The U.S. economy has continued on a steady free-fall ever since the bank bailout bill was passed. The Federal Reserve also stepped in and lowered the rate at which banks can borrow money to near zero.

So just exactly what has happened to the money that was released to the banks?

It is clear that the banks did accept the money they have received so far to keep their doors open or to buy other smaller banks. At the same time, they have frustrated any attempts to get the economy back on track by closing off some credit resources and severely restricting all other products to the point that the middle-class worker or homeowner has no place to turn.