It is true that Bernanke can t force banks to lend, but he can compel them to boost the money supply by removing any compensation they receive from keeping the money multiplier in check.

FORBES: Fed's Next Move Will Be To Ease Interest Rates

And despite the big increase in numbers the force is receiving no additional transport helicopters, which will compel it to make greater use of the dangerous roads and, inevitably, expose it to roadside bombs and ambushes.

ECONOMIST: Anxious times for the under-manned Western forces

By making demands Netanyahu and his coalition partners cannot accept, Obama hopes to either bring down the government and replace Netanyahu and Likud with the far-leftist Tzipi Livni and Kadima, or force Yisrael Beitenu and Shas to bolt the coalition and compel Netanyahu to accept Livni as a co-prime minister.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Why Obama is waging war on Israel

These petitions do not compel executive action, of course, but reflect a desire to force government to account for its actions in prosecuting Swartz, and doing so with such a severe charge sheet.

FORBES: Open Data Activist Aaron Swartz Dies Aged 26: 'Uncompromising, Reckless and Delightful'

These sleepy-sounding piles of paperwork allow the FDA to compel manufacturers to distribute medication guides warning of potential risks, to force doctors to attest that a patient really needs a drug, and even to distribute medicines through specialized pharmacies to prevent unapproved uses or illicit use.

FORBES: The End Of Drug Withdrawals?

Through regulations, it can compel banks and other financial firms to buy its own debt, much like geese being force-fed for foie gras.

WSJ: The Intelligent Investor: Why Bondholders Should Be Worried