Banking blues - sorting out the continuing panic in financial markets

I'll only add one addendum to this fine piece: There are an army of analysts of all types working for the federal government. Many of them are, in fact accountants. I f the banks won't sort out their debt sheets voluntarily (and I agree they want to hide it for as long as possible), then we have capable, competent folks who can do it for them. And at no additional cost to taxpayers or the banks. Sounds like a win-win to me.