The Disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street

We don't know anyone with more than $100k to be insured by the FDIC. The reason the markets went up wasn't because the bailout might happen, it's because investors saw bargains. We are a country that has weathered storms and come out better for it. My generation needs to suffer for our mistakes/greed and not put the burden on our children.-Bryant Hardwick

This rush to bailout the firms that made bad business choices may provide a short-term fix but will be disasterous to future generations. Have those in Washington forgotten: 1) the Constitution, which does not allow for this type of "investment" and 2) that these companies may declare bankruptcy? So the ownership of the companies goes from shareholders and investors to creditors...why is that such a bad thing? If people have diverse portfolios in their retirement, they will be fine in the short term. Any bailout will be devastating to the United States.

On this end of Main Street, people don't trust the administration, its fear mongering, and that this is the best or only solution. There are better ways to free up, or inject capital, and pay for it, without the stink of corruption.

The Democrats who dissented, like Mr. Hodes, should be applauded for their populist stand. Now if they can just resist taking this bad medicine, no matter how much more sugar is added in the coming days.

Lastly, it seems there should be a disconnect between Main and Wall Street. Even though the average citizen now casts his lot with the elite Wall Street bankers through 401k type investments and easy access trading, there is still a difference between those that create real wealth with goods and services(Main St.) and those who use that wealth to create money(Wall St.), and provide that money(credit) to Main St.

I have two questions: 1.) our economy has largely shifted from manufacturing (i.e., adding value to material goods) to financial manipulation. Isn't our economy now based on a giant Ponzi scheme?

2.) Why shouldn't Congress impose strict financial controls on these financial instruments and ensure that there's something of value behind any loan?

Dr. Allan Meltzer said on the Jim Lehr New Hour that the Fed should loan the banks money at interest. That would solve the liquidity problem, make them pay for their errors. Therefore, we as taxpayers would not only get our money back but earn interest to apply to the deficit. Could your guest comment?

why is Paulson the only designated decision maker regarding asset purchase?

What other poor debt obligations might be contained within the Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs) that contain the subprime mortgages?

Why does Paulson want sole decision control with no oversight from committee or court?