This was substantially more predictable than it was interesting. The piece is also patently heavy on blame- (for Reagan, Bushes, Cheney and the GOP- with the word “congress” not used once) and light (or devoid of?) answers or solutions.

The achilles’ heal of the argument that “this proves the free market doesn’t work and Reagan was wrong” is simple: similar problems around the globe. Even in the EU, where there is no shortage of regulation.

To blame the world’s problems on the effect of contagion from the U.S. won’t fly either. This crises was caused by markets that allowed themselves to mutate into tangled webs of over-complicated instruments. Add to that equation a lack of people with responsibility and accountability who also understand the confusing mess they helped to create. We need qualified managers who are empowered to oversee and enforce.

There are other problems: 1) lack of transparency, 2) a culture of “get it while the gettin’s good”, combined with 3) a lack of foresight and 4) complacency. Looking at the list, I don’t see one problem that calls for Arrianna’s “Big Government”.

Others may point to a lack of socially responsible behavior and greed, instead. Adding layers of bureaucracy aren't the answer to those either. Squelching lobbyists and PACs while educating consumers might be.

Vigorously enforcing the conditions of the "Stabilization Act" (and not being distracted by "sweeteners") while allowing the market to correct itself makes sense. Anyone who doesn't believe that this is a wake-up call for stakeholders, from top to bottom, has been distracted by the demagogery and finger-wagging.

"The hope that people would roll up their sleeves and solve this country's social ills without the help of government was never fully realized" laments Huffinton. But doesn't that leave room for hope?

The political melee that's surrounded this situation strengthens one's resolve that MORE government is not the answer. That may become more apparent after the dust settles.

Expecting a do-nothing congress to legislate us back into shape is wrong. Not every powerful CEO or banker is corrupt AND inept (it's usually one or the other) and front-line employees and consumers share blame and responsibility as well.

We have to vote! For candidates that place substance ahead of rhetoric at the polls and for socially responsible corporate decision-making at the cash register!

Corporate leadership that becomes more dedicated to moral and sustainable, long-term decision making is more likely to prevent a repeat of this than is the addition of more bureaucracy. Jeb Bush is right. We’re just not there yet.