Can anyone help me? I'm confused

[OmahaBlueDog]

I was always tought that Democrats believed that government could be a force for good in business by regulating markets and ensuring transparency......

...and I was always told that Republicans believed in allowing markets to flourish in a marketplace unfettered by government interference

...and Democrats are always labeled as "liberals" (and worse) for using government to aid individuals and businesses who were facing hard times; Republicans believe that people and businesses make choices, and that part of personal responsibility is reaping the rewards or suffering the consequences for these choices.


So, if what I say is true, why is a Republican administration bailing out Bear Stearns?

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/treasurys-rally-bear-stearns-rescue/story.aspx?guid=%7BFD068ED0%2DBA8E%2D4DCD%2D92F9%2D00A8286353AF%7D&siteid=yhoof

[Demeter]

1. While We Can't Provide Answers Here, You've Got Plenty of Company!

and popcorn.

[OhioBlue]

2. As I see it

Republicans *say* that they are for free markets, lower taxes, smaller government, etc. etc.

but what they really look out for is wealth transfer to the top 1%, Status quo for the rich/elite, etc.

[Skinner]

3. Because what you were taught is no longer correct.

There has been a huge shift in the last couple decades.

The Democrats are now the party of the free market.

The Republicans are now the party of government hand-outs for giant corporations.

[bushmeister0]

4. Only the "little people" suffer the consequnces.

[CoffeeCat]

5. How dare you...

How dare you question a caring, compassionate government that wants to provide a safety
net for multi-billion dollar corporations.

Have you no heart or compassion for the corporation or it's feelings?

We must have programs that lift up corporations operating below their profit line. If we
don't step in, there is no hope for humanity--or for the precious corporate souls that need
our help, our money and a way out of their despair.

Are you that self centered?

Have you checked the streets of America lately? Down-and out corporations are sleeping on
sewer grates! They have no place to go! Their walls are crumbling, their flow charts are
sagging and America has a responsibility to provide a hand up in time of crisis.

Do you lack a soul?

Maybe you can walk by these struggling corporations on your way to work--and do nothing, but count
me out of your private, selfish hell. Corporations need us! We can't stand by and do nothing
while they suffer in front of us!

We must do something NOW, and that means massive billion-dollar, no-questions-asked bailouts
and federal assistance.

Geez! How can you even question a government that only wants to help???
:evilgrin:

[OmahaBlueDog]

6. Your compassion humbles me

I have to rethink my whole philosophy

Thanks to you, I see that Lay and Skilling were just misunderstood -- not criminals in the legal or moral sense of the word.

Maybe if I just spent more time reading Ayn Rand... or Ann Coulter.. it would all become clear.

Thanks, friend, for the wake-up call.

[CoffeeCat]

7. I'm always happy to give a wake up call...

...and please know that I will never call you at 3:00 a.m.!

;)

[EFerrari]

8. Because when they bail out their friends, it's not a bail out.

It's "good for the economy" which in turn is "patriotic".

[baldguy]

9. Because Bear Stearns has given a lot of money to the GOP.

The word is "kleptocracy"