A Quick Thought on the New American Socialism...

...why is it that the rich, powerful, and politically connected are benefiting the most from Government intervention into this tumultuous financial period?

This is Crony Capitalism at its worst.

Dispicable businessmen touting the wonders of the Free Market and asking for the Government to de-regulate everything, then crying for government intervention when they mess up big time.
The solution is transparency and accountablility, not Government intervention.

If you're a big businessman running with the big guys and you mess up big time, you might just fail. Failing hurts. A lot.

::insert snark:: While we're on a roll, you think the Government will help me pay for that new Ferrari I just took a loan out on? ::/snark::