The principle that government should have a major role in managing the economy (aside from the basic rules of law that are essential to any human society) is a liberal principle, and has been for seventy years. In fact, it's pretty much the foundation.

To the extent that Republicans participate and encourage this activity, they are abandoning conservative/libertarian principles, not representing them.

Or to put in in Bowserese, "socializing" the market is a socialist idea, and if Republicans are for it, they're pushing socialism, not free markets.

I understand that basic philosophical principles are anathema around here, but there it is, and unfortunately, too many Republicans in Washington don't want to look at it either.

I'm not surprised that a lot of Democrats are pushing the meme that this is all about evil Wall Street, and that our only chance is more power in the hands of the good politicians.

Unfortunately, politicians have been in this up to their ears for many years, gathering cash and power from the players. Once again, this includes many of the same people now strutting across the stage declaring that they are shocked, shocked! that abuse and corruption are going on here. I've named names. So have others. Not all of them are Democrats by any means, but the names certainly include Democrats currently running the financial stuff, particularly in the Senate.

Democrats are running both the House and Senate. They're bitching about Republican "obstructionism" because they need Republican cover to pass something they think might blow up in their faces.

I have never seen a level of denial this high, here or elsewhere.