I am one of the many Americans who made a conscious decision to spend considerably less this year for Christmas. However, I was recently doing some Christmas shopping in a discount department store. There were plenty of registers, but not many cashiers, so I stood breifly in a line awaiting my turn to check out. The woman in front of me was in the process of checking out and I noticed she paid for her purchase in cash. It was at this point the cashier asked her if she would like to save some money by applying for a credit card. Her response was such as sign of the times...."No. The banks don't deserve my business".

The very next day, I heard President Obama call the bankers "fat cats" and saying "they just don't get it".  In yesterdays meeting with the President, several banks vowed to lend more money to small businesses, but I did not read anything regarding a pledge to help the ailing housing market. It was suggested by the President that the banks do more in the way of mortgage modifications, but I did not hear a "buy-in" from any of the bank leaders.

The banking industry has done more to hurt our economy and way of life over the last several years, and while I don't think some of the biggest offenders would falter much, the public is becoming increasingly angry with them, and they're bailing out of the banks altogether. I have heard of people canceling their accounts with banks because of what they have been doing, and quite possibly I would do the same if on-line banking wasn't so convenient. How realistic is it to give up banking altogether?

The unfortunate truth is that 'we the people' will have to continue to endure the unwanted discomfort and pain these bankers are putting us through. Or can enough of us take our business from some of the big players in an effort to make a statement and force some change?

I will always remember a quote I heard from International Educator & Motivator, Howard Brinton. And while it may not be his quote, he is the one I give credit to: "Change occurs when it is too painful to remain the same".

Some economists are predicting a "tsunami of foreclosures" to begin hitting this summer.....described as "a wave bigger than the last". Without any intervention by the banks, hundreds of thousands of Americans will loose their homes over the next several years.

I don't know if it would do any good, but if you think it is time for change to occur, please contact your elected officials and voice your concern.