How would you fix the economy and budget issues?

[12thMan]

Schneed, there are many symptoms and causes to this fragile economy. It's like a sickly patient who comes into your office sneezing like crazy. The first thing the doctor wants to know if they're allergic to anything. If the answer is yes, he/she will keep diagnosing beyond the obvious before they prescribe medication. My basic premise is that the weakness of the housing market is the most glaring undermining confidence and recovery, not the only thing.

I wholeheartedly agree that the the rate of unemployment is linked to housing prices. I've mentioned this in at least one other thread around here. However, my point of contention with the Obama administration, as it relates to the foreclosure crisis, is that they've nursed the banks back to health, the auto industry is back on it's feet, yet they've left the middle class to endure the most brutal housing recession to hit this nation, perhaps ever.

You seem to lay much of the blame at the feet of the American consumer. Government can't solve all the problems, people need to save more, homes are expensive, etc. While all of your statements are true, it's also true that real wages have stagnated over the past 20 years while the cost of living continues to go up. The average American is working longer, retiring later, and the exorbitant cost of health care have driven many into bankruptcy, all while being barraged with ads selling the American dream and easy credit.

It's not that government can -- or should be expected to solve everything, but they should at least uphold their end of the bargain.