Random Thoughts and The First Marketview Insta-Poll

We Need Business-folk
While the governments of the world have been spending like drunken politicians (drunken sailors look like misers up against today’s politicians), corporate America is as lean, cash-rich and profitable as it’s been in quite some time.

While the governments of the world are loaning money to one another to stay afloat, corporate America is actively buying back its own stock (seeing value there), and its CEOs and top execs are investing substantially in their own companies as well (ditto).

While it remains to be seen whether or not the financial geniuses tasked with managing government balance sheets can maneuver their way out from under this fine mess, corporate America clearly knows what it’s doing (at the moment)…

As I said the other day; maybe, just maybe, we could use some people with real-life business experience on Capitol Hill…

We Don’t (necessarily) Need Reform
Do we truly need financial industry reform, or is it simply more poll-inspired politicking? Are you confident that our lawmakers have the know-how, let alone the honesty and integrity, to effectively re-regulate anything? Please forgive my cynicism, but man!

Shouldn’t we simply punish the law-breakers to the fullest extent, and allow shareholders to deal with the otherwise bad boards of directors?

Wouldn’t the real world ultimately deal with the criminals and the crummy CEOs? Shouldn’t we spend our resources enforcing current laws, rather than manufacturing new ones? I mean the crooks are not turning themselves in, and the inepts aren’t stepping down of their own volition. Seriously, would Tiger have had his come to Buddha meeting with the press if the Mrs. hadn’t enforced her law with a seven iron?

MARKETVIEW INSTA-POLL
Week after week you’ve patiently tolerated my views on the world at large, now I’d like to know what you think. The following is my very first insta-poll. This state-of-the-art blogsite will instantly tally your answers and show the results (i.e., where you all stand on the issues I’m so fond of hammering here). So please, humor me, take just a second to answer the following questions. I’ve kept it very brief as to not take too much of your time. I may put together more of these in the future – depending on the level of participation, and whether or not I agree with your answers (just kidding). This will also aid me in ensuring my future subject matter reflects the topics that concern you most…

As I said, you have just a second to check each answer. I’ll be participating as well. Thanks for your help!

Q#1: Is it necessary for our government, in light of the recent recession, to step in and re-regulate corporate America?
Yes ___ No ____

Time’s up. Wow! 100% of respondents do not believe the government should get into the business of regulating risk…

Q#2: Who/what do you believe deserves the blame for creating the recession?
The Banks ___ The Government ___ Wall Street ___ The Business Cycle ___

Time’s up. Amazing! 100% of respondents blame The Business Cycle for causing the recession.

Q#3: In that those polled hold The Business Cycle responsible for the cause, who deserves blame for exacerbating the extent and duration of the recession?
The Government ___ The Banks___ Wall Street ___ The Consumer___ All 4___

Time’s up. I’m blown away! 100% of respondents assign the blame to All 4.

Q#4: What affect would stiffening regulation on The Banks and imposing the proposed $120 billion tax on a few TARP recipients (the ones who paid it back btw) have on lending going forward? Encourage___ Discourage___

Time’s up. I’m flabbergasted! 100% of respondents believe the proposed regs and tax would discourage bank lending going forward.

Q#5. What affect will the expiration of the early 2000’s tax cuts at the end of 2010 have on the recovery? Help it ___ Slow it down ___ No affect___

Time’s up. This is insane! 100% of respondents believe that allowing the tax cuts to expire will slow the pace of recovery.

Q#6: What do you believe truly inspires the average politician?
Doing what’s right for the public___ Doing whatever it takes to win re-election___

Time’s up. This is freaking me out! 100% of respondents believe the average politician’s actions are predicated upon what he/she believes it takes to win re-election.

Q#7: At the end of the day, do you believe American ingenuity and entrepreneurship will prevail over our present circumstances and ensure a bright future for generations to come?
Yes___ No___

Times up. I’m speechless! 100% of respondents have faith that America will remain a prosperous nation for future generations.

Thank you all for participating! I am amazed at how like-minded we all are? I promise to continue in my quest to cut through all the hyperbole – to bring clarity, objectivity, and a healthy perspective to the issues of the day…

Take care!
Marty