GSEs in 2008

Dave Barry's year in review is, as always, required reading.

I found his take on Fannie and Freddie particularly funny.

[January]

Finally, in what some economists see as a troubling sign, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac invest $12.7 billion in Powerball tickets.

[February]

In sports, the undefeated New England Patriots lose the Super Bowl to the New York Giants in a stunning upset that confounds the experts, not to mention Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which had $38 billion on the Pats to win.

[March]

On Wall Street, J.P. Morgan buys Bear Stearns; nobody really understands what this means, but it is clearly bad. Abroad, the dollar declines to the point where currency traders are using it solely for wiping up spills. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac apply to be contestants on Deal Or No Deal.

[May]

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac invest $17 billion in an Herbalife franchise.

[July]

Speaking of trouble, the economic news continues to worsen with the discovery that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have sent $87 billion to a Nigerian businessman with a compelling e-mail story.

[August]

In yet another troubling economic indicator, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rob a liquor store.

[September]

The federal government is finally forced to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after they are caught selling crack at a middle school.

The Nigerian businessman bit really had me in stitches for some reason.