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Because I like to hear all sides of an issue while forming my opinions, I tap many sources of information on a daily basis. In addition to newspapers, the Internet, MSM news programs and Conservative talk radio, I also occasionally listen to Progressive/Liberal talk stations. Today, I was doing just that, listening to Ed Schultz, the Liberal equivalent I suppose of Rush Limbaugh on the right. He was discussing President Obama’s mortgage relief program and taking calls from listeners.
At one point a gentleman called in and expressed his concern that the mortgage package might be rewarding irresponsible borrowing behavior (0 down, interest only loans with ever increasing monthly payments), while not offering anything to the millions of conscientious people who were more prudent in their home buying. He shared the concern of many Americans, that it doesn’t seem fair to tax hard working, responsible citizens only to bail out others who are suffering the results of their own bad decision making. After a sharp exchange between the two, this caller asked why he couldn’t be extended a break just like the others who were losing their homes to foreclosure. Mr. Schultz answered in a way that surprised even me, saying in affect: “You’ve had all the breaks for years. Now it’s our turn .” Now I’m sure Ed Schultz’s home is not in foreclosure, so he must have been speaking in the collective sense for all the downtrodden Liberals, but I think his message is clear: If you own your home and are able to make your loan payments, it’s not because you were careful or prudent, but rather because you’ve had all the breaks, and now Government is going to step in and level the playing field by treating some citizens differently than others.
I find this whole attitude really troubling. It’s an extension of the “victimization/entitlement” society that has flourished in this Country for the last decade or so. From the woman who sued McDonalds after she spilled coffee in her own lap, to Katrina victims who spent their federal shelter money on big screen televisions, far too many people use perceived victimization to justify greedy and unreasonable behavior. It is past time I think, for people to own their behavior and be responsible for their actions. When our Government steps in to mediate the consequences of our mistakes, they simply enable us to continue a pattern or poor choices. The ultimate result is to increase dependency upon Government, and further absolve us from personal responsibility.
No one can look at this mortgage mess and not acknowledge that predatory lending practices were rampant, and those lenders should be dealt with severely. But one must also note the ignorance of anyone who thought they could own a half-million dollar home on $80,000 or less yearly salary by merely paying the interest each month. They rolled the dice and lost, and are now claiming to be victims of the system. That’s the system where we allow people to make and live with their financial decisions, right or wrong, smart or ill-advised. The same system where 92% of American homeowners pay their mortgages on time and somehow make ends meet with the hard earned money that they have. I don’t necessarily agree with that caller to the talk show, although I understand his sentiments and those of many Conservative Americans. I don’t want or expect anything from the mortgage bail out, but I really hate the thought that my tax money is going to rescue people who may need to experience the fallacy of something for nothing. If they think this is a great opportunity to “stick it to the man” fine, but as we move into the future and the economic impact of all these programs takes effect, drying up available resources, they will most certainly continue to suffer the down side of their lousy judgment.
I don’t want to see mothers and children put out on the street, so I am letting compassion trump my fiscal sensibilities a bit, but it becomes increasingly difficult when some Liberals clearly view President Obama’s program not as an opportunity to get well, but rather a chance to get even.
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