10k wouldn't last long if they were trying to pay a mortgage they couldn't afford. many more banks and brokerages would go bankrupt, therefore no credit for anyone. there's hardly any credit now. Americans do need a break though. lower interest, less loansharking in credit card companies and cooperatioin from banks to prevent foreclosures would help. the economay must be revived somehow. can't let all banks fail here and around the world. disaster would ensue