they're a business, not a charity. Last time I checked, the American Heart Association wasn't making mortgage loans.

As for the monstrous payments/so little going to the principle, that's the way a loan works. You want a quicker pay off, get a 15 year mortgage. You'll pay a lot less interest, but you'll have higher monthly payments.

The real culprits here are people who bought homes they could only afford under perfect circumstances, teaser loan rates, ARM.s they thought wouldn't increase their payments, etc. I always bought homes that were less than I could afford but I could comfortably pay for. The real issue is how much is the consumer's fault and how much responsibility should be put on the lender.