Our government promises Americans “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” which is exactly what many American’s were aspiring to when taking advantage of sub-prime lending rates to buy their first homes. As it turns out, many of them will lose those homes.
Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain said yesterday “it is not the duty of government to bail out and reward those who act irresponsibly, whether they are big banks or small borrowers.” Niiiice. Is he saying small borrowers should be penalized for their pursuit of the American dream because of predatory lending practices? It is not the government’s job to watch out for these practices, prevent them and help solve them when things go awry? I think it is.
McCain is trying to make some noise here for his party. Getting the “reds” (sorry) to nod their heads and remember why they are Republican. But it’s a mistake. If we can’t protect our own people in their pursuit of happiness then we’re off course.
And that pursuit of happiness thing? It’s a good marketing goal. What pursuit of happiness will the purchase on my product further? That’s a good question for a creative brief.
