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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> But while banks, especially very large faceless banks, would be reluctant 
> to change the status quo; I wonder if a great body of the 
> unwashed  consumers would not be just as reluctant since it would put them 
> out of loop.

My view is that money lending is the world's third oldest profession and is 
one that will always be with our foolish, impatient and opportunistic 
species. The masses don't have money but want it. Money lenders have fierce 
focus, powerful political pull, are insatiable and constantly seek greater 
pastures. I muse that morality is in inverse proportion to wealth. Money 
lenders are about making more and more money. We Realtors are currently 
fighting them back on their plan to enter and control our business. Right 
now we have more political clout--we buy more votes at the DC Whorehouse.

I was amused to read yesterday about the growing push for forty-year 
amortized real estate loans. Amused not for the term but for the seductive 
suggestion that stretching a loan out ten years longer makes sense for 
consumers. We already have interest-only loans. The only way to get 
meaningful lower payments is with reverse amortization loans. Trust me, 
lenders will continue to be inventive, persistent and successful in their 
quest for more business. Their business plan includes making more loans. 
This they will do by any means.

James, what is the Libertarian Party's position on regulation of the 
financial services industry?