[Smalltalk]

The explanation is indeed funny. The sad fact, however, is that the financial "experts" did it (and are still doing it) to the sheepish people with generous help from the government "of the people, by the people, for the people". I saw a woman on the CNN the other day crying because her mortgage is upside down. She can't afford to pay it and she owes more than she can sell the house for. So she's telling the nation and the world that "the government should do something". That, I guess, would be the same government that has put her in her predicament. Here's a serious and factual explanation:

http://www.mises.org/story/2901