He says his name is Mr. Margin.

Lambert asked why they no share the monies. The NY Times article linked above is instructive.

Banks are holding on to the cash to prop up the stock price for investors (sure, sure) and especially to keep the stock prices propped so the top execs (whose lifestyles are dependent on borrowing money against the stocks they own in the companies they run) aren't busted out.

Please read Paul Jorian's blogpost regarding the implosion of the credit markets, the reasons, the influence of "The Chicago School" of economists whose assumptions continue to help us not understand how economies work, and "What it All Means".

Don't feel bad to reread each sentence, mouth-moving to form the words, just as I must do. Just read it. (plus it's fucking footnoted. My god, who footnotes a blog!!!????)

Here are some teasers:

The opener:

Via Upset the Setup:

No Bailout for Wall Street -- Protest on Wall Street this Thursday at 4pm!

If you go to this, please take pictures and post about your experience.

[Newberry's got the best perspective and policy, and, unlike some (me) knows finance. So, I urge you to drop by listen, learn, and lend perspective. -- lambert]

At 4:30p Eastern time today, noted economic writer and friend of this blog, Stirling Newberry will be hosting a live chat at Firedoglake. He's encouraging anyone with questions or comments to come by and join the conversation. Take a moment out of your day and stop by; I promise you'll learn something.