Another reason not to applaud: the U.S. and UK governments have been furiously manipulating interest rates themselves since 2008, through the big bond purchases

Another reason not to applaud: the U.S. and UK governments have been furiously manipulating interest rates themselves since 2008, through the big bond purchases that drive short-term rates near zero. These policies didn't help the economy as much as hoped. They also destroyed small savers' ability to earn interest. But the politicians pressed on anyway. What if the government fined itself $25 billion and distributed the money to the public? I'd like that settlement more. By contrast, this Libor settlement actually taxes the public -- because the ultimate owners of bank shares are our very own pension funds or 401ks -- and then gives the $$ to the government. Meanwhile, the rogue traders get no punishment whatsoever. I can't find anything in this deal to like.