I have a rather simple solution to both stimulate the economy, punish banks (meaning let them pay a price instead of just bailing them out), and help home owners out.  I don't have the specifics, but why not just have some sort of temporary mortgage relief for home owners. $1000 of my mortgage is INTEREST every MONTH.  That's $1000 I give to the bank for "free" every month (yes I know it's because of my loan and I'm not complaining about it, it was my choice).  But, what about giving everyone 3-6 months free mortgage?  I would have $3000-6000 to unclog MY DEBT (SCREW unclogging the banks bad debt and bad mortgages!!)  What about unclogging the average "joes" personal debt?  Instead of bailing out the guys at the top, why is it "SO CRAZY" to even suggest giving average people a bail out in the form of a temporary mortgage bailout???  But it's not crazy to give 700 BILLION dollars to banks.  Why not??  It's the average guy's BIGGEST debt they have and would help every person out.