August 14, 2009

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine

From the 1961 Operation Coffee Cup Campaign against Socialized Medicine as proposed by the Democrats, then a private citizen Ronald Reagan Speaks out against socialized medicine.

We should have elected him president in 1960!

July 13, 2009

Great Horned Owl Chicks

Owl nest and Great Horned Owl Chicks hatched in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

June 11, 2009

Mother Moose Nurses Calf

A cow moose badly injured from wolf or grizzly attack in Yellowstone mothers her calf she delivered right after the attack like there is nothing wrong.

April 07, 2009

Subject: Derivative markets, an understandable explanation

by e-mail lore:

Heidi is the proprietor of a bar in Detroit . In order to increase sales, she decides to allow her loyal customers - most of whom are unemployed alcoholics - to drink now but pay later. She keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers loans).

Word gets around about Heidi's drink now pay later marketing strategy and as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Heidi's bar and soon she has the largest sale volume for any bar in Detroit .

By providing her customers' freedom from immediate payment demands, Heidi gets no resistance when she substantially increases her prices for wine and beer, the most consumed beverages. Her sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic vice-president at the local bank recognizes these customer debts as valuable future assets and increases Heidi's borrowing limit. He sees no reason for undue concern since he has the debts of the alcoholics as collateral. At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert traders transform these customer loans into DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS.

These securities are then traded on security markets worldwide. Naive investors don't really understand the securities being sold to them as AAA secured bonds are really the debts of unemployed alcoholics. Nevertheless, their prices continuously climb, and the securities become the top-selling items for some of the nation's leading brokerage houses.

One day, although the bond prices are still climbing, a risk manager at the bank (subsequently fired due his negativity), decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Heidi's. Heidi demands payment from her alcoholic patrons, but being unemployed they cannot pay back their drinking debts. Therefore, Heidi cannot fulfill her loan obligations and claims bankruptcy.

DRINKBOND and ALKIBOND drop in price by 90%. PUKEBOND performs better, stabilizing in price after dropping by 80 %. The decreased bond asset value destroys the banks liquidity and prevents it from issuing new loans.

The suppliers of Heidi's bar, having granted her generous payment extensions and having invested in the securities are faced with writing off her debt and losing over 80% on her bonds. Her wine supplier claims bankruptcy, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor, who immediately closes the local plant and lays off 50 workers.

The bank and brokerage houses are saved by the Government following dramatic round-the-clock negotiations by leaders from both political parties. The funds required for this bailout are obtained by a tax levied on employed middle-class non-drinkers.

Finally an explanation you can understand!

April 01, 2009

Timeline shows Bush, McCain warning Dems of financial and housing crisis; meltdown

Just a refresher of what many of us who were paying attention already knew.

It is too bad that we are so ignorant collectively in this country that we believe what is spoon fed to us without question.

Since the democrats are in power they have no interest is in pursuing the truth because they know where it will lead them.

March 01, 2009

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

by Lewis Napper

'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, and delusional. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.'


ARTICLE I:
You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II:
You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, change the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III:

You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV:
You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V:
You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI:
You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII:
You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII:
You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX:
You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X:
This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!

ARTICLE XI:

You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution.The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

December 14, 2008

Navy Carrier Squadron

Some of our Servicemen having a great time, it is great to see.


November 30, 2008

Perspectives: Snowmobiling in Yellowstone

 Comment about video = Jackie and Craig Mathews owners of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone being the tree huggers they are ought to quit adding to the drift boat traffic on the Madison River. This poor river is overfished because of the popularity of drift boats. I am a wade fisherman and I don't believe that drift boats should be used because I no longer can afford one therefor they create unfair access and put to much pressure on the fishery. Then Jackie and Craig can be out of business like their neighbors.


Economy vs. environment: Town reacts to snowmobile controversy
By JESSICA MAYRER

Chronicle staff writer

As an the argument plays out in the courts about how many snowmobiles should be allowed in Yellowstone National Park, many West Yellowstone business leaders say their town is taking the brunt.

"Our whole livelihoods are at stake," said local businessman Clyde Seely.

Snowmobile technology is getting cleaner and businesses have adjusted to accommodate environmental concerns, yet many who make a living off of tourism here say conservation groups won't give up until snowmobile operations go out of business all together.

U.S. District Court judges have weighed in on the issue twice this past year, prompting the park service to announce a 318 cap on snowmobiles allowed in the park each day and then to abruptly revert to an existing cap of 720. Most agree that the issue is far from over.

"The GYC is killing us with death by a thousand cuts," said Pat Povah from the Deep Well Ranch.-----------------> more

November 26, 2008

Media Fail to Connect Dots on Bailouts

By Dan Kennedy

Journalists blind to how government is chief cause of many industry problems.

Have you noticed that the media largely fail to connect the dots between related events?

In all the reporting on the auto industry’s ills, little is said about the government as the chief cause. Politicians holler at auto executives in hearings and beat their chests in interviews, but never mention Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mileage standards. Just like unaffordable union contracts, incredibly mentioned often by the same politicians who now wish to give the unions expanded, unchecked power to wreak the same destruction in other industries via the Employee Free Choice Act (which steals away free choice).

In all their reporting of how the sub-prime mortgage meltdown purportedly triggered the financial industry collapse (as a child’s sneeze might topple a meticulously constructed, floor to ceiling house of cards), they uttered hardly a word uttered about Barney Frank and Gang’s push for financial institutions to provide mortgages to the woefully unqualified. Nobody mentioned the he Clinton administration’s pushing for home ownership as a God-given right to be facilitated at any cost, let alone the years of criminal conspiracy and obscene executive compensation at Fannie and Freddie.

The next big mess in the making, where the dots are not being connected,-----------------------> More

Snowmobiling Jackson Hole Wyoming

snowmobiler full moonJackson Hole Wyoming is in the heart to some of the best snowmobiling in the world. Yellowstone National Park to the north provides incredible access to the wonders of nature. For the powder hound Togwotee Pass provides hundreds of miles of trails through picturesque mountains, forests and abundant open bowls. Gros Ventre River area provides a great wildlife viewing trip. Granite Creek has a gorgeous hot spring pool fed by from the towering Gros Venture peaks. The Grey's River provides abundant snow and miles of trail much like Togwotee Pass.

There are many opportunities around Jackson Hole and a wide selection of guides, tours and rental shops to accommodate you.---------------------------------> More

November 13, 2008

The Credit-Default Swap: What is this thing, anyway?

by Christian Bowne

U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox recently acknowledged that the $33 trillion market in credit-default swaps is regulated by no one. Billionaire Warren Buffet, in a 2003 prediction worthy in its prescience of Nostradamus, warned, "The rapidly growing trade in derivatives poses a mega-catastrophic risk for the economy, derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction that could harm not only their buyers and sellers, but the whole economic system." Finally, President George W. Bush calls for "extraordinary measures under extraordinary circumstances" in deference to his ordinary gravitation toward unfettered capitalism.

A credit-default swap is a contract in which a buyer makes a series of payments to a seller to receive a right to payoff if the credit instrument defaults or another specified credit event such as restructuring or bankruptcy occurs. A credit-default swap is a credit "derivative," gaining its value from the underlying credit risk of a given financial instrument. These underlying financial instruments include commodities like oil, loans, bonds and indeed residential subprime mortgages, to name only a few.

The so called "swap" is a derivative in which two parties agree to exchange the risk of one stream of cash flow against another.-------------------------------------> More

November 12, 2008

Ski Resorts Around Teton Valley Idaho

skier Grand Targhee, Grand Tetons, Alta WyomingTeton Valley is world famous for its crown jewel, Grand Targhee, that towers over the eastern horizon of the valley. But Grand Targhee isn’t the only option for skiing in the immediate area. Just over the Teton Pass is the Valley of Jackson Hole, home to Snow King resort which is in the town hill of Jackson and is smaller but is affordable and convenient and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the destination resort of the three.


Grand Targhee Resort


There’s only one word for skiing at Grand Targhee: extraordinary.  Though other words such as effortless, knee-deep, and uncrowded all apply.  The key is the more than 500 inches a year that fall on the backside of the Tetons – the snowier Western side – each year.  Add to that a skiable terrain of nearly 2000 acres, with more than 1,000 reserved for Sno-Cat Adventures, and you have an experience beyond compare.  In addition to Grand Targhee’s legendary powder, families love our corduroy grooming with cruising runs that are a signature of Grand Targhee Resort.

boy skiing Grand TargheeIt's not only about legendary powder; those who love to carve will begin to salivate just thinking about shredding the pristine corduroy.  And if awesome freestyle terrain is on your agenda, look no further.  We’ve got two parks plus natural freestyle terrain to get you stoked.  North Pole Terrain Park gives everyone a chance to ease their way into the world of freestyle riding.  Trick Town takes the action up a notch, with numerous features, including table top, rainbow, flat down flat and flat down rails and more. Center Earth freestyle area is a dynamic playground based on natural features and enhanced with expert grooming.


Jackson Hole Mountain Resort


Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers visitors one of the best ski and snowboard experiences in the world. It is world renowned for its steep and deep terrain, consistent fall line, deep, light powder and endless backcountry, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also allows beginners and intermediates to excel at their own pace on a variety of groomed runs and open bowls.


corbuts, jackson HoleJackson Hole Mountain Resort has been rated as the third best ski resort country and who could argue with that. Jackson Hole has 4,200 vertical drop and that drop comes right out of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. These spectacular mountains crown jewel the Grand Teton Towers over the Valley and resort at a majestic 13,770 above sea level. When they say ski the big one they mean it!


With 2,500 acres of inbounds terrain, a 4,139' vertical rise, 459" of average snowfall each winter, and unparalleled backcountry access, Jackson Hole offers a truly unique winter experience. Two distinct mountains in the heart of the Tetons - Rendezvous and Apres Vous - make up Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and have been home to incredible skiing and snowboarding for the past 40 years. Whether you're here to experience "The Big One's" wild, untamed terrain, rolling, wide-open groomers, or you're just getting out on the snow for the first time, it's bound to be an experience you'll never forget.


Snow King Resort


Since Snow King’s founding in 1939 as the first ski area in Wyoming, Snow King has served as Jackson Hole’s ‘Town Hill.’ Generations of residents have grown up learning to ski there. It’s a real part of the community, where parents can drop off their kids for after-school turns and adults can do some bump skiing during their lunch hour. But it’s not just a place for townies, its steep terrain will challenge the best of skiers yet has great terrain for the beginner.With Jackson Hole Mountain Resort only a short drive away, Snow King doesn’t bother trying to compete with its high-octane neighbor. Instead, it positions itself as the little guy who just tries harder. With its short-but-steep ski area, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and ultra-convenient location, I felt right at home at Snow King. It is what it is an unassuming and fun mountain where people come to ski, and not to be seen.-------------------------------------------------> More

November 11, 2008

Skiing Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole SkierJackson Hole is world famous for one of its ski resorts but Jackson Hole is lucky enough to have three of them. All have differing attributes, Snow King is In the town of Jackson and is smaller but is affordable and convenient Grand Targhee is plumb over on the far side of the Grand Tetons but for that reason it gets much more snow so is Jackson hole’s powder cache, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the destination resort of the three and certainly is the gem.


Jackson Hole Mountain Resort


Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers visitors one of the best ski and snowboard experiences in the world. It is world renowned for its steep and deep terrain, consistent fall line, deep, light powder and endless backcountry, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also allows beginners and intermediates to excel at their own pace on a variety of groomed runs and open bowls.


Corbut'sJackson Hole Mountain Resort has been rated as the third best ski resort country and who could argue with that. Jackson Hole has 4,200 vertical drop and that drop comes right out of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. These spectacular mountains crown jewel the Grand Teton Towers over the Valley and resort at a majestic 13,770 above sea level. When they say ski the big one they mean it!


With 2,500 acres of inbounds terrain, a 4,139' vertical rise, 459" of average snowfall each winter, and unparalleled backcountry access, Jackson Hole offers a truly unique winter experience. Two distinct mountains in the heart of the Tetons - Rendezvous and Apres Vous - make up Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and have been home to incredible skiing and snowboarding for the past 40 years. Whether you're here to experience "The Big One's" wild, untamed terrain, rolling, wide-open groomers, or you're just getting out on the snow for the first time, it's bound to be an experience you'll never forget.


downhill ski racer, Snow King MountainSnow King Mountain


Since Snow King’s founding in 1939 as the first ski area in Wyoming, Snow King has served as Jackson Hole’s ‘Town Hill.’ Generations of residents have grown up learning to ski there. It’s a real part of the community, where parents can drop off their kids for after-school turns and adults can do some bump skiing during their lunch hour. But it’s not just a place for townies, its steep terrain will challenge the best of skiers yet has great terrain for the beginner.


With Jackson Hole Mountain Resort only a short drive away, Snow King doesn’t bother trying to compete with its high-octane neighbor. Instead, it positions itself as the little guy who just tries harder. With its short-but-steep ski area, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and ultra-convenient location, I felt right at home at Snow King. It is what it is an unassuming and fun mountain where people come to ski, and not to be seen.

Grand Targhee


Grand Targhee Skier, Grand Teton There’s only one word for skiing at Grand Targhee: extraordinary.  Though other words such as effortless, knee-deep, and uncrowded all apply.  The key is the more than 500 inches a year that fall on the backside of the Tetons – the snowier Western side – each year.  Add to that a skiable terrain of nearly 2000 acres, with more than 1,000 reserved for Sno-Cat Adventures, and you have an experience beyond compare.  In addition to Grand Targhee’s legendary powder, families love our corduroy grooming with cruising runs that are a signature of Grand Targhee Resort.


It's not only about legendary powder; those who love to carve will begin to salivate just thinking about shredding the pristine corduroy.  And if awesome freestyle terrain is on your agenda, look no further.  We’ve got two parks plus natural freestyle terrain to get you stoked.  North Pole Terrain Park gives everyone a chance to ease their way into the world of freestyle riding.  Trick Town takes the action up a notch, with numerous features, including table top, rainbow, flat down flat and flat down rails and more. Center Earth freestyle area is a dynamic playground based on natural features and enhanced with expert grooming.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------> More Info

November 08, 2008

Lone Mountain's Big Sky Ski Resort and Moonlight Basin

Jackson Hole PowderRarely has so much bounty gone so unplundered as at Big Sky's Lone Peak the biggest place you’ve never skied. There’s rarely a lift line at this sprawling side by side Montana resorts, except when waiting for the marquee 15-person tram that takes skiers to the top of 11,166-foot Lone Peak. A big reason for Big Sky’s quiet is the perceived remoteness of the resort: although it sits only about one hour south of the Bozeman airport.

Big Sky is a destination ski resort if there ever was one, which means midweek skiers share the place with almost no one. The other reason is its sheer size: Those who do make the journey soon disperse over three mountains and nearly 4,000 skiable acres, with a correspondingly huge menu of terrain. From the resort’s tip-top, a snowboarder can drop into the black-diamond slopes of Liberty Bowl and ride all the way down to this winter’s new Dakota triple chair, which opens access to 200-plus acres of expert-level open bowl skiing. Less adventuresome skiers gravitate to Andesite and Flatiron Mountains, where large groomed boulevards like Big Horn and Madison Avenue are served by several high-speed quads.

Corbut'sBut one of the most intriguing developments at Big Sky has been the linking with an adjacent resort, Moonlight Basin which shares Lone Peak; the joint Lone Peak Pass creates a 5,512-acre playground that gets 400 inches of snow a year with access to the gun-sight gullies that spill off of Lone Peak — and may leave skiers who’d been happily humming “Don’t Fence Me In” suddenly wishing someone would have.------------------> More

November 01, 2008

Hunting in Montana, elk, moose, mule deer, bear

Serendipity and the Bull elk, black wolf in Yellowstone Park

The Greater Yellowstone/Jackson Hole region offers some of the best big game hunting anywhere. Outside of Jackson Hole Wyoming is the National Elk Refuge where 6 to 10 thousand Elk spend their winters, south of Dubois WY is the largest herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Moose can be found in most in most river bottom and a few mountain tops and everywhere in between, and there are tens of thousands of Mule Deer throughout the region.

October 28, 2008

Foster Friess on Economic Crisis: Who's to Blame?



In these critical times it amazes me that so few actually look for the real cause for something so important as the unraveling of our financial system. I have and have posted much of what I have found previously on this blog, Foster Friess on this video wraps it all up and puts a bow on if for those that aren't inclined to investigate - Watch and Learn.

Obama will not acknowledge the true nature of the economic meltdown, if you don't get to the bottom of the problem, you can't fix the problem.

Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware" on November Fourth we will find out if a gifted salesman sells socialism to America, socialism creates more financial problems it fixes.

Lets not buy this bill of goods!

A little about Foster Friess

Awards and Achievements

▪ Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award

▪ Humanitarian of the Year presented at the National Charity Awards Dinner.

▪ Canterbury Medal from the Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty

▪ Adam Smith Award from Hillsdale College

▪ Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award from Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation

▪ David R. Jones Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

▪ Thomas J. Reese Award from Catholic Charities tribute in 2001

▪ Medal of Distinction from the University of Delaware

▪ Maryvale, AZ 'Man of the Year' Award

▪ Citizen of the Month Jackson Hole, WY Rotary Club

▪ Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame

 Honorary Degrees from Pepperdine University, Regent University, and Goldey Beacom College

Political Activism

• Foster, a Republican donor and supporter of George W. Bush's administration has been an active patron of a number of religious and conservative causes including:

▪ Private Sector Solutions, a network of leaders developing private sector solutions to augment, preempt or replace government services

▪ LibForAll and other groups building a global counter-extremism network

▪ Patient-driven health care through Free Market Cure and other groups

▪ Choice in Education through Alliance for School Choice, All Children Matter and others

Philanthropy

▪ Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation

▪ Contributors to the National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson Hole, WY

▪ Founding grant for Good Samaritan Health Services - Mobile Medical Care in Tulsa, OK.

▪ $100,000 challenge grants for communities who want to start Mobile Medical Care programs

▪ Matching challenge grant helped raise over $2 million in relief money for Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. Foster personally traveled to the hardest-hit areas to speak with local church and organization leaders to identify the best efforts.

▪ Another matching grant administered through the NCF Giving Fund sent more than $4 million to provide hot meals and other relief support to Katrina Victims.[11]

▪ Supported a new YMCA development in Maryvale, AZ along with several local mentoring and ministry programs

October 25, 2008

Paradise Valley Montana - fly-fishing - hunting - guest ranches - yellowstone gateway

Paradise Valley Montana

This gem on the northern border of Yellowstone received It's named “Paradise Valley” for good reason, this premier Montana vacation spot has perfect summers and mild winters with spectacular views of the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges under the famed Montana "big sky." The close proximity to Yellowstone Park; the Beartooth Highway and many other natural wonders make Paradise Valley the perfect place to vacation. Besides having the Legendary fly-fishing River “The Yellowstone” flowing through its center, world class Spring Creeks; private lakes and other fishing streams draw anglers from around the world. World class big game hunting, whitewater rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing and photography, hiking, camping and horseback riding are just a few of the unlimited recreational opportunities available here in Paradise Valley. Many fine Bed and Breakfasts, cabins and guest ranches provide lots of options for fine lodging.

Paradise Valley is situated in southwestern Montana. It is located just north of Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Montana, which lends its name to the county. Mule deer enjoy the open range and grasslands available to them in Paradise Valley. Paradise Valley extends from the Yellowstone gateway community of Gardiner at the south end, to historic Livingston on the north. Appropriately named, this region is a "paradise" to Montana and to the Rocky Mountains. Providing a unique backdrop of snowcapped peaks, the valley features beautiful ranchlands, flowing rivers, spring creeks and abundant wildlife.

October 18, 2008

Cicero , 55 BC - United States 2008

The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance. --

Cicero,55 BC

October 15, 2008

Criminals For Gun Control part 1 Home Invasion

Why do people need handguns?

Though this is a commonly asked question, a more appropriate question would be: “Why should handguns be banned?” In a free society, the burden of proof is not upon those who would exercise a right but on those who would infringe that right. Private citizens benefit from handguns for the same reason that the police do: handguns are easy to carry, and they are effective defensive tools. Handguns are used for protection more often than they are used to commit violent crimes, and two of every three defensive uses of firearms are carried out with handguns. Survey research shows that people who use firearms for protection are less likely to be injured during a criminal attack than people who use other means of protection or no protection. Handguns are also very widely used for target shooting and they’ve become more commonly used for hunting.



Related Info

October 10, 2008

Wrestling Grizzly Bears





I had the opportunity to photograph these bears in May of 2008

Grizzly Bear Info


October 08, 2008

Financial Affirmative Action - financial meltdown

When the history of the Great Economic Meltdown of 2008 is written, in-your-face shakedown groups like the Greenlining Institute will be held to account...................................Activist groups were encouraged to agitate by the Carter-era Community Reinvestment Act, which enshrined in law a kind of lending protection racket. Banking regulators were given the power to make trouble for banks that failed to lend enough money to so-called underserved communities. Banks that paid enough -- whatever that means -- got left alone, but banks that didn't, got their legs broken........................................The group targeted Rabobank, demanding that it shell out $7.5 billion for loan programs to help farmworkers buy their own farms. When the bank balked, Greenlining launched a campaign last year against its proposed acquisition of another bank. ---------------> More