Letter: Take responsibility for your own life

Thursday, April 19, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.

Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer of New York has proposed legislation to "bail out" subprime loan borrowers because of the recent downturn in housing prices.

Before any aid is given to anyone, an analysis should be made to determine how many of the subprime loans were taken out by people who took out loans (lines of credit or mortgages) on their existing homes to finance speculative properties, hoping to strike it rich in the short term.

Also, I keep hearing that there are 45 million people in this country without health insurance. Has anybody ever taken a survey to determine how many of the 45 million people can afford health insurance but opt not to pay for it? I personally know of several young working adults in this category.

We are in deep trouble when the government, prodded by the liberal left, relieves individuals of their personal responsibilities. After all, our country has thrived for 230 years on risk - taking by individuals who have benefited themselves and the country.

To relieve individuals of these responsibilities, as the liberal left is attempting to do - and it appears to be succeeding - is deplorable.

Clarence Lanzrath, Las Vegas