Quote of the Day

Michael Hudson:  (Somewhat ironically, that link was broken.  Here it is.) 

In more modern times, democracies have urged a strong state to tax rentier income and wealth, and when called for, to write down debts. This is done most readily when the state itself creates money and credit. It is done least easily when banks translate their gains into political power. When banks are permitted to be self-regulating and given veto power over government regulators, the economy is distorted to permit creditors to indulge in the speculative gambles and outright fraud that have marked the past decade. The fall of the Roman Empire demonstrates what happens when creditor demands are unchecked. Under these conditions the alternative to government planning and regulation of the financial sector becomes a road to debt peonage.

This powerfully reinforces what I said here and here (including the comments.)  Here, too.  Also here.  Check also the Mike Kimel and Andrew Dittmer links here.

H/T to Art.