We got conned out of 700 billion dollars.

Is anyone surprised by this kind of stuff?

Now, lo and behold, with $250 billion in bailout funds committed to dozens of large and regional banks, it turns out that many of the recipients of this investment from taxpayers are not all that interested in making loans. And it appears that Mr. Paulson is not so bothered by their reluctance.

*sigh*

The purpose of the bailout was to jumpstart the economy by enabling banks to make loans again. Both to each-other and the American public. Instead, they appear poised to buy up the assets of failing banks....to....wait for it.....increase their profit margins. Aren't you glad your tax dollars are going to such a noble cause?

Plan to make billions:
1 - Start a bank
2 - Suck at it
3 - Convince a bunch of dumbass congress-persons that they're in trouble if I go out of business
4 - .....
5 - profit!