Major financial institutions declaring bankruptcy, or getting gobbled up by even larger institutions... It's ominous. Got this from Nader this morning:

Bleak Sunday, Momentous Monday, and Nader/Gonzalez

Posted by The Nader Team on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 08:37:00 AM

On this momentous Monday, September 15, 2008, we make a simple request.

Donate $15 to Nader/Gonzalez.

The prudential choice for 2008.

We woke up this morning early.

Turned on C-Span radio.

And heard Brian Lamb quoting Ralph Nader.

From years ago.

With Ralph warning about extravagance, recklessness, and excessive compensation on Wall Street.

Warning years ago about the undue influence of Fannie and Freddie on Democrats and Republicans alike.

Warning about the failure of our government to protect small investors.

Throughout his career, Nader has strong been a strong advocate for due diligence.

For protecting shareholder rights.

For prudential regulation.

And strict oversight of the markets.

While the Democrats and Republicans have bent to the whims of their corporate masters and Wall Street's bottom line imperatives.

Nader has been steadfast in his advocacy for safety, regulation, and protecting the little guy.

Unfortunately for the nation and for investors, his warnings have gone largely unheeded.

On this momentous Monday, as we watch the fallout from the failed policies, greed and extravagance of the corporate political class unfold, we make this simple note.

Due diligence, prudential regulation, and strict oversight of the markets -- Nader-style -- would have gone a long way to averting the disaster currently hitting Wall Street.

Instead, it was short-term fast and dirty profits, muzzled politicians, and throw caution to the wind.

And so now, the American people are learning the hard way about the consequences of a reckless corporate dominated political economy.

But thanks to your hard work, we are in a position to give America a choice in November.

For prudence.

For strict oversight.

For regulation.

Right now, we're in the stretch drive of our $80,000 fundraiser -- to help fund our get out the vote drive.

To get Ralph Nader into the presidential debates.

To let the American people know that they don't have to settle for corporate rule.

There will be a choice in November.

But first, we need to reach $80,000 by September 17th.

We're at $50,000.

We have three days to reach $80,000.

We haven't missed one fundraising goal yet.

And we don't plan to start now.

So, please, drop $15 now on Nader/Gonzalez.

Help shift the power.

From Wall Street and the corporate giants.

Back into the hands of the American people.

Together, we are making a difference.

Onward to November

The Nader Team