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In a recent article in Forbes's onlinepublication, columnist Shari Olefson writes about the mortgage crisis and the government's efforts to curb it. Olefson titled her article Keep American's In their Homes, but after reading the article it should have been titled, Keep Doctor's In Their Investments. Olefson began her article by telling the story of a wealthy Doctor who was 'upside-down' in his million dollar home and, although he had suffered no loss in income, chose to make the financial decision to walk away from the home rather than 'sit' on his investment.

Olefson blames the irresponsible homeowner's who invested unwisely through out her article. Olefson also blames the government who she feels has made provisions to help those in foreclosure and those unemployed rather than those who are employed but merely 'upside-down' in their homes. Unfortunately Olefson is not alone in her opinion.

According to Olefson, a local Doctor living in a Florida community bought a home for around $2 million dollars. He was still making an income of around $500,000.00 per year, but because he had suffered around a 20% loss on his home this year he felt that he had no choice but to walk away from his mortgage (Olefson, 2009).

Olefson went on to criticize the government's initiative of Make Homes Affordable, saying that while it offers loan modifications and lower interest rates to struggling homeowners, it does nothing to help the people who are 'upside-down' in their homes and gainfully employed. She claims that these organizations encourage irresponsible behavior.

Olefson makes a good point when she chronicles the lifestyles of previous generations. She tells of how in our grandparents day people held mortgage burning parties and worked hard to pay off their mortgage. Today the government gives tax breaks for those with high mortgage payments and interest rates. Olefson also makes a good point when she writes that government should give incentives for paying off a mortgage rather than carrying one, but her idea of amnesty for those committing mortgage fraud is just plain quackery. A more academic term may be beyond ideal, lofty, or unrealistic, however one must understand that this recommendation of Olefson's is not even a well thought out plan, it is simply an off the wall idea.

As if heralding millions of former homeowners as irresponsible is not enough, Olefson finishes her article with a recommendation to give a six-month come clean amnesty period for

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