Let's See? What Else Can the Federal Government Do to Slow The Economy? -- Not a Bakken Story

So far, and these are just the big ones that come to mind:

Permitorium in the Gulf.

Suing to stop Boeing's new plant in South Carolina.

Suing to stop ATT from buying T-Mobile.

Slow-rolling the Keystone XL pipeline.

Now today, it is being reported that the government will sue "the big banks" for housing mortgage misrepresentation.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency suits, which are expected to be filed in the coming days in federal court, are aimed at Bank of America,  JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank, among others, according to three individuals briefed on the matter. 

No wonder the banks are not lending money. It should be noted that the rules for lending going forward are more stringent / onerous than the ones under which these banks loaned money before the housing debacle. 

For investors, Jim Cramer says "never" invest in airlines. I think he is about ready to add "big banks" to that list. The timing of this story is interesting. Warren Buffett just made a huge investment in Bank of America. He could have waited a few days and got an even better deal.

Unrelated, I did post an op-ed on electric cars. 

Oh, well, we'll see the jobs report later this morning and that will cheer everyone up.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the Bakken day to begin. Good luck to all. And have a great three-day weekend.