Recently, you may have read a little bit about Brendan Skwire, the man behind the hugely excellent Brendan Calling blog (and a member of the Mill Creek Boys). Along with his brother, Ray, of the blog phillybits, the Skwires are a two-man citizen journalism juggernaut.

Last week, Brendan posted a fantastic piece wherein, in light of the CEOs of Goldman Sachs and Bank of America admitting they didn't really need the funds they received in the bailout, called both firms seeking to get his money back.

Here's a taste of the conversation with the woman who answered the phone at Goldman Sachs:

“Sir, i understand that you’re angry.” This was interesting, because i never once betrayed any irritation. My tone was not only level, it was downright perky and cheerful.

“I’m not angry,” I said. “I’m just wondering why your CEO is saying he never needed the money, and if he didn’t why doesn’t he give it back? I keep hearing it’s getting used for bonuses, and salaries, and parties, and fancy office furniture, and all sorts of activities that aren’t lending. If you don’t need the money, can we have it back? Because we really really need it right now.”

Silence. Silence. Silence. “Mr. Skwire, can i take your number?”

“Sure. is someone going to get back to me?”

“Well, we’re going to pass on your information.”

“Wait a second.. if you take my number are you going to add me to some list of people you don’t want to hear from?”

“NO!! No, absolutely not. It’s just for our records, and so someone can get back to you if they feel they have some information for you.”

“Well… ok. But i really DO want a callback. We gave your employer an awful lot of money, and if he doesn’t need it…”

“I understand and i agree with you actually,” the woman said.

“You do?” That was incredible.

“yes, I do. it IS an awful lot of money.” That was disappointing: it sounded like she was going to say Goldman should give it back.

It's all terrific stuff. Read the rest here.

Brendan Calling: Can we have our money back?