Phil Miller, North Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 14, 2009 (2:02 a.m.)

I can’t believe the Congress of this great country has given hundreds of billions of dollars to the financial industry and is about to hand over another $350 billion when I can’t even get $100 in overdraft protection from my bank. I say let them go under.

They put us in this mess to begin with by letting people lie about their incomes and get big loans. And the people who cheated to get these loans are going to get help. What’s going on here? Do we have to be dishonest to succeed in this economy? Would it not have been better to give each American taxpayer $7,500 to do with as he pleases?

Think of the benefits. Those who need to pay down personal debt could do so. Those who need a down payment on a car could do so. Others just may spend money at retail outlets for furniture and/or appliances. Some may just put it into savings. In this scenario everybody wins. The banks, the auto industry, retailers, consumers, workers and the American public by believing in a real stimulus package. Get on the ball, Congress, and take care of the real people, not the thieves.