The senior banking executives who ignored the early warnings were making tons of money. The mid-level bankers assembling and selling mortgage securities, who a

The senior banking executives who ignored the early warnings were making tons of money. The mid-level bankers assembling and selling mortgage securities, who also ignored all warnings, were making tons of money too. The ratings agencies and lawyers giving their stamp of approval to these crazy securities, who also ignored all warnings, were making tons of money as well. The mortgage brokers and originators who were making irresponsible loans to home buyers with sketchy credit histories were making plenty of money, and they too ignored the warnings. The home buyers who successfully flipped properties in a matter of months or even weeks were also making money, and also ignored the warnings. The homeowners who borrowed more and more against their home's seemingly ever-rising value were flush with newfound cash, and felt like financial geniuses. To a close approximation, no one wanted to hear the warnings. To find culprits, most Americans need only look in the mirror.