A CNBC blog mentioned that listening to Hank Paulson testify to Congress today reminded them of Colonel Jessep (Jack Nicholson) answering Lt. Kaffee (Tom Cruise) in "A Few Good Men". I must agree. In fact, I think this is what I heard Hank saying...
Congressman, we live in a world that has markets, and those markets have to be guarded by men with brains. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Congressman Pander? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for taxpayers, and you curse Wall Street. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that the TARP, while tragic, probably saved money; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves jobs.
You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me at that bank -- you need me at that bank.
We use words like "systemic risk," "contagion," "liquidity." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very prosperity that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it.
I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up your voting button and legislate sensibly. Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!
You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me at that bank -- you need me at that bank.
We use words like "systemic risk," "contagion," "liquidity." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very prosperity that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it.
I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up your voting button and legislate sensibly. Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!
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