RE: blatant attack on PMs"The U.S. markets are now like some back-water Banana Republic, where they change the rules whenever it suits them, to protect the 'fat cats' at the top (at all costs)."
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The U.S.A (or at least the half classified as "haves") has long been a world unto themselves. The Bear Stearns handling is entirely consistent with recent history (Iraq invasion, Kyoto Protocol hijacking, Worldcom, Enron, Hurricane Katrina handling, debt rating agencies (now there's a joke!), NY & NJ govenors, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons, Lance et al).
No one should be surprised by the Bear Stearns handling.
And no one should surprised when more of the same arrives shortly -- more failed investment and retail banks yet to come! It's a free for all, check your morals and ethics at the door!!!