How can it be bad for us to become responsible with our money? To actually save instead of go into debt? To actually spend only what we have? To deny ourselves a little and store up value so that we can invest from our own savings instead of being forced to risk bondage to debt in the hope of future growth? It is the only way to be truly independent. Sure, to transition from an economy run off of debt to an economy run off of savings is going to be painful - we will go through a period where there will not be enough jobs to go around - but in the long run it is best for us and will lead to much more "real" growth, ultimately producing jobs, and stable ones at that. Our current attempts are quick fixes that borrow from the next generation in order to give ourselves a momentary chance to turn things around now. It is a risk that is doomed to fail at this juncture. Let's bite the bullet now, cut back, pay off debts, and build some capital for the next generation instead. I don't care who preaches it to us, be it the Chinese or we the people - it's simply the healthiest path.