Used to, I would have said, “It’s un-American.” But, apparently, it’s becoming all too American.

    I’m talking about rewarding inappropriate behavior.

    As I skimmed the news this morning, looking for something to write about, a constant theme emerged. According to The Christian Science Monitor, the Federal Reserve says it’s going to put up $20 billion dollars to banks, to ease the global credit crunch, so they can keep loaning out money. Meanwhile, investment banker Morgan Stanley is facing its first quarterly loss in its 73 year history. So, what do they do? They turn to the Chinese government for a $5 billion infusion of cash, to shore up their books.

    And, I’m thinking to myself, “Self, I wish I could get a deal like that.”

    I can just see myself going to the federal government and saying, “This Sushi Tuesday thing just isn’t generating the tons of cash I thought it would. And, now, the bills are coming due for the Bugatti and the summer home on the lake. I’m also behind on my credit cards for all of those ‘fact-finding’ trips I took to London and Paris. I think you need to bail me out.”

    I can just see myself going up to my beloved wife and saying, “Honey, you remember that little tramp I kept talking about? Well, I’ve gotten her pregnant and I’m just not making enough at the college and hospital to support two households. I think you ought to take on another part-time job, to help cover her expenses.”

    Do you get my point?

    Any banker worthy of the title should know not to make loans to people and organizations that are bad credit risks. What rocket scientist thought it would be a good idea to send unsolicited pre-approved credit cards to strangers in the mail?

    Never mind how all of those good Christian bankers totally ignore the Biblical injunctions against charging interest for money. It’s just bad business.

    And, never mind the risk to national security that comes from having to turn to a foreign power to bail out your sorry ass. Conveniently overlook that it was announced this week at Jane’s Information Group that the Russians and Chinese are putting aside some of their differences so they can create a new world order that diminishes America’s role in the world. And, while you’re at it, also overlook that The Christian Science Monitor reported that the Chinese and Indians are conducting their first-ever joint military exercises.

    As much as I love and adore all things Chinese, today, it may not be the best thing in the world for an American banker to go to the Chinese government for a bailout.

    Maybe some American banks need to go under. Maybe some homeowners who bought too much house need to be foreclosed on. It’s Darwinian. It’s thinning the herd. It’s about survival of the fittest.

    It’s about getting back to rewarding appropriate behavior and punishing inappropriate behavior.

    TWH