Trina, I think you're right—we will be better off in the long run for learning how to curb our wants now. As parents always say, sometimes you have to learn something the hard way if you're really going to take it to heart.

Jessica, the powerlessness is the worst part of all of this, for me. Investing in a punching bag might quell some of the rage many of us feel, but it's not going to fix the ultimate problem, or make life any easier for the people who are struggling most, day to day.

TJ, one of the reasons my husband and I get along so well is because we both love to get worked up about things like politics, injustice and anything we hear on the news and perceive as general stupidity. We realized a few months ago, though, that although it can be fun and even energizing to get worked up and express outrage, it's not productive. What if we spent as much time and energy praying about these issues and actively working for change and justice, as we spent complaining? 

Nicola, I'm with you—"high on the hog" isn't exactly how I'd describe our lifestyle. But I also relate to what you're saying about how we've seemed to lost the ability to make budget adjustments and cut back on things when and where such cuts are needed (like if there's a change in job or income, or a big expenditure like a move or a wedding and honeymoon.) We just keep moving through life, going out to eat as often as we always have, planning our next vacation and going overboard at Christmas and birthdays. I think we've gotten the idea that our quality of life is supposed to gradually rise throughout our lives, so it just doesn't occur to us to make adjustments that send us in the "wrong" direction.

Nic, this is a great point: "While the systems that are falling apart were created by someone else, the systems were created because people demanded them in one way or another." It seems to me that being able to accept our role in a mess, even if it's a minor one, and actively taking some responsibility is a huge part of true maturity. It's also a critical aspect of being whole. And I love your solution: lowering the demand for "want." 

Blackwasp19, I was hoping someone with some theological insight would come along. Thanks! You hit on what's at the core of Habakkuk 2: pride is at the root of all evil, and it's everywhere, taking many forms. Finger pointing is a waste of time. I'm also really glad that you bring up the "ills of not caring for one another," and that you point out the ongoing struggles of the working poor—struggles that were realities long before the nation-wide economic downturn.  What if all the greed could be exchanged for compassion, mercy and justice?