Time for Americans to face fiscal responsibility

A character in the movie “Wall Street” declares, “Greed is good,” the implication being that the greater the greed, the greater the good.
It is apparent in real time that such a philosophy is leading us, as a nation, to the edge of an economic abyss. Home foreclosures, maxed-out credit cards, higher transportation and food costs coupled with rising unemployment and a ballooning national debt tied to an unjustified war has resulted in a stressful burden on the nation’s psyche.
Meanwhile, excessive purchases followed by minimal payments on credit cards eventually lead to an unmanageable economic condition.
We could have seen this financial crisis coming had the trees of the proverbial forest not gotten in the way. It is now time to clear that forest of illusions and replace it with the ideals of fiscal responsibility. The public, acting collectively, can have a profound influence on a corporation or an entire industry.
Step one: For those who can afford it, learn to do with less.
Step two: Practice step one.
Lloyd J. Klapperich
Roanoke