Seriously, why are we in a recession?

Not to say I’m not aware of the reasons that have gotten us here. I know the housing crisis spurred the credit crunch, and I am perfectly aware of how the Iraq War is draining money out of the country like nobody’s business.

But if those things are such obvious reasons for being in a recession, then how did we let them happen?

Really, it comes down to dumb decisions. And sure, I could make this a Bush-bashing post, but why do that for the 17th million time?

The truth is, we are all at fault, because we were too stupid. And when I say we, I mean everyone who caused this, which honestly speaking, doesn’t include me. Hopefully, it doesn’t involve you either.

The problem is, people weren’t properly educated. We just don’t teach fiscal responsibility in our schools. Everytime I turn on the news, I see another highly educated professional who got themselves into a financial mess. I see doctors, lawyers, Investment bankers, politicians, actors, and athletes having their houses foreclosed upon and their cars repossessed. It’s sickening.

And then you turn on CNN and you see Congress and the President issuing legislation and rebates that we clearly can’t afford to spend money on, yet we do it anyway. Plus Wall Street Investors put all of their eggs in one basket. Then we’re surprised that it was just announced that we have had the biggest deficit in years?

Come on, people! Let’s read a book or two. Try “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” It’s elementary enough for even politicians to understand. There’s even a kid version for President Bush himself.

I’m not trying to talk from upon my high horse, because I don’t own one. I can’t afford it. I could have bought one on credit, but I decided to pay the rent instead.

Yeah, that’s right! I rent! I could’ve gotten a mortgage just like the rest of you in 2005 and 2006, but unfortunately for Country Wide, I have a brain.

That’s no disrespect to those of you who were redlined and unfairly targeted by predatory lenders. They were wrong for doing that. But they targeted me too, and I said no. When they approached me, I didn’t know if I could afford a sudden increase in my monthly payments 1 or 2 years down the road. It would have been preposterous to say that I could have predicted the future like that.

Yet some of you said yes, anyway. And while it was wrong of banks to misguide you, it was wrong for you to let them fool you. Just like any fool who sends money in response to a random email from the Prince of Turkey, or who falls for a Nigerian Money scam, you are stupid if you think the person you are giving money to has your best interests in their minds.

So weep and cry about how your house was taken from you and how you have to struggle to make it now. I don’t gain happiness from seeing you on the street, and I do wish you the best recovery. But if you’ve moved on to a smaller apartment or house, and now have to work twice as many hours to make up for those poor fiscal decisions, I don’t have sympathy for you. Heck, I’m struggling to make it myself, and I didn’t make those decisions, so tell me how that’s fair.

So go ahead and blame the banks for your missteps if you want, and continue to prescribe to the old saying/rule: “Fool me once, shame on you…” I’d rather not be fooled at all. Especially when playing the role of fool involves giving some other fool my money. Nah, I don’t prescribe to that…

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