Nationalization of Banks by the Obama Administration

• The New York Times reports the government is contemplating converting some of the bailout funds into equity shares of banks.

• The Financial Times published an article today noting the Obama administration is considering changing repayment terms of TARP. The article notes:
  

• banks that had plenty of capital and had demonstrated an ability to raise fresh capital from the market should in principle be able to repay government funds. But the judgment would be made in the context of the wider economic interest. He said the government had three basic tests. It needed first to “make sure the system is stable”. Second, to not create “incentives for more deleveraging which would deepen the recession”. Third, to make sure the system had enough capital to “provide credit to support the recovery”.

Only 53% of Americans Say Capitalism Better than Socialism

In a recent survey by Rasmussen Reports, results indicate only 53% of Americans belive capitalism is better than socialism. Rasmussen notes:

It is interesting to compare the new results to an earlier survey in which 70% of Americans prefer a free-market economy. The fact that a “free-market economy” attracts substantially more support than “capitalism” may suggest some skepticism about whether capitalism in the United States today relies on free markets.

Source:

Just 53% Say Capitalism Better Than Socialism
Rasmussen Reports
April 9, 2009
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/just_53_say_capitalism_better_than_socialism

Government Exerting Control Over Companies

• Pennsylvania, Rendell and Johnson & Johnson-(Wall Street Journal)

• The government backs your warranty! (Townhall.com)

• Government will dictate GM board (Washington Post)

• Stimulus for Tiger Stadium? (American Thinker)

• Democrats target the internet. (American Thinker)

• IRS Questions Pay of Charity Executives (Wall Street Journal)

• Is Rand Relevant? (Ayn Rand Center)
  

• Government refuses TARP repayments (Wall Street Journal)
  

Capitalism Is Being Threatened

The ever increasing intrusion by government is threatening free market capitalism upon which this country was founded. Going forward I will provide links to relevant articles/posts that highlight the ever increasing threat upon our capitalistic economy.