I Don't Want to Own AIG

For not the last time, I'm sure, I strenuously disagree with one of Senator Obama's positions. This morning he released a statement seemingly supporting the U.S. bailout (read: taxpayer-funded purchase) of AIG. Now set aside the economic aspects of this transaction for a moment. The real horror here is that you and I now own the sponsor of the despicable Manchester United football club. With business decisions like dropping $100m on that worthless team, is it any surprise they couldn't stay afloat without our help?

Surely the U.S. taxpayer would be much better off owning a piece of Arsenal's sponsor, Emirates. After all, the airline is putting the fear of God into its industry, with annual growth in excess of 20% and profits in all but one of its twenty-two years in existence, including net profits of $1.37b last year. I may have to send the Senator a note about this. Fly Emirates!