EPA Eyes NITROMETHANE

[Rexfiles]

OK Rex I am fully aware of the fact Darr put the link in. Thanks for that (that is where I got it and went to the site and put here so all information was being displayed)

Did everyone read it? Did everyone research it?

I did, but not enough there to make me feel at ease.

I am in both business' hit hard by the EPA in the last 5-10 years chemicals and trucking. I know for a fact I am not on thier Christmas card list anymore in DC. Haven't been for well...since 2001.

Go ask the director of CARB as to how well breakfast went a few months back in an industry meeting at my table.

Don't even start with me on what EPA has cost me or my associates.

I work with alternative energy in my field. I am also self employed. I know, trust me, I know.......we are both 'preaching to the choir'

Thing is, and this is conditioned response, when EVER I hear "EPA", i turn a wary eye, and wait for the other shoe to drop.

So I ask you with what I posted as people tend not to read or search for the whole truth is backed up by EPA and US documents and facts... in the words of Clara Peller (RIP) "Where's the beef?"

It ain't beef yet, it ain't full growed

Kind of like the 'Great Nitro Shortage of 2008'. A little work and searching done I found we could get all we wanted or could handle at a fairly reasonable cost too!

Just nice to have all of the facts and sources on tha table so everyone can make rational and intelligent decisions.

All in agreement, but while the drag racing world seems to be coming to an end either w/the NHRA or Bruton around here all the time, people tend to forget that all 'Big Brother' needs to do is SNAP their little fingers, a little stroke of the pen here, a little legislation there, and the party, as they say, is over.

I surprised that some here though think that this is nothing. It is a "Clear and present danger", in the grander scheme of what could do our sport in.

REX

 

[Rexfiles]

There are perhaps 100 teams in the entire country who run nitro, right? 20 each in TF and FC in NHRA, a dozen or so in IHRA TF, a dozen or so injected TAD's, and maybe another 30 people running nostalgia? Is this the kind of number to get in a twist about, either Rex or the EPA?

So............

If restrictions are put on the handling (or inhaling), of Nitro, you don't think this will 'trickle down' to fuel racing because we are too small?

And..........what "Twist"?

Oh, OK. Big government go o o o o o o o o o od

freedom ba a a a a a a a a a a a ad

 

[Toejam]

Whenever the Gov. decides to go after Motorsports, I'm willing to bet they will look at NASCAR first! That gets way too much exposure to look the other way at! I'm willing to bet 90% of the Politicians in Washington don't even know Professional Drag racing exists!

 

[FuelFC]

Taken from the latest EPA report (you can read it all if you wish here: http://www.epa.govtrilawsandregsntp_chemicalsNTPchemicals_proposed Rule04062010.pdf)

(skipped ahead to relevant subject matter...

9. Nitromethane (CAS No. 75–52–5) (Refs. NTP Profile/Background document (Refs. 25 and 26)).
The National Toxicology Program has classified nitromethane as ‘‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.’’ The classification is based on sufficient
evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. The NTP substance profile for nitromethane (Ref. 25) included the following summary information of the evidence of
carcinogenicity:
VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:32 Apr 05, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\06APP1.SGM 06APP1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 17342 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Proposed Rules
‘‘Carcinogenicity
Nitromethane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals. When administered by inhalation, nitromethane significantly
increased the combined incidences of benign and malignant tumors at three tissue sites in mice and at a different tissue site in rats. In mice, nitromethane
caused harderian gland and lung tumors in both sexes and liver tumors in females. In rats, nitromethane caused
mammary gland tumors in female F344/ N rats but did not cause any increased tumors in Long-Evans rats (exposed to
lower levels) (NTP 1997). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2000) also has concluded that
there was sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in experimental animals.
No studies evaluating the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in humans were found in the published literature.
Additional Information Relevant to Carcinogenicity
The mechanism by which nitromethane causes cancer is not known. Nitromethane did not cause mutations in bacteria and does not appear to cause genetic damage in
mammalian test systems. In cultured mammalian cells, nitromethane did not cause chromosomal aberrations
(changes in chromosome structure or number), sister chromatid exchange, or micronucleus formation (a sign of
chromosome damage or loss). Inhalation exposure of mice to nitromethane did not cause micronucleus formation in the erythrocytes (red blood cells), in either bone marrow or peripheral (circulating) blood (IARC 2000). In cultured Syrian hamster embryo cells, nitromethane induced cell transformation (a step in tumor formation) (Kerckaert et al. 1996, NTP 2002).
Nitromethane appears to be absorbed by inhalation; the available data suggest that dermal absorption is negligible.
Metabolism of nitromethane by experimental animals in vivo has not been characterized. Metabolism of
nitromethane by liver microsomes from Fischer 344 rats resulted in formation of only trace amounts of formaldehyde (IARC 2000).’’ EPA has reviewed the NTP cancer assessment for nitromethane and agrees
that nitromethane can reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans. EPA believes that the evidence is
sufficient for listing nitromethane on EPCRA section 313 pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the
available carcinogenicity data for this chemical.

NON-expert conclusions;

In short if you are a gerbil or rat you should not inhale Nitromethane! Unless you are of certain varieties of rat. But you can take a bath in it.

Obviously it could the opinion from the data presented that it is why Don Garlits has lasted so long. It can only be assumed he is immune to it being a swamp rat and all.

As well it does not address the burning of it which is known to have euphoric and beneficial nasal clearing effects as well as sensory overload capabilities.

Note: if arrousal persists and should last for more than 4 hours seek immediate treatment in the arms or cleavage of Linda Vaughn or the like!

 

[Tim5636sc]

Thanks Jimmah...now my head hurts...

 

[Huge]

Taken from the latest EPA report (you can read it all if you wish here: http://www.epa.govtrilawsandregsntp_chemicalsNTPchemicals_proposed Rule04062010.pdf)

(skipped ahead to relevant subject matter...

9. Nitromethane (CAS No. 75–52–5) (Refs. NTP Profile/Background document (Refs. 25 and 26)).
The National Toxicology Program has classified nitromethane as ‘‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.’’ The classification is based on sufficient
evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. The NTP substance profile for nitromethane (Ref. 25) included the following summary information of the evidence of
carcinogenicity:
VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:32 Apr 05, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\06APP1.SGM 06APP1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 17342 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Proposed Rules
‘‘Carcinogenicity
Nitromethane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals. When administered by inhalation, nitromethane significantly
increased the combined incidences of benign and malignant tumors at three tissue sites in mice and at a different tissue site in rats. In mice, nitromethane
caused harderian gland and lung tumors in both sexes and liver tumors in females. In rats, nitromethane caused
mammary gland tumors in female F344/ N rats but did not cause any increased tumors in Long-Evans rats (exposed to
lower levels) (NTP 1997). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2000) also has concluded that
there was sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in experimental animals.
No studies evaluating the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in humans were found in the published literature.
Additional Information Relevant to Carcinogenicity
The mechanism by which nitromethane causes cancer is not known. Nitromethane did not cause mutations in bacteria and does not appear to cause genetic damage in
mammalian test systems. In cultured mammalian cells, nitromethane did not cause chromosomal aberrations
(changes in chromosome structure or number), sister chromatid exchange, or micronucleus formation (a sign of
chromosome damage or loss). Inhalation exposure of mice to nitromethane did not cause micronucleus formation in the erythrocytes (red blood cells), in either bone marrow or peripheral (circulating) blood (IARC 2000). In cultured Syrian hamster embryo cells, nitromethane induced cell transformation (a step in tumor formation) (Kerckaert et al. 1996, NTP 2002).
Nitromethane appears to be absorbed by inhalation; the available data suggest that dermal absorption is negligible.
Metabolism of nitromethane by experimental animals in vivo has not been characterized. Metabolism of
nitromethane by liver microsomes from Fischer 344 rats resulted in formation of only trace amounts of formaldehyde (IARC 2000).’’ EPA has reviewed the NTP cancer assessment for nitromethane and agrees
that nitromethane can reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans. EPA believes that the evidence is
sufficient for listing nitromethane on EPCRA section 313 pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the
available carcinogenicity data for this chemical.

NON-expert conclusions;

In short if you are a gerbil or rat you should not inhale Nitromethane! Unless you are of certain varieties of rat. But you can take a bath in it.

Obviously it could the opinion from the data presented that it is why Don Garlits has lasted so long. It can only be assumed he is immune to it being a swamp rat and all.

As well it does not address the burning of it which is known to have euphoric and beneficial nasal clearing effects as well as sensory overload capabilities.

Note: if arrousal persists and should last for more than 4 hours seek immediate treatment in the arms or cleavage of Linda Vaughn or the like!

Now that is good. I like the way you think.

 

[Rexfiles]

Whenever the Gov. decides to go after Motorsports, I'm willing to bet they will look at NASCAR first! That gets way too much exposure to look the other way at! I'm willing to bet 90% of the Politicians in Washington don't even know Professional Drag racing exists!

EPA asked NASCAR to switch six years ago - Racing - ESPN


Notes: Engine woes fuel questions about unleaded gas - USATODAY.com




Too late.

Nitro is Next.

REX

 

[Rexfiles]

Taken from the latest EPA report (you can read it all if you wish here: http://www.epa.govtrilawsandregsntp_chemicalsNTPchemicals_proposed Rule04062010.pdf)

(skipped ahead to relevant subject matter...

9. Nitromethane (CAS No. 75–52–5) (Refs. NTP Profile/Background document (Refs. 25 and 26)).
The National Toxicology Program has classified nitromethane as ‘‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.’’ The classification is based on sufficient
evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. The NTP substance profile for nitromethane (Ref. 25) included the following summary information of the evidence of
carcinogenicity:
VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:32 Apr 05, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\06APP1.SGM 06APP1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 17342 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Proposed Rules
‘‘Carcinogenicity
Nitromethane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in experimental animals. When administered by inhalation, nitromethane significantly
increased the combined incidences of benign and malignant tumors at three tissue sites in mice and at a different tissue site in rats. In mice, nitromethane
caused harderian gland and lung tumors in both sexes and liver tumors in females. In rats, nitromethane caused
mammary gland tumors in female F344/ N rats but did not cause any increased tumors in Long-Evans rats (exposed to
lower levels) (NTP 1997). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (2000) also has concluded that
there was sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in experimental animals.
No studies evaluating the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in humans were found in the published literature.
Additional Information Relevant to Carcinogenicity
The mechanism by which nitromethane causes cancer is not known. Nitromethane did not cause mutations in bacteria and does not appear to cause genetic damage in
mammalian test systems. In cultured mammalian cells, nitromethane did not cause chromosomal aberrations
(changes in chromosome structure or number), sister chromatid exchange, or micronucleus formation (a sign of
chromosome damage or loss). Inhalation exposure of mice to nitromethane did not cause micronucleus formation in the erythrocytes (red blood cells), in either bone marrow or peripheral (circulating) blood (IARC 2000). In cultured Syrian hamster embryo cells, nitromethane induced cell transformation (a step in tumor formation) (Kerckaert et al. 1996, NTP 2002).
Nitromethane appears to be absorbed by inhalation; the available data suggest that dermal absorption is negligible.
Metabolism of nitromethane by experimental animals in vivo has not been characterized. Metabolism of
nitromethane by liver microsomes from Fischer 344 rats resulted in formation of only trace amounts of formaldehyde (IARC 2000).’’ EPA has reviewed the NTP cancer assessment for nitromethane and agrees
that nitromethane can reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans. EPA believes that the evidence is
sufficient for listing nitromethane on EPCRA section 313 pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(B) based on the
available carcinogenicity data for this chemical.

NON-expert conclusions;

In short if you are a gerbil or rat you should not inhale Nitromethane! Unless you are of certain varieties of rat. But you can take a bath in it.

Obviously it could the opinion from the data presented that it is why Don Garlits has lasted so long. It can only be assumed he is immune to it being a swamp rat and all.

As well it does not address the burning of it which is known to have euphoric and beneficial nasal clearing effects as well as sensory overload capabilities.

Note: if arrousal persists and should last for more than 4 hours seek immediate treatment in the arms or cleavage of Linda Vaughn or the like!

Oh, sure, FINE!, but what about us "Cultured Syrian Hamsters"??????

Are we of no consequence???

Actually, you can tell we are screwed by what the report says.

"No studies evaluating the carcinogenicity of nitromethane in humans were found in the published literature"

Therefore...........

"EPA has reviewed the NTP cancer assessment for nitromethane and agrees that nitromethane can REASONABLY (wtf?) be anticipated to cause cancer in humans".

In other words,"we don't care if it does or not, we say it does".

Sorry Jim, still not gettin' that "Peaceful, easy feelin'.

REX

 

[Super Mod]

Nitro, leaded fuel. and track prep has too much methanol evaporating from it.

Where does this leave us?

National Electric Drag Racing Association

 

[mick]

.............As well it does not address the burning of it which is known to have euphoric and beneficial nasal clearing effects as well as sensory overload capabilities.

Note: if arrousal persists and should last for more than 4 hours seek immediate treatment in the arms or cleavage of Linda Vaughn or the like!

holy cow jim, you're leaking our secrets!
preliminary results: euphoric vaughn effects > carcinogenic risks
nitromethane to remain said fuel of choice

 

[FuelFC]

Bawk bawk THE SKY IS NOT FALLING....

 

[Rexfiles]

Bawk bawk THE SKY IS NOT FALLING....

sigh.

didn't say it was........

your opinion, is nothing to worry about.

My opinion?

Be wary and never trust the government when they spot something, and come over, and utter the words, "we are from the government, we are here to help"

We will agree to disagree.

REX

 

[mike cummings]

The main engines run on liquid oxygen/hydrogen. The boosters are powered by a mixture of ammonium perchlorate (oxidizer, 69.6% by weight), aluminum (fuel, 16%), iron oxide (a catalyst, 0.4%), a polymer (such as PBAN or HTPB, serving as a binder that holds the mixture together and acting as secondary fuel, 12.04%), and an epoxy curing agent (1.96%). This propellant is commonly referred to as Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant, or simply APCP. (courtesy of wikipedia.org)

I'm pyrotechnician (fireworks guy) at Disneyland and we have recently change the formulation of the oxidizer on the majority of our product from potassium perchlorate to ammonium perchlorate as the result of the State clamping down on our industry. Ammonium perchlorate is not nearly as persistent or damaging to the environment and ground water as potassium perchlorate is. We saw the writing on the walls that if we did not make a voluntary change to our product's formulation, we would either be forced to make a change or be severely restricted on how many nights we could shoot a show (we currently shoot about 250 shows a year). We have also had to switch our method of launching our shells (again with gentle persuaision from the CARB) from the conventional black power lift charge on the bottom of the shell (how 99.9% of all fireworks are launched in the world) to an air cannon system that produces zero pollutants as the shell launches. In the 5+ years since our air launch system went active, we have eliminated the use of over 45,000 lbs of black powder (and the resultant smoke and pollution it creates) is the shows we have done in that time, plus it gives us precise control over the height a shell is when it goes off in the air.

As an interesting aside, the biggest user and polluter of potassium perchlorate in the state is the California Highway Patrol. The Potassium perchlorate is the oxidizer in the road flares they use and is what keeps the flames burning bright. Same reason we use it in fireworks, but the CHP has a waiver from the state to keep using the chemical in the flares. Think about it, the road flares burn on the road, then the debris usually ends up going down the storm drain that drains the ocean or the ground water table.

btw, I was at the Kennedy Space Center last week and was able to witness the Space Shuttle launch on 4/5 and it was f'ing awesome. That is one major extreme pyrotechnics show to see and feel.

 

[Huge]

I'm pyrotechnician (fireworks guy) at Disneyland and we have recently change the formulation of the oxidizer on the majority of our product from potassium perchlorate to ammonium perchlorate as the result of the State clamping down on our industry. Ammonium perchlorate is not nearly as persistent or damaging to the environment and ground water as potassium perchlorate is. We saw the writing on the walls that if we did not make a voluntary change to our product's formulation, we would either be forced to make a change or be severely restricted on how many nights we could shoot a show (we currently shoot about 250 shows a year). We have also had to switch our method of launching our shells (again with gentle persuaision from the CARB) from the conventional black power lift charge on the bottom of the shell (how 99.9% of all fireworks are launched in the world) to an air cannon system that produces zero pollutants as the shell launches. In the 5+ years since our air launch system went active, we have eliminated the use of over 45,000 lbs of black powder (and the resultant smoke and pollution it creates) is the shows we have done in that time, plus it gives us precise control over the height a shell is when it goes off in the air.

As an interesting aside, the biggest user and polluter of potassium perchlorate in the state is the California Highway Patrol. The Potassium perchlorate is the oxidizer in the road flares they use and is what keeps the flames burning bright. Same reason we use it in fireworks, but the CHP has a waiver from the state to keep using the chemical in the flares. Think about it, the road flares burn on the road, then the debris usually ends up going down the storm drain that drains the ocean or the ground water table.

btw, I was at the Kennedy Space Center last week and was able to witness the Space Shuttle launch on 4/5 and it was f'ing awesome. That is one major extreme pyrotechnics show to see and feel.

Mike that is an awesome show you guys put on over there. All i have to do is look out my window and i can see your show and then the fire works from angel stadium when the angels win.

 

[Marchboom]

Isn't Nitromethane used on the Space shuttle during launches? Be interesting to see what NASA says about this!

I'll bet they're not limited to 90%.

 

[90-percent]

Just some more comments.

First, I applaud this quite civil discussion about a subject so dear to all of us. Thanks for all the information.

Secondly, I've always found the information about nitro and the Oklahoma City bombing to be rather murky and inconclusive. That I've been able to find, anyway. Maybe I'll learn more in Rachel's show next Monday?

Lastly, many here are up in arms about what YOU think the government MAY DO. On the one hand, scrutinizing what our government is up to is a very important thing to do in a democracy. (Actually a "Constitutionally limited representative Democratic Republic", to be as concise as I'm capable of being) This helps to provide some CHECKS AND BALANCES, which is a big principal in how our government works.

I like facts, logic, bona fide information from a trusted source and truth. However, the railing AGAINST A HYPOTHETICAL FUTURE GOVERNMENT ACTION because of "flawed intelligence" may be a bit misdirected?

I am grateful the nitro community is on top of what our government is doing! This subject should be on the radar of all nitro fans! We need some checks and balances to make sure our government is not going off half cocked making stupid laws!

I do feel strongly that the last thirty years of deregulation has not served us well in all cases! The Wall Street and Bank bailouts, and the Massey Coal Mining Disasters are very recent examples of deregulation or lack of regulation in the first place. I do not think that deregulation in these cases served the effected parties well at all.

The Massey disaster to me is all about corporate cost-benefit for maximizing profit at the cost of peoples lives. Should corporations ignore the safety of their workers if it cuts into their profits?

We need WISE THOUGHTFUL regulations. I think prudent regulation of nitro commerce, even at increased cost, is better than no regulations that may allow future domestic terrorists to blow up something else in America with the possible aid of drums of nitro. How much nitro drag racing will be around if there's a second Oklahoma Bombing in our future? Well executed regulations may increase costs, but the benefits of increased costs simply outweigh wiping all American nitro racing off the map forever!

So, write and call your Congressman. I do. And I go talk to him when he holds forums here in his district. And go out and stand for what you believe. I was the sole sign carrying liberal at Hartford's September 11, 1009 Tea Party Rally. Free speech and all that.

And my debating skills are flourishing! An indirect benefit. Oh, it really helps when you want to be involved, to also be OUT OF WORK!


-90% Jimmy

 

[bottom end]

The main engines run on liquid oxygen/hydrogen. The boosters are powered by a mixture of ammonium perchlorate (oxidizer, 69.6% by weight), aluminum (fuel, 16%), iron oxide (a catalyst, 0.4%), a polymer (such as PBAN or HTPB, serving as a binder that holds the mixture together and acting as secondary fuel, 12.04%), and an epoxy curing agent (1.96%). This propellant is commonly referred to as Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant, or simply APCP. (courtesy of wikipedia.org)

maybe we can start running this stuff in the fuel cars if nitro gets banned.

T-minus ten seconds...nine...eight...seven...

 

[sdwarf36]

The way I see it--all poitics aside--nitro was 14th on the list of 16 (and not alphabetical) would you want to called to the principals office 1st--or 14th?
I'm betting thats its more of the case that nitro contains X Y+Z thats on some list-not that fans are breathing it (I'd put a fiver on whoever wrote it doesn't know drag racing exsists.) Also alot of greenie concern seems to be with disposal-which racers dont have a problem with-its gone-no waste in the landfills.
I've been in+ out of the auto machine trade for 30 years-NONE of the shop chemicals we use now are as "good" as the old days. Hot tank solution is like bathwater to what you used to be able to get. And it costs more to get rid of your Safety Kleen than it does to buy it!

 

[Baron]

Just some more comments.

First, I applaud this quite civil discussion about a subject so dear to all of us. Thanks for all the information.

Secondly, I've always found the information about nitro and the Oklahoma City bombing to be rather murky and inconclusive. That I've been able to find, anyway. Maybe I'll learn more in Rachel's show next Monday?

Lastly, many here are up in arms about what YOU think the government MAY DO. On the one hand, scrutinizing what our government is up to is a very important thing to do in a democracy. (Actually a "Constitutionally limited representative Democratic Republic", to be as concise as I'm capable of being) This helps to provide some CHECKS AND BALANCES, which is a big principal in how our government works.

I like facts, logic, bona fide information from a trusted source and truth. However, the railing AGAINST A HYPOTHETICAL FUTURE GOVERNMENT ACTION because of "flawed intelligence" may be a bit misdirected?

I am grateful the nitro community is on top of what our government is doing! This subject should be on the radar of all nitro fans! We need some checks and balances to make sure our government is not going off half cocked making stupid laws!

I do feel strongly that the last thirty years of deregulation has not served us well in all cases! The Wall Street and Bank bailouts, and the Massey Coal Mining Disasters are very recent examples of deregulation or lack of regulation in the first place. I do not think that deregulation in these cases served the effected parties well at all.

The Massey disaster to me is all about corporate cost-benefit for maximizing profit at the cost of peoples lives. Should corporations ignore the safety of their workers if it cuts into their profits?

We need WISE THOUGHTFUL regulations. I think prudent regulation of nitro commerce, even at increased cost, is better than no regulations that may allow future domestic terrorists to blow up something else in America with the possible aid of drums of nitro. How much nitro drag racing will be around if there's a second Oklahoma Bombing in our future? Well executed regulations may increase costs, but the benefits of increased costs simply outweigh wiping all American nitro racing off the map forever!

So, write and call your Congressman. I do. And I go talk to him when he holds forums here in his district. And go out and stand for what you believe. I was the sole sign carrying liberal at Hartford's September 11, 1009 Tea Party Rally. Free speech and all that.

And my debating skills are flourishing! An indirect benefit. Oh, it really helps when you want to be involved, to also be OUT OF WORK!


-90% Jimmy

Where to start . . . . . Jim, I'm glad you are "involved." You are clearly thoughtful and you've written much with which I agree. But . . .
Isn't there always a "but?"
Let's see, if you are counting on Rachel Maddow for your news you've got big trouble.
The history is a major pothole in your analysis.
There's Sarbanes-Oxley, the most comprehensive and repressive regulatory scheme since the New Deal; passed by a Republican Congress and signed into law by G.W. Bush. De-regulation? Jim, please read a newspaper.
The Securities and Exchange Commission had the authority to shut down Madoff but, instead, used him as a consultant! That was a bureaucratic failure, not an absence of regulations.
The Massey Coal Mine had countless safety citations and continued in operation. Is that because there were a lack of safety regulations or a lack of action by the government's mine safety people? Don't ask Rachel, the answer doesn't fit her meme.
Wall Street cratered in the wake of the mortgage collapse which was precipitated by government regulation (the Community Re-Investment Act) which forced lenders to provide loans to people who coudn't repay them. You know, and we probably agree, that the government's shortsightedness was coupled with out of control practices by investors to complete the perfect storm. Wall Street is the home of the stock market; not the whole of the free market.
You will recall that when the GSE Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) was scrutinized for its practices (see the testimony of Alan Greenspan in 2007); Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts resisted efforts to bring Fannie Mae under greater regulatory control. You will also recall that the principal lobbyist for Fannie Mae was Congressman Frank's live in companion (his words, not mine). You will also recall that Fannie Mae was being "run" by Franklin Raines, an economic advisor to former President Clinton. Mr. Raines has retired from Fannie Mae, as a multi-millionaire.
Keep speaking up, and civilly, as you have. From time to time, your views may change. The truth will set you free.
If you provide better data and subject it to the proper epistomology; I will include that information as I revise my opinions. I will thank you for informing me. The more I learn, the better my opinons get. It's the fun part of growing up.
Cheers,
Ed
"History, it's just one damned thing after another." Harry Truman
"It ain't what folks don't know that's the problem. It's what they know that just ain't so!" Josh Billings

 

[Toejam]

Let's see, if you are counting on Rachel Maddow for your news you've got big trouble.

There are Million's of American's who Think the USA is the Source of every problem known to Man! And thus us American's need to gotten even with! Those are the people who watch Rachel Maddow, Bill Maher and Keith Olberman!