56Chevy Monday, 12/26/11 06:55:52 PM Re: fourkids_9pets post# 26 Post # of 64 The culprit behind the global financial crisis is excess consumption, funded by debt. Before we condemn the banks we need to consider what was going on in 2009 re: TARP and political pressure to force banks to make liar loans available years before the crisis. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2009-05-13/wall_street/29994241_1_scribd-bank-documents Although I do not suggest the banks should get out of jail free card I do think there were forces that put them (and the country) in a vulnerable spot outside of their control. If you want to find out why the creek is muddy...go upstream. A huge portion of the mud came from Washington DC in the 90's. Do borrowers of money bear any responsibility ? Learn something new every time you invest...and take it with you to the next opportunity.