First of all, those who read my previous post on politics, know I don't think the term "Bailout" is appropriate. I said that if we stop the finger pointing, we will realize everyone will suffer to some extent.

Let's look at the big picture. My assumptions are not exact; but, I am looking at concepts rather than trying to audit everyone's personal finance.

Since this crisis hit last year, my home has lost 33% of its value and my IRA has lost just about the same. Now, let's compare what the $700,000,000,000 rescue package would have cost me. If we assume that 200,000,000 of our 300,000,000 people earn money or have assets, simple math tells us that each and every person would have to pay $3500 each. I understand that my 200,000,000 figure is soft and of that figure, not everyone can afford $3500. But, my point is to try and put this into perspective. Just yesterday, I lost more than $3500 in net worth.

Let's look at the money moguls who we need to punish. First of all, I am sure that when the smoke from this mess clears up, most of these very rich people will still be much better off than I will be. I will have lost much less in the absolute; but, I will be suffering more hardships in the absolute than they will. Sure, they may have to sell their mega yachts; but, will they be driving a 3 year old Mazda 3 that is worth less than they owe on it?

As I said in my previous post, the blame belongs to all of us. We need to just do what we need to do to make things right; and, to forget about teaching other people lessons. Let's pay for our mistakes and learn own lesson(s).

We are refusing to admit our blame in this debacle of greed. Why? Because once we admit our part in this, we will have to admit we have to pay for it.

On a more pragmatic note, can we believe that the people who masterminded it are actually going to be better than us and admit they were wrong? I doubt it. Just like us, they will place the blame somewhere else and won't even think about changing themselves. So what's the point? Do you think it will discourage excess greed in the future? Well, if we look at all of the thieves who have been caught and punished in the past, why would we think this time will be any different? Almost no thief thinks they will be caught. And of those that do, most think it is worth the gamble and decide to do it anyway.

I, for one, think that my $3500 (or more) will be the best deal I will get to walk away from this mess.