You know Sum, there exists a concept called "fiduciary" responsibility and duty. Employers have such responsibility to their employees regarding pensions and benefits. The premise is that the actions of authorities such as employers, banks, professional practises are founded on confidence and trust. In the case of the financial industry, particularly in the USA, this concept was thrown out the window and the fortunes of tens of millions who trust institutions to abide by their policies and principles, to protect the client and the company by saying "NO" to overextending credit. This wavering of policy and principle was done as an epidemic, not just an isolated case. It became the norm. So with respect, I can't agree to place much blame on Joe Citizen who trusts a bank to do the due dilligence on his credit rating and making a decision to overextend when he/she is doing so on an assumed trust.