Monty Stewart wrote, “I think the problem is that too many people borrowed money with low initial payments, which were going to reset to the point of unaffordibility. Again, whose responsibility is it?” (The World, July 23).

Yes, whose responsibility is it?

I suggest, Monty, that the responsibility is yours and mine. I profited from my real estate investment funds when the bubble was expanding. I sold my house as the market peaked. When I built my new house, I received an extremely low, fixed-rate mortgage. There is no doubt that I rode the surf of overly exuberant enthusiasm. Whether you directly profited from the real estate boom or not, the pulse of flush times it generated probably contributed to your increase in after-tax income.

Now the boom is a partially contained debacle. Your statistic that 98 percent of the mortgages are on solid ground implies a stability that I do not see. Why is the federal government promising to prop up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if necessary? Why is the Fed dropping interest rates to loosen credit and sending the dollar into a dive?

I admit that I have not read your recommended book on economics, but the reason we are in trouble is clear. We, collectively, made promises that we, again collectively, cannot honor. As a result, faith in cooperation takes a hit. We wake up with less “we” in us.

So, you ask who is responsible? If you mean culpable, then I’m sure there are many unscrupulous players and organizations we can finger and prosecute. That makes us feel avenged. But, as my wife says, point one finger in blame then count the three fingers that point back. I am responsible.

What have I done to fulfill my responsibility? No concrete results to report. But I am becoming politically active. I joined the Democratic Party and hope that I personally do not resemble your characterizations of it. My political motivations are based on synergy: Promote systems that enhance cooperation (cooperation might be the real currency in any economy) and manage a sustainable and dynamic balance between investing in the future cooperation and borrowing from it. The challenges ahead may be critical tests for these guidelines.

In that light, I believe your opinions and world views are real. I also believe your letter to the editor counter-point partner, Sharon Ramirez. Where can we cooperate?