>>>>The rewards (bonuses) came as they were making gobs of money for their investors (ie. doing their job). When it all went to hell, they should've burned. Instead they were bailed out, thus again performing their job well. Our anger needs to be directed in the correct direction and directing it at Wall st is a waste of time.
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>>What anger?
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>Did you miss the last election cycle? I'd say there's quite a bit of anger at the way the feds have handled themselves. Occupy, while misdirected, also shows a great deal of anger.
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>>As it becomes more obvious how "free markets" function, the supply of chumps will dry up so dealers will be reduced to trying to shave $ off each other. As long as their virtual poker games aren't at the expense of everybody else, good luck to them and may their earnings fully reflect their contribution to society and the economy.
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>Please show me a free market. In 2010 total government spending as a percentage of GDP in the US was 40.34%. This is an improvement from 2009's 42.40%. There is no "obvious" conclusion one can draw about a free market from recent events because there is no free market in place. It's crony, corrupt, Keynesian economics and historically proven to fail. Any conclusions we draw from recent events must look at the root causes and those issues begin (social engineering) and end (bailouts & too-big-to-fail) with the government.
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>>>>Who? Many people. Unless you're suggesting that money is the only driving force in all people. In which case I have a few generations of farmers I'd like to introduce you to. There have always been rich and poor, uber-rich and destitute. The difference in a free market capitalistic society is that everyone is afforded the opportunity to achieve the highest wealth status.
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>>LOL at the last slogan.
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>Not a slogan. Proven every day. I can personally introduce you to a few people who have come from the under-minimum wage farm working families to run multi-milion dollar businesses. I can point to the Cain's and Thomas' of the world.
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>I can introduce you to me. Hi! I'm Jake, and I'm the 6th generation born on our family farm. ;)
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>>As for money as a driver: why insert the word "only"? Money is not the only driving force, but it is a driving force. Especially if you want people to undertake long degrees and Dickensian residencies so you can have doctors. They aren't saints and being academically gifted, they could expect to do well in practically any endeavor. Keep incentivizing easier options and you'll get what you deserve.
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>Agreed, which is why I'm for tort reform, inter-state insurance, non-employer based pre-tax insurance and against 3rd party payor and single-payor insurance. The government has once again proven inept and is once again attempting to double down on failure with a sprinkling of Constitutional re-writing by fiat. It must be stopped.

Herman Cain?! (nein-nein-nein)

Never mind. I am trying to behave in the hot-button threads and will give that topic a miss.