I never bought any stocks in my working life because my last position as one of Uncle Sam's boys had such strict conflict of interest restrictions and financial disclosure requirements. With all the interrelated company connections, holding companies, mergers, operating agreements, etc., trying to buy stock that didn't pose some kind of perceived conflict was far more trouble than it was worth. It seemed like overkill at the time, but now I'm grateful that I didn't have anything to lose when the economy went sour. I feel so sorry for all the honest working people and retirees who have lost so much through no fault of their own. I pray that 2009 will be better for them and our country.