The Oil Drum with commentary on some probable negative consequences for energy markets as a result of the SEC's rule change on short selling.

"Instead of the normal knee-jerk scapegoat lynching, perhaps this time our leaders will look deeper for the real 'witch' responsible for the recent explosion in systemic risks and financial upheaval - whoever approved and subsequently encouraged the use of enormous leverage in the financial markets via scaling of investment banks assets and liabilities. Oh wait - that would be the same people looking for the witches.."

brilliant, thanks enbar

oh and the most disheartening comment:
"Energy and finance are critically linked. The deepening banking crisis now combined with apathy and reduced confidence in our financial system will evaporate any chance we had of offsetting oil depletion with new production and new technology. You can bank on it."

The Enron debacle was made possible by the same late-night, last day-before-Christmas bill in 2002 that deregulated the sale of subprime mortgage funds. Same guy brought us both: Phil Gramm, former senator, recent lobbyist for the industry, and until a short while ago, McCain's primary financial advisor.