Why our country is in trouble

These are quotes from the latest edition of the Reader's Digest, found in a story about the housing market and foreclosures. (emphasis by colored words, mine)

Those with adjustable rate mortgages who want to keep their homes-the majority of the ones being squeezed-will have to make big sacrifices: no new cars or computers, and fewer vacations and meals out (and forget extras like an upgrade to a flat-panel TV).

Home-owners now suffering the consequences of the credit crisis probably took on more than they could handle, should have recognized the risks more clearly, and hardly got the best advice about what they could afford.

We have such an entitlement society that giving up vacations and new cars and eating out are considered sacrifices, something you shouldn't have to do to keep your home! And as for the probablies and should-haves, well, duh! Our society has been so programmed that we are entitled to everything nice and everything now that we have no clue how to live within our means. And yes, I am even pointing fingers back at myself, as I find myself caught in this thinking from time to time. And what are the two biggest culprits in getting America to think this way? TV and the government. We spend hours in front of the idiot box watching programming and commercials where everyone has everything they ever want, and if you can't afford it just get a loan (no consequences ever shown). Then we have the government telling us we have a right to this and that and if we can't afford it or don't want to work for it, why they can set up a program that will provide it for us. Never mind where they get the money from. We really need to sit back and think about our priorities and our choices in life.

And yes, I do feel bad for people who are losing their homes, but at what point do you start to take responsiblity for yourself and the choices you have made? And at what point does our nation get some common sense back?