Yes and no. We're responsible to some extent, but otherwise there wouldn't be "lemon" laws about cars and there wouldn't be a need for the Consumer Protection Agency. Or the SEC or meat inspections or the FDA.

It turns out that Regular Joes, like some of us, actually do need official protection from rapacious and dishonest corporations and retailers. The issue here, as it pertains to this investment, is, what the heck is going on?

Can a CEO go on the public record saying he doesn't foresee a reverse split anytime soon at the same time that one is being planned? Does that fall within the boundaries of legitimate guidance to investors?

I don't know, I'm not a lawyer or any kind of securities expert. But to say that it's strictly my choice about what I want to invest in is a bit of a simplification.