Destined to Lose

Some years ago, when banks were banks, I knew a young man who was offered a partnership in a residential painting business. His employer saw great promise in his savvy apprentice (or was desperate for cash)... The deal made so much sense (to said apprentice) that he figured any bank would jump at the opportunity; a mere $15,000 would do the trick...

Alas, the bank said "nope"...

"Screw them!", cried the young artist, "they don't know squat! I'll take it to someone who knows business, someone who knows a real opportunity when they see it - I'll take it to my parents!"

And, alas, he indeed 'took it to his parents'....

Now think Solyndra... If it takes paternal Washington (where politicians spend other peoples' money on other people) to fund a company (i.e., if said company can't raise capital in the private sector), there's a very VERY good chance that said company ain't going to make it...

- or -

When government picks winners and losers, their winners (and the taxpayer) are, all-too-often, destined to lose...