We've been through a round of bailouts in 2008 and stimulus in 2009/10. Here is how the bailouts/stimulus money compares to the GDP of other countries and the US.
Another great article from THE BIG PICTURE BLOG on what financial reform should look like to get the job done.
For me, Number 5, 7 and 8 are incredibly important. Reinstate Glass-Steagall, Only one regulator, Reform the SEC. Way too many crooks and bad, unhealthy transactions and deals fell through the cracks.