Well, the commentary in the New York Times by Ben Stein about Goldman's bearish housing research and its short bets has prompted a whole lot of criticism. My view is that no piece of analytical work from a Wall Street firm--even independent research firms--is pure. Same goes for journalism. But I think people are aware of the biases, from equity analysts and the like. Credit analysts are certainly suspect these days. That said, reputations are on the line, and over-the-top, overtly sales-y piece are so obvious that they discredit themselves. I'm not sure that Goldman's housing analysis can be put in that category. Feel free to comment.  
- Jim