described the Shock Doctrine. This is a book by Naomi Klein and explains disaster capitalism.
To see a funny interview with her check out www.naomiklein.org/fil...

The Death of Consumption?

Agree, but the USA is far from a socialist nation, unless you mean for business. Socialism takes care of its citizens, health care in Europe is an example (not a perfect one). I wish there were a viable alternative to Obama and McCain. One that would not pander to illegal aliens through some Latino senators and one that will finish the fence on the border. Want to loose more jobs? We have 23 foreign worker visa types now and both candidates want more. Maybe one visa could go to a leader that would authorize open season on Congress. That I would vote for.

Walking Away: The Next Mortgage Crisis

I agree with Frogman. However, I don't see how all these people can find places to rent. Any house in foreclosure is not going to be rented so all who walk away will leave empty places unless someone buys them.
I do believe that resets should only go to a market rate (maybe 6.5%) not some rediculous rate, this would save many. Leaving your house just because the value dropped is immoral. Do you leave your new car when you drive it off the lot?
Finally, Bush and his neoconservative (do anything for business and nothing for people) administration is responsible. His is one job that should have been outsourced.

The Fed is Deflating: 10 Reasons Why

Perhaps its just me but like many articles I read, the end result is no real direction. So we will maybe have inflation or deflation or both. Do I buy more gold stocks? Is my money safe in a bank account? Will the stock market continue to go up or crash? If there will be price deflation, I want more cash. Mr. Bradley seems to say that with reduced credit and plenty of goods, that is what will happen (except for oil and food). While the author explains many things about credit and money I am again left in a state of confusion.

Warning Signs of a Modern Depression: See 1990 Japan

While I would agree that this is not all the fault of GB his adminstration certainly bears a large portion of responsibility. They have let the banks and investment funds run wild. Their mantra is to let corporations run the U.S. and what is good for business is great for America. Those who defend this are the ones that voted for him. All those voters will now make excuses to pass the blame.

The only out I see is massive investment and a national goal to repair infrastructure and alternative energy (not GB's version of ethanol). At least there is a payoff in this but it probably won't happen until we have a new president.