[Jonathon]

I listened to a good portion of the "hearings" today. Sounds like the same bunch of grandstanding blabber mouths I listened to during the "blank check" hearings on Fannie and Freddie. Yes, they were so concerned for their constituents... loud mouthing at Big Hank and Uncle Ben. And yet it passed.

Act II of these theatrics will be more of the same. Look and talk tough during national media coverage, then slip in the YES vote. In my opinion it will pass with an overwhelming majority. They have convinced everyone financial armageddon is upon us (and maybe it is). Even the most rigid of spines in congress will bend to this one. Furthermore, these guys didn't just throw this plan together over a few beers at the strip club last week. They have their people in place... and most of the rest can be bought or extorted. There's nothing a wad of cash and a few dirty diapers won't get you in congress.

At the end of the day, whatever happens is very likely what they intended to happen. Be ready either way. Keep enough small bills on you to make it through 3 or 4 weeks minimum.