actually, POLITICIANS screamed bloody murder and wanted this doneI agree that it isn't the business of government. Problem is, THE TAXPAYERS screamed bloody murder and demanded this.
The banks seem more stable and public confidence is a bit better. If they want to give it back, they have been given that opportunity. However, the banks still owe the public for a total sum of money which they do not now, nor ever, will they have. When panic is in the throats of the public and banks runs are on the horizon, the government is right to do what they can to stem that tide. It would be a disaster.
It actually looks like TARP has had a positive effect, with these same banks now wanting to stand on their own. Fine, I say. Let them give the money back. They have that opportunity. I hate to see us financing private banks. Not supposed to be that way and my gut tells me to let private industry fail when it will. But this isn't just any industry and the fact is, it would be a disaster to let them fall, especially all at once.
So, give us our money back, no harm, no foul and try to watch your ass in the future.
most citizens were absolutely opposed to it, over 80%