There is a great risk of getting into nasty politics here. The current crisis is certainly not a partisan issue... Of course finding a few scapegoats here and there can help. But when one looks, with a foreigner view and an historical perspective on the US, there are a few striking facts about the US:

1) The country was the "land of plenty" with incredibly abundant resources - including oil up to mid-last century, a golden start! That allowed the US to invent the middle class and mass consumption. A wonderful invention, for all OECD countries now enjoy it as well:) Thank you! Alas in to-day world this massive consumption more of a problem since a significant part of the resources - especially oil - are imported at a cost and are dwindling on a global basis,

2) The country has since Breton Woods enjoyed the "privilege" of running the monetary support of global trade. .. But again, this great invention - fully fiat international monetary system - is becoming a nightmare for anyone wishing to produce anything in reserve money countries such as GB and the US... Why not import stuff and pay back with bonds (Treasury, prime or subprime private debts...) especially when partnering countries want to play the party as well. Europe did then Japan then China...

Now the country (and Europe ain't not far away) has become a gigantic banking experiment with the Fed at the helm and a destroyed industrial base and massive cheap credit for homes, cars, tuition, government spending and more....

This of course will not end well. Sure this "banking experiment" is delivering rich people and, especially Wall Street friends, an unfair extra boost when others are unfairly suffering of the degraded macro situation. Are the pitchforks the solution? Is Piketty any answer? I have more than reservations on those things. I just hope the US will be able to see the light soon. I have some doubt though but that may happen. One sure I am 100% sure about: won't come from the GOP or the liberals...