[quote pri_dk]
Can someone, other than our friend “investor,” explain to me the motivation for the secrecy behind the Fed’s ownership?

It is a bit curious, and seems to be to do much to fan the conspiracy theory flames.

What’s the wisdom behind this structure?
[/quote]

Wisdom from which perspective?

From the perspective of the entities that have ownership:
keeping your association and potential influence in the Fed secret.

From the political point of view:
see above and mix in political contributions.

From the view of the citizens:
None what so ever.

While the conspiracy theorists are largely pointing in the wrong directions, there are issues out there. The ‘monied’ don’t mind the conspiracists because they keep pointing in the wrong directions, and they can ‘work’ in the background (diversion technique).

How about:
Why is a CDS(Credit Default Swap) not considered an insurance product – despite what it does and its associated risk exposure. Who/what has an interest on keeping the current status quo with respect to CDS(s).

Why was the TARP lending done to BofA for 3.5%, but it was lent to FRE/FNM at 10%? This is ignoring the fact that congress did a bit of meddling in the running of FRE/FNM an may have some to do with the current state of both entities. At what rate was TARP money lent to GS?

During the rapid one-day drop in the stock market, why were some of the trades unwound? Who was being protected? Wouldn’t this type of protection be creating a moral hazard? (many more questions on this one item).