We the people need to make changes too

So Nancy Pelosi rankled some Republicans? Good for her!

If the problems were not so hard on our pocketbooks, the situation would be humorous.

Early on, Nancy cautioned that it would take Republican help to properly modify an unacceptable plan that gave Henry Paulson too much power.

Then when it was established that we are all in the same boat, she told the nation what needed to be heard.

Some Republicans did not like the speech but children chanted, "The truth's what hurts." It is good learn that Mr. Independent voted for the modified plan, which is more of an investment than a bailout. That means that come November, I will have to vote for at least one Republican, Mr. Kirk.

Nevertheless, many changes are needed.

The stock market is rigged to help the greedy who have been getting tax breaks. The current system rewards, speculators.

Market gimmicks such as selling short, hedge funds, puts, calls, computer trading, house flipping, etc., all work against Main Street. Changes have to be made.

In addition to changing how government operates, the people need to change.

Obesity, gas guzzling SUVs and huge gaudy houses are symptomatic of what ails the country.

Tax-and-spend as well as borrow-and-spend politicians must learn to live within our means, just as the general publics must learn to not abuse credit.

It does not help for the administration to understate the true cost of the Iraq fiasco or lie about the economy being strong.

The April issue of Vanity Fair shows that the true cost of the Iraq war is around $3 trillion. The human cost goes beyond the body count. Wounded veterans must be treated fairly. Veterans make up about one fourth of our homeless.

Russell C. W. Crom

Mount Prospect