I didn't realize how old this thread was. In regards to capitalism, wealth redistribution etc. There is no question that our financial system has run amuck and that our government, democrats and republicans alike, failed to do anything about it. I think our country is seriously lacking in accountability. The blame cannot only be place at the top of the financial food chain. American's have come to a sense of entitlement. They are supposed to own a house, buy a new car every couple of years etc etc. As a Staff Sergeant in the Army I epitomize the middle class. My wife and I bought cheap, efficient and reliable cars; we don't carry revolving credit, saved money for our upcoming home purchase, put money into a savings and retirement account every month and overall take an active role in our finances. We are not the rule amongst my co-workers or friends. American middle and lower economic classes must take some ownership for closing the gap. You can't have a country that offers the possibility of tremendous wealth and success w/o the prospect for absolute failure.