First, I have to disagree with Robert Borosage. Policies don't evolve, Darwin-style. They are set and developed by people.

Next, to the primary matter at hand.

What else can you say about Obama's economic policy team, other than we don't officially have seven "dwarves"?

You can already look at possible dwarfishness level of at least some of the seven.

Of course, I'm far from alone on lamenting Obama's lack of progressive appointments.

And rather than just criticize, along with other critics, I can say I have had somebody better in mind than Larry Summers.

Joe Stiglitz has already, before today, come to mind.

But, Stiglitz has loudly lamented the shortfalls of neoliberalism the last few years. The fact that he apparently wasn't even on Obama's short list indicates just where Obama's thinking is, IMO.

As for Treasury AND other top financial positions, I can say (beyond thinking Stiglitz would have been very good) he should not have appointed any Goldman Sachs alum, given their track record. Beyond that, as I also wrote in a column at my newspaper company, I suggested an academic not connected closely to Wall Street. Without me naming names, there's plenty out there that would fit the bill.

Oh, and for good measure, take note that Warren Buffett is not as innocent of involvement in the subprime bubble as he has claimed.