Oh really? That wasn't bailout cash?

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ask a bailed-out bank about its Las Vegas retreat, its corporate jet or its evening in Beverly Hills and you'll probably get a response like this: Oh that? That wasn't taxpayer money.

But ask the same bank to account for its billions in bailout money and things get murkier. Money is fungible, they say, so once the bailout check cleared, it got mixed up with the bank's own money. Now it's impossible to separate the two piles and explain where the money went.

To some in Congress, that sounds like the banks are trying to have it both ways.

"Don't insult our intelligence," Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., told banking executives at a hearing last month.


Read more: http://www.komonews.com/news/national/40646017.html

Of course, once you give it to me, it'll be irretrievably mixed in with the $50 I already have, so there's no way I can account for the $100 or ever pay it back.

but you don't have to be one to know that "explanation" is total bullshit.

My Mom and Dad were always helping out a family down the street. It was a family of two adults and nine kids. I will call them the D family. Mr. D was a seasonal farm hand and Mrs. D has MS and was confined to a wheelchair.

My Dad kept their pickup running by finding re-built engines or whatever other parts they needed. My Dad did all the mechanical work on the vehicle and did their plumbing/ electrical/heating repairs. My Mother often bought food or prepared food for them and most days when I went to school several of the kids were wearing either my hand-me-downs or my brother's. Both of my parents also networked with others for years to help out the family. It was a small town of less than 500 people.

One day I came home from throwing my evening paper route (this was in the early 50s and I was in the 6th grade)and asked my parents what they thought about the new addition to the D family. My Mother immediately responded - Mrs. D is not pregnant. I said - I know, I am talking about their new pet. My Dad said oh no, they last thing they need is a dog. I said - "They got a monkey. They have it chained up out in their front yard but I understand they are going to build a large cage for it as soon as possible."

Minutes later we had a knock at the door - Mr. D wanted my Dad to meet the monkey, help him build the cage plus find the materials.

The lesson learned - assistance can be provided but often not guided.

The rallying cry of the arrogantly ignorant.

Sister sees brother eating candy bar that they agreed they'd split 50-50.

"Hey, that's my half of the candy bar. Give it to me!"

"No, it isn't your half. I've already eaten your half, this is my half."