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We are enduring an economic crises that John McCain says is caused by greed. I can understand his opinion, but wonder at his wisdom on the matter. The current crises may have been caused by actions of greedy people, but it is being sustained by panic and fear.

How is it that with the federal government announcing it will devote 700 billion dollars to the mess, the stock market remains volatile? People are still dumping stock despite losses to their portfolio. Is it the government they do not trust or the companies in which they hold the stock? By selling some are losing more than 60 percent of the stock’s value. Is it that the economy is so bad or is the seller’s trust too low? What should our leaders be doing?

FDR gave the banks a holiday in 1933. Maybe Bush should give the stock market a holiday in 2008 – now, not later. Several prominent economists have suggested a such a business holiday. 

I remember wondering why Bush did not ask Americans to join our fight against terrorism after 911. Americans will sacrifice if they are given a reason. I believe that Americans would stop the panic and reluctantly focus away from wall street if the President explained how actions were for the good of the country and then he asked for our help.