President Obama said he would launch an era of responsibility. How can that be? His stimulus package and foreclosure bailouts promote irresponsibility and reliance on welfare. The bailouts Obama has implemented flies in the face of responsible people. Being responsible is different than those who believe their ignorance, poor decisions, and irresponsibility should be forgiven and paid for by someone else.

Obama’s bailouts decrease the quality of life of at least half the people who pay taxes. The other half doesn’t care because they don’t pay taxes. Those who make less than $32,000 only pay 3 percent. Somewhere between 41-45 percent pay no taxes. They will show up at the voting booths to insure even a greater transfer of money from those who earned it to those who don’t. Obama’s coat tails will grow.

Responsible people need to take action or it will get worse. Every level of government, investment firms, mortgage companies, the real estate industry, and individuals need to be accountable. Many bailouts are not warranted. Bailouts increase the numbers of those who don’t pay and increase the taxes of those who do. When it comes to introducing an era of responsibility, we chose the wrong guy.

Robert L. Style, Kirkland