A co-worker asked a slightly humorous — but equally disturbing question — regarding the reported potential takeover of parts of AIG by the federal government: “Are we becoming the United States of Soviet Republics (USSR)?”

According to various reports, and this one from the Associated Press, the United States may take control of three units of AIG in exchange for “forgiving” the payback of some of its recent bailout. One of those units include its Asia operations.

Also big on the speculation scene is a potential “nationalization” of major U.S. banks. Substitute the word “socialization” for nationalization, and the scenario is troubling, hence my co-workers comments.

For those of us old enough to understand the potatoes and vodka reference in this blog’s headline, the implications should make us shudder.

I am not trying to be an alarmist, but government control of our industry, our insurance companies, and out banks could lead our country down a road that is better left unexplored. Who ever thought that a group of ragtag foreigners could bring down both buildings of the World Trade Center in less than two hours; should we as Americans remain silent when we see major issues that could have potential dire consequences for future generations, not to mention our own?