Consequences

A little over two months of inactivity and all I have to say is that it feels so good to be back.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27015257/

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-fi-bailout4-2008oct04,0,6267511.story

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Today I was discussing the bailout bill that was just approved by the House of Representatives, then quickly signed by 'W,' and it got me thinking. Though I had already decided my feelings towards the bailout, playing devil's advocate with myself made me feel almost sympathetic - the key word being almost.

A part of me is upset. These companies, specifically the mortgage companies, and the people who bought into the low flexible rate made a decision financially that ended up coming back to 'bite them in the ass,' as it were.

Should they not incur the consequences of their actions?

Capitalism, you have the floor. What is your response?

Capitalism: Yes!

From what I understand, the basic gist of a free market is that a person or company rises and falls on its on merit.

So is this the death of capitalism?

Or, since this is "the biggest government intervention in the financial system since the Great Depression," is America going to rebuild and become even stronger than it was before, as it did after the G.D.?

Time answers all, I suppose, but some food for thought would be this:

When companies are taught that their actions have little or no consequences, what is the incentive to be an ethical company that really thinks about its actions rather than making decisions on a whim?

Is there one? If there is, it seems to be disappearing.

Actions without consequences create rebels without causes.

Maybe the government will enact an ethical bailout bill next, where it will tell personal business owners how to run their companies so as not to offend anyone under any circumstance. Ever.

Oh shit.

xO