Hempton argues that Bank of America (BAC) and Fannie Mae are estimating extremely different future loan losses, and those differences cannot be attributed to differences in their current performance (the rate at which loans are defaulting now). If I wanted to be provocative I would only show you this quote:

"If Bank of America were to provide at the same rate its quarterly losses would be 50-80 billion and it would be completely bereft of capital – it would be totally cactus. It would be – like Fannie Mae – a zombie government property." (emphasis in original)

("Totally cactus" — I like that.)

But to be fair, Hempton actually thinks that Bank of America is being only slightly optimistic and Fannie is being extremely pessimistic. Here's his interpretation:

"(R)egulators are controlling Fannie in such a way that keeps it down. They are allowing Bank of America to act as if all is well whilst Fannie Mae appears to be a complete zombie. Which I think corresponds roughly to the new policymaker consensus that what is good for big banks is good for America.

"It is clear why BofA has chosen the 13 billion of provisions per quarter – which is that it roughly corresponds to their pre-tax pre-provision income. (Hempton is saying that if they took any more provisions they would be unprofitable.) Moreover – in my view the 13 billion per quarter is not far wrong so the decision is defensible. …

"(A)lmost however I cut it the situation is getting worse for BofA at roughly the same rate as it is for Fannie Mae.

"Except for one thing. The government wants BofA alive. Lots of people want Fannie Mae dead."