In my humble opinion — this image is no accident (click the pic for context [1] ):

The mainstream media routinely uses modified or carefully selected images for ad hominem attacks, but this example deserves to become a Communications course classic.  Note the stark primary color-scheme and a cropping that places Neel’s right ear squarely at the center of the frame.  The ear is also emphasized by the white arrow formed by his shirt collar, and as an added bonus, his left index finger is precisely in line with top edge of cartilage, fortuitously lit to suggest a point.  What we have here is a carefully engineered suggestion of the popular character from the old Weekly World News.

… and yes, we’ve targeted Paulson, Kashkari & Co. like this before, but sneaking it under the radar just doesn’t seem nice.

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[1]: "Panel Steps Up Criticism of Treasury Over TARP", by Michael R. Crittenden, Wall Street Journal, January 9, 2009.