Yeah I agree, though my point wasn't so much about the bubble than about the crash. The crash was precipitated by a critical mass of foreclosures, which was att

Yeah I agree, though my point wasn't so much about the bubble than about the crash. The crash was precipitated by a critical mass of foreclosures, which was attributed mainly to sub-prime borrowers. A softer landing could have been achieved if there were stricter lending regulations, and the bubble wouldn't have been as high either. I wanted to respond to the assertion by the poster that this was all a result of government interference. Yes, the government (via budget deficits) and the Fed (via monetary expansion) were meddling with the market, but the nature of the free market itself was a contributor. The market isn't perfect and neither are regulations, but it's not an all or nothing proposition... there needs to be balance.