“Instead of directly bailing out the banks, the money(s) used should have gone directly to the homeowners who were defaulting. With paid off mortgages the incomes of these folks would have directly stimulated the economy, certainly a great deal more than the banks. And as a side benefit the banks would not go under, but also would not be as able to screw over as many people as they have been. However the people receiving the bailout should pay taxes on this income but with a significant amount being held back on taxes for a number of years or until the sale of the home with proceeds going to pay it back. But remaining debt to be forgiven after 25 years.”