correction a while back i asserted that financial services provide no useful function. it was pointed out to me that this is hogwash. and upon further reflection, i have to admit, as much as it pains me, i was wrong. the individuals who profit from financial services, ie the 1%, get $4 every time you, the 99%, save $1. it doesn't feel like it, cause you don't actually write the check. but that's the result. at first pass this seems like a bad thing (tm). like no-brainer. so how could it possibly be a good thing (tm)? heh. i explain. suppose the 99% could save money 5x faster than they do. they'd retire at a young age. our factories would be empty of workers. they'd all be out playing golf or sucking down pina coladas on a beach somewhere. then they'd try to buy something with all their "wealth". but they wouldn't be able to. because there'd be nothing to buy. cause all the factories are empty. because... well, you get the picture. basically, our economy would come to a grinding halt if the 1% didn't sop up the 99%'s excess wealth. so the next time you see some douchebag in a beemer being a douchebag, remember, a couple of things. first, that's not his beemer. it's yours. you paid for it. take a moment to admire it. second, he's doing you a big favor. cause if it weren't for him, you wouldn't have a job, a house, a wife, kids. you owe everything you have to him. so treat him with some respect. sheehs.  ¶ 8:00 AM