Hi Suzanne, I took your advice. You know what you speak of with regards to “spouting thin/superficial explanations.” I finished reading all 133 posts to get the facts about what you are about. I read that you admit to having “two speeds…very gregarious or needing to be alone.” I’ll factor in your response By Suzanne de Cornelia on 09/15/2008 11:41 am was in extreme gregarious speed. All the best to you.

The topic has been bubbling to the surface with data backing, I am interested in supporting a serious proposal should it get that far. Can you speak about a levered portfolio of securities?

The million - scratch that - billion dollar question for the retirement investor is still “where is my money safe in today’s marker?” I understand not to carry a levered portfolio of securities but still not sure how they are analyzed. Turns out my hunch to stay out of the real estate market was right at least with regards to my personal goal. That mattress is looking better and better.

I missed it. I’ll check the website later to see if they post the video, or, I will trust your “in a nutshell” overview. Regarding the 401 item, I was having recall, (maybe it was a flashback), to the December 2003 NCSL Fall Forum topic of Mutual Fund Abuse - Sounding the Alarm on Wall Street, Again. I just feel these days that the average american retirement investments are like a cookie jar just waiting to be raided.

Frannie - you said that mucho better than me. I’m very skeptical about the new age of the 401 investment “industry”. I wonder who’s minding that cookie jar.

I know Sarge. Let me take this time to thank you for your service. Please know my hand and heart are extended when you read my words. Safe journey to all. And, we are watching your six.

Sorry for the delay - I’ve been very busy today gathering my millions from the various banking establishments. It’s taken me all day to get it stuffed into the mattresses in my 10 thousand bedroom house….at least I think that’s what republicans do (wink). To James on 09/15/2008 12:57 pm - What can I say but the spell checker failed me, I’d fire him but he has kids and can use the insurance. Not so sure about the remainder of your post, but I will do a little more research. Thanks for the info. JJ GB on 09/15/2008 1:18 pm - dude, you could have added “spell checker failure” as an option.

Thanks Kitty, I’ll make time to look at Mary’s blog, Adding to Greenspan’s opinion, I buy into the idea that we need to consider returning back to the basic for first level education and reintroduce arts and music. Studies show the removal of arts and music in school don’t allow the left and right brain equal opportunity. This would encourage our children to return to a level of innovative thinking. The topic is interesting.

Thank you in advance Diana. I look forward to getting them. If you get a chance to read my response to Kitty, I would address that same question to you.

Thank you for sharing. I will continue to watch this unfold. On another topic, I question the industry’s use of today’s 401k and kin. Is it possible retirement investments are being borrowed from by the financial institutions with the idea that the owners accept “temporary unseen” losses? And, the only true losses would be waged on those who are currently drawing from those accounts as retirement (risky business.) I ask this question because I’m trying to determine the next best place to invest, and if you have insight to other alternatives. I am hearing rumblings from loyal 401 investors, and they are tired of the yo-yo or “will it be there when I retire” syndrome.

Kitty and Diana, I guess my early post was before its time. Glad to the topic has a dedicated blog. Are there people already cooperating and seated that can make this happen? And, is there “clear” language already in the works?

Kitty and Frannie, This conversation is a good one. Kitty, do you have a financial blog? I would like to read your opinion on NAFTA and global market impacts.

Sorry for the delay - I’ve been very busy today gathering my millions from the various banking establishments. It’s taken me all day to get it stuffed into the mattresses in my 10 thousand bedroom house….at least I think that’s what republicans do (wink). To keep it simple I’ll try to address all of your responses as a reply to this post and again on the last page. Dear DeBúrca obj on 09/15/2008 9:14 am - Um, I didn’t suggest that. Kitty on 09/15/2008 11:46 am - I think the Republican label was meant for me, but I’ll let you have the “Comment Nazi”. BTW, you are well versed in the field of finance. Oh how I long for the day-trader frenzy days…….ah, that’s were I made my millions and officially traded up (joke). Props to you in explaining that the sky is not falling and the pros/cons of privatizing Social Security option. If you have time, will you explain the backlash, if any, regarding AIG. And, I don’t think Rush liked being on time out. Marjorie on 09/15/2008 11:41 am - You are very supportive of the voices of reason…..thanks for watching my six. DT on 09/15/2008 12:06 pm - if that article was meant for me I did read it and it sounds like a good description of consumerism and companies running off with the profits rather than reinvesting into a stable commodity which also is also job producing. That would be an interesting cycle; create, earn, buy, and distribute. - GREED it’s an ugly thing. And to James on 09/15/2008 12:57 pm - What can I say but the spell checker failed me, I’d fire him but he has kids and can use the insurance. Not so sure about the remainder of your post, but I will do a little more research. Thanks for the info. JJ GB on 09/15/2008 1:18 pm - dude, you could have added “spell checker failure” as an option. Sheryl S 09/15/2008 9:55 am - you are my hero - it is all about the greed. By Frannie Em on 09/15/2008 10:41 pm - NICE FIND! An the truth shall set you free - it’s everyone and not just one. And, regarding my original post, it did come to pass. Senator Obama did take the bait, and it is disappointing. I think he is better than that. Insert shameless plug - I watched the Columbia University interviews. Senator McCain confirmed that he does believe in party cooperation. It was disappointing to hear Senator Obama’s response regarding cooperation with Senator McCain. - OMG, I’m sounding like a Republican!

Hi Sherrie - sorry for the delay - I’ve been very busy today gathering my millions from the various banking establishments. It’s taken me all day to get it stuffed into the mattresses in my 10 thousand bedroom house….at least I think that’s what republicans do (wink). To keep it simple I’ll try to address all of your responses as a reply to this post and again on the last page. Dear DeBúrca obj on 09/15/2008 9:14 am - Um, I didn’t suggest that. Kitty on 09/15/2008 11:46 am - I think the Republican label was meant for me, but I’ll let you have the “Comment Nazi”. BTW, you are well versed in the field of finance. Oh how I long for the day-trader frenzy days…….ah, that’s were I made my millions and officially traded up (joke). Props to you in explaining that the sky is not falling and the pros/cons of privatizing Social Security option. If you have time, will you explain the backlash, if any, regarding AIG. And, I don’t think Rush liked being on time out. Marjorie on 09/15/2008 11:41 am - You are very supportive of the voices of reason…..thanks for watching my six. DT on 09/15/2008 12:06 pm - if that article was meant for me I did read it and it sounds like a good description of consumerism and companies running off with the profits rather than reinvesting into a stable commodity which also is also job producing. That would be an interesting cycle; create, earn, buy, and distribute. - GREED it’s an ugly thing. And to James on 09/15/2008 12:57 pm - What can I say but the spell checker failed me, I’d fire him but he has kids and can use the insurance. Not so sure about the remainder of your post, but I will do a little more research. Thanks for the info. JJ GB on 09/15/2008 1:18 pm - dude, you could have added “spell checker failure” as an option. Sheryl S 09/15/2008 9:55 am - you are my hero - it is all about the greed. By Frannie Em on 09/15/2008 10:41 pm - NICE FIND! An the truth shall set you free - it’s everyone and not just one. And, regarding my original post, it did come to pass. Senator Obama did take the bait, and it is disappointing. I think he is better than that. Insert shameless plug - I watched the Columbia University interviews. Senator McCain confirmed that he does believe in party cooperation. It was disappointing to hear Senator Obama’s response regarding cooperation with Senator McCain. - OMG, I’m sounding like a Republican!

I’m not a rep or a dem, but I will speak up. The fall is mostly due to banks, realtors, and real estate buyers who bit off more than they can chew. And, now the people will pay for their greed and want. Plain and simple. A Harvard professor warned us yesterday, right or wrong, that the Democrat party will take this and play it into their hands for the sake of a win in November.