"But I'm becoming increasingly convinced that the original theory of the bailout–that it would step in and provide a firewall to prevent future failures–has been proven wrong. I still think it was worth trying, prospectively; there seemed to be at the time, a reasonable prospect that it would save money in the long run by forestalling the need for future bailouts. But in hindsight, it hasn't worked." Yeah, I thought buying up troubled assets would work. I think it even might have, had it been pursued. But it was shelved, and … nope.

"The researchers’ conclusion is that one example of disorder, like graffiti or littering, can indeed encourage another, like stealing. Dr Kelling was right. The message for policymakers and police officers is that clearing up graffiti or littering promptly could help fight the spread of crime." Somewhere, Malcolm Gladwell emailed this to Leavitt and Dubner and appended a two-word commentary: "Suck it!"