Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson

"a lack of confidence [in our economy] that must be conquered because it poses an enormous threat to our economy"

"today we are taking decisive actions to protect the US economy"

"we have taken this step for the good of the US economy"

"we are acting with unprecedented speed, taking unprecedented measures, that we never thought would be necessary, but they are necessary to get our economy back and on an even keel and secure the confidence of the future of our markets, our economy and the economic well-being of all Americans."