I don't agree that we should call them idiots though. I agree that people should take responsibility with such a huge commitment as a mortgage.
Just take example of the Medical cards at the moment -every time I hear Matt Cooper - he keeps talking about a family in Kerry - with 3 kids one on the way - and very little to live on from week to week... his question why not give them a Medical Card... Do you think they are to blame for the situation they are in... they knew what their mortgage was.. stop having kids... ?
I don't believe that people are beyond help its more that they should start to help themselves. I was going to write that I dont believe people are idiots but thought about it and actually there has been some seriously idiotic behaviour on display. I don't condemn people for wanting to have big families, big cars, houses etc but when you chase your dream and turn a blind eye to the possibilty of that dream being shattered I don't think you have a right to turn around and say 'what the hell were you thinking giving me such a big loan(s). Many people were cautious in how they spent their money and didn't go for that high end car that they always wanted but knew deep down it was a waste of their money, so really what I am saying is that we should be judged on our own actions because when it comes to spending our own money the final say is with us.