christ dude I agree you are responsible, I did not sell shares the other day I had none, I bought today, I am just saying that if the guys who own the accounts cant cover, as in dont have the money, assets, what ever, then the brokrage house is short the shares then, scott trade is the one in the end who is short the shares if the little guys cant cover them. Of course the little guys are liable first, but MM's (brokers) they are the ones who control all of the transactions and make the markets, when I short a stock it doesnt show up as my name short to the SEC, it shows up as my broker is short xxxxx number of shares. Even though I am ultimately liable, the broker has to make good on the trade, and the broker collects from me. When I sell you shares you dont pay me directly, it all boils down to if no one else can cover, the broker has too