the American taxpayer ended up in the insurance business here.

Okay, so where do you anticipate between this optimistic view of AIG repaying the American taxpayer in full, and the position where we are today, which is they can't pay the dividends owed.

But--since I see you wince and hesitate on the second number, that is you feel confident about the $83 billion repayment, a little less confident about the $49 billion.

Well I'm hearing so much optimistic news I--

I view this panel as an important vehicle through which the American people can gain assurances that this program was necessary and is being conducted in a manner that enhances the welfare of all citizens and not just a chosen few.

Following the bailout of a 100 cents on the dollar--because the Fed has described and they describe in their written testimony, it was totally binary.

AIG shareholders----

The government had nothing to do with what happened in Long Term Capital Management?

So then let me understand because actually our staff pulled out the OTS, your, Holding Company Handbook and it directs your examiners to conduct, and I'm quoting here, 'comprehensive assessment from the perspective of the consolidated…

I also believe it is important for the Panel to ensure that officials involved in the TARP learn from what happened so that we are not doomed to repeat this process in the future.

I want to make clear that I strongly support what I understand is one of the main goals of this panel: increasing the transparency and the public's understanding of the TARP.