We should blame ourselves for crisis

Who's to blame for this economic turmoil? Look in the mirror and there's your answer. Each one of us. That's right. We borrow, borrow, borrow, finance, finance, finance as if there is no end.

Guess what? We have found the end. We all live way beyond our means. I have compassion for those who have lost their homes or whatever because they can no longer make the payments.

Could it be they borrowed as much as they could, and just expected what is currently happening could never happen? I have learned these lessons the hard way, too. I lost a business after the attacks of 9/11. We lost a lot and have to sell our home.

I understand the pain and sorrow in this. But I chose to take the risk. I am not running to the government to bail me out. I took the risk and lost. Now I look in the mirror and have no one to point the finger at except myself.

We've picked up the pieces and are moving on. It's a struggle but what in life isn't? Stop whining, accept the failure of your choice and move on. We live in a society that teaches us we are nobody unless we have the newest, fastest, largest, most up-to-date. Why do you think the biggest and most numerous buildings in most cities or towns are banks? There's the proof right in front of you.

Everytime you swipe your credit card you are taking profit out of the pocket of the business owner. Bank fees charged to the merchant are incredible. That money comes right off the top of the sale. Take off the other costs a business owner has and it doesn't leave a lot of profit. That is why the days of "Mom and Pop shops" are long gone. So you don't have the latest or greatest whatever. It all becomes old quickly, anyway.

Remember, the stock market is one big casino. Live within your means. Pay cash. Invest in things that last a lifetime: family and friends.

Keith Matthews

Wheaton