Having the inside scoop (insider trading) is what keeps those in the know wealthy and others guessing. Multi-generational ties keeps the money tight-knit, and these groups of influence rise to the top, even amidst failure, because of the "good ol' boy network." When it was apparent that Obama was going to be the Democratic nominee over DNC member Clinton, the market dropped 10% in 6/08. When it was apparent that Obama was going to win over McCain in 10/08, massive amounts of capital was pulled from the markets, resulting in a significant collapse in market value. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/investors-flee-stock-markets-sidelines/story.aspx?guid={9ED155DC-F515-40D2-B393-D76B8FF505A8} Now high level stock market players are holding $9 trillion in cash on the sideline in a form that can't be reinvested due to liquidity requirements. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/dec/26/2008-year-in-review-wall-street-fast-ride-down/ $700 billion was given to banks and investment firms... and they used that money primarily to buy other banks and investment firms - one of which was run into the ground by a cousin of G.W. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Herbert_Walker_IV Buffett tossed his interests into a firm that GHWIV walked away from and which the Rockafellers are a historical component (GSachs). And now Warren Buffett is teaming with Obama to guide the path of our economy? http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/23/news/companies/goldman_berkshire/?postversion=2008092320 Has anyone considered that this is just a game between family/political interests for power by persuading "the dumb masses" with the most powerful tool affecting politics... the economy? After all, the most powerful way to make money is by guiding government policy. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3141.htm Are we bickering amongst ourselves over what could simply be a high-power arm wrestle between Buffett, Kennedy, Rockefeller, etc. and the Walkers, Bushes, Murdoch, etc? I ask this question, this way, because I don't let the 6 people who control 95% of all media to think for me. I'm interested in thoughtful, measured considerations. Don't worry - see, now you are thinking. Good feedback. Of course, don't ignore the other side of the coin. Is the fox tricking the dogs into fighting so it can steal the hens?