Money makes the world go round...

Shady deals. Questionable loan practices. Fiscal recklessness and irresponsibility. Lack of accountability.

Let's reward stupidity with "bail outs" - banks, mortgage companies, insurance groups. AIG took some of their 85 billion dollars of bailout money and held a gathering at a California resort and shortly after received another 35 billion. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae execs used thousands of their bailout cash for parties at both National Conventions. Citicorp can't spend its money fast enough.

There are others in line with their hands out. The student loan industry says it's in trouble (big surprise). The auto industry just got their collective hands slapped. Their industry is so screwed up the government has no idea who to write the check out to but it will not be long before that's cleared up and they get their money.

I should get in line for my bail out.

Oh, but wait. I'm not broke, yet. I pay my bills and keep my checkbook balanced. My local taxes are paid so I don't have any money to hide off shore. And if I make one wrong step the IRS is right there to remind me of my fiscal responsibilities.

Besides, us common folks don't get bail outs when we screw up.

We have something called bankruptcy.