The police, too, seem to shrink away from confrontation.

ECONOMIST: A model of tolerance

With each day that passes by, our chances to get away with it shrink.

FORBES: Marketers Show Respect to Earn It

Westamerica Bancorporation, a Californian lender, was lambasted for backing away from high-yielding property loans and allowing its portfolio to shrink.

ECONOMIST: The bust is starting to catch up with regional lenders

Many Republicans would love to see institutions such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac done away with, or to curb the power of the Federal Reserve to shrink the U.S. government.

FORBES: Republicans Offer Unpopular Solutions for Housing Fix