Recession can lead to better habits

Don Lorech, in a letter published Dec. 4, has some astute insight into the present recession, and media fear-mongering that in part became a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Fear and uncertainty is driving this and the media has been the drunk driving the Ferrari. But Congress must stop their giveaways, Wall Street crooks must go to jail, the ratio of executive to worker compensation needs adjustment and the American people need to return to a few simple behaviors.

Live within your means.

Spend less than you make.

Save with discipline.

There is no such thing as something for nothing. Social justice is impotent without personal responsibility. Maybe the present pain we are enduring will have a silver lining. As a country, we still have a lot of growing up to do.

Steve Quick

Arlington Heights