Shouldn't the taxpayers own AIG now?

[panader0]

$85 billion of taxpayer money for an insurance company. Hell, it could be a start for us, it could expand into health insurance, etc, etc. We are buying it, we should own it!

[Xipe Totec]

1. You're 80% correct.

[panader0]

3. Go on---what do you mean?

[Xipe Totec]

4. We now own 80% of AIG, that's the deal

we bought 80%.

Granted, we paid WAY too much, but we now own it.

[Rage for Order]

5. We probably paid too much, but it remains to be seen

A 2 year loan at Libor + 8.5% is pretty steep, and if you can get a L + 8.5% return you're doing pretty well. In addition, with the government owning 80%, if the economy rebounds decently in the next couple of years it could turn out to be a pretty good investment.

That said, I'm not holding my breath. I think the more likely scenario is that it'll only end up costing us $10-$15 billion rather than $85 billion.

[RazBerryBeret]

2. Agreed, we should

own it AND run it!!
the way it should be run!!

[On the Road]

6. Yeah, AIG Should Start Offering Health Insurance

That could be a straight line into national health insurance.

[Indenturedebtor]

7. You're laboring under the "Just World Falacy"

The entire purpose of this buyout was to make sure that no plebes can escape their debt burdens. Our children will now pay for the largesse of fat cats.

[Lebam in LA]

8. Can I use my share

to secure a loan?:shrug:

[AlCzervik]

9. we own 80% of Manchester Untied now, and make sure you get your free tickets to the Breeders cup

yeah, we now sponsor that.

[WoodyM]

10. We all now own

a deck chair on the Titanic.