I had been wondering why there were so many car dealerships around town. I had often wondered who was buying all the cars. I knew it wasn't me. I have bought new cars, but only after the old cars were starting to cost me more time in the garage being fixed than on the road.

During this economic downturn I had been reading about how car sales were down, but so were all sales so the connection didn't hit me right away.

Then it hit me.

A recent newspaper article mentioned the loss of tax revenue some counties were facing because people weren't buying new cars, and taxes go down as cars age. Another article mentioned how mechanics were seeing an increase in business. Putting those two stories together, I came up with my answer.

Not only are we a throwaway nation of spouses, children, homes and gadgets, but we also throw away perfectly good cars! Now I understand why I have seen so many relatively new cars with tail lights out, smoke coming out of the tailpipes and squeaking fan belts. They were on their way to the trash bin. A new car was just over the horizon, so why bother to fix the old one? It didn't matter that the "old" one was only two years old.

This economic crisis is not President Obama's fault, Bush's fault, the fault of Congress or even AIG and Big Business. Look in the mirror. The real culprit will be staring back at you.

If we truly change our spending habits, by saving more and buying more with cash and less credit, the economy will adapt. It will take time and it will be painful -- change always is -- but we will come out a stronger nation and a better people. Aren't we worth it? Aren't our children and grandchildren worth it?