Go Forth and Seek Your Fortune!

As someone who wrote their college thesis predicting the mortgage crisis, and, as an extension, speculated that it could cause problems for the financial industry, I am more than willing to admit that I am surprised that things appear to be as bad as they are. But the key word is appear. I am in no way saying that we are not in dire trouble, what I am saying is that I am having a hard time figuring out what to think. I can't find anyone who can give me a straight answer. I watched CNN for ninety minutes this afternoon and can honestly say I wasted an hour and twenty-nine minutes of my life. I am confident that we as average Joes can handle the truth, so I kindly ask for just the facts please.
Bernanke was a PhD advisor for my father, and I have a lot of respect for him, but I don't understand his recent remarks. My faith is waning in system that I fear has forgotten that those of just getting by, as a collective, are supposed to be the ones who matter most. I don't place the full weight of the blame in those in office, because I guess we, as citizens, let it happen. But my hopes for the future are far exceeding my expectations.