I hope you’re as frustrated by this "credit crunch" as I am. There seems to be no end to the number of folks seeking financial assistance because of their poor choices. Don’t get me wrong though, I favor providing some assistance to folks who need help, but I certainly discourage all-out freebies that reward poor management decisions. I think there are certainly many instances where lenders looked favorably upon, and actively encouraged, people "cooking" their financial application numbers. Heck, even in my own experience, we were able to purchase a vehicle we couldn’t afford, using numbers that were false.

No, what frustrates me at this time is the number of handouts we’re giving without any care for the future damage. Just look at the news about AIG’s latest blunder. Do you think they’ll be punished? Sure, we’ll see "hearings," "public outcry," and some general contempt, but overall, the company knows they can get away with these kinds of tactics, and face few, if any punishments. What’s evenmore frustrating, when the federal government does set certain restrictions on these companies, they complain because of the stricter regulations.

There’s no need to comment or send a horrendous amount of email regarding this situation. I know that the bailout measures were necessary. These measures protect thousands of jobs, industries, and millions/billions of invested dollars. However, I believe that sending $152B (roughly 21% of the total bailout package) to a company who continues mock the American taxpayer is ludicrous. This is your money that’s being stripped, and you should demand a better accounting of its use. Moreover, this is one legal issue you shouldn’t, and cannot afford to look beyond.

(Stepping off the soap box now.)