A foreigner's solution to the crisis...

[Celebrandil]

During lunch today we talked about how the Americans should solve their bank crisis. We compared it to the crisis we had here in Sweden 15 years ago, a crisis that was similar in scale measured against the GDP. In an effort to eventually get every penny back, the (conservative) government at the time bought large chunks of banks in trouble. Fifteen years later those shares have been sold and our economy is stronger then ever. Since America is so afraid of state ownership, the Swedish example might not be an alternative to the current crisis. From what I've understood it, the intention is to spend $700B on crappy assets, in the hope that those assets one day will have some value. To me that does not sound like a good idea at all. Taxpayers will never get their money back.

I know a much better solution. Sell Alaska to the highest bidder! After all, that icy piece of land has only been American for 140 years or so. I'm sure Putin is interested. Nowadays he's very much into drilling it seems. It sure would have been a nice gesture toward those former commies. Then we have the saudis. I'm sure there are saudi princes interested in one of the coldest places on earth. They sure lack ice cubes in Saudi Arabia. If the plot includes a bit of oil, it's just a bonus. What do you think?

[demnan]

1. No can do

Then Governor Palin would have to withdraw as a VP candidate, and she's one of the best allies we have to get Obama into office.

[hlthe2b]

2. I won't sell Alaska, but I'd gladly GIVE you Palin .....

and her crony ilck from the state... (but then feel very guilty for the Swedish people...)