How bad is this economy? And what role do the banks play? Well, members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, which represents 260 workers at Republic Windows & Doors near Chicago, have peacefully taken over their work site, protesting the company decision to shut them down.

The workers carried signs that said "Bank of America: Don't Steal Christmas." The bank apparently pulled the company's credit line when sales plunged. These events suggest how tricky accepting TARP funds can be. Many people want the $25 billion in government funds to be productively loaned, but does that mean you throw banking credit standards out the window? Do you lend with lower standards to satisfy the politicians? Of course, you can't blame the employees, because no one is bailing them out. This is a tricky situation, all around.

For more:
- here's an article from the Chicago Tribune 

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