While I was over at FireDogLake reading Ian Welch’s article about the stimulus bill, the mystery of why Congress has done the things it’s done regarding our financial crisis finally was answered, at least for me. Specifically, I’m referring pouring $700 billion dollars down the crapper that we call our banking industry, while wringing its hands about anything that might create jobs for people who don’t have them at the moment. A commenter there started me thinking by writing this:

As go Republicans, so go bluedogs.

Talking point: you vote against this bill, and this economy goes down, it will be hung like an albatross round your neck, and you will find yourself in a bread line with everyone else, after the next election cycle.

Hit The Phones To Stop a Depression: Comment #37

Now, let me first emphasize that there’s nothing dumb about this comment. This is the way it should work in a democracy – if you screw up badly enough, you should pay a price. The problem is, that’s not the way it works in early 21st Century America.

Here’s why.

To see the remainder of this article, which includes embedded graphics that FDL doesn’t support, please click here. My apologies.