Here's an article from today's Wall Street Journal.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...LEFTTopStories

Is it reasonable to think that the U.S. economy can begin to recover until the banks become healthy again? As a retired banker, I don't think so. Banks provide the "financial grease" (credit) that keeps the wheels of business turning. Until they're strong enough to begin to lend again, there is little that any politician from any party--jobs bill or no jobs bill--can do to crank up economic activity and reduce employment.

I read this article with interest because Steven Ross is one of the most successful businessmen in the world. He is also very generous, having donated well over $100 million to the University of Michigan. Michigan's top-rated business school is named after him. Frankly, I was shocked to learn that a guy this smart couldn't find any reasonable bank investments after a year of trying.