a "disoderly failure" could hurt... how 'bout an "orderly" one?

Government announces $85 billion loan to save AIG
16 Sep 2008
AP
WASHINGTON - In a bid to save financial markets and economy from further turmoil, the U.S. government agreed Tuesday to provide an $85 billion emergency loan to rescue the huge insurer AIG. The Federal Reserve said in a statement it determined that a disorderly failure of AIG could hurt the already delicate financial markets and the economy.
[emphasis added]

Oh, this makes me feel better about the deal:

"The Fed said in return for the loan, the government will receive a 79.9 percent equity stake in AIG."

80% of 0 is ... ??? ... and I'm thinking the "80% of 0" scenario might be the bright side: could "we, the people" end up owning 80% of the liabilities in the event of an orderly failure???

I sure hope this wasn't a "zero interest for 5 years" deal... then again, this is our MBA President at work.

... and now, the number: eighty-five BILLION dollars.
... $85,000,000,000.
You know, just to tide 'em over till payday!

If Enron had waited a few years, maybe the Fed would've bailed 'em out, too.

Another suggested Republican slogan:

"Too big to fail. To efficient to regulate!"

Stop the madness!