Some of what he says is true (common sense, to be more accurate) and there is certainly no shortage of irresponsible behavior on the part of individuals in this and every other society.

However, like a lot of these “tough love” gurus, Winget conveniently neglects to consider how differing socioeconomic value systems or institutional injustices like racism, sexism and classism effect the average person.

What Winget does is good for landing TV show deals and book contracts. Americans love nothing more than their indulgences and then “getting right” when things go horribly wrong.

Winget is absolutely correct that people need to take responsibility for their credit. But he completely absolves the banking/lending industry of any responsibility for predatory lending practices -which are usually aimed at the people most likely to default.

How often do middle class or upper class homebuyers purchase homes or property with variable interest rates? Rarely, if ever. The majority of people who bought homes with variable rates (who obviously bear some responsibility for their decision) were targeted by unscrupulous lenders who were encouraged to do so by Alan Greenspan when he was still chair the Fed – and who now admits that maybe it wasn’t such a good idea after all.

At its core, WInget’s philosophy smacks of social Darwinism and the moral bankruptcy of right wing libertarianism. He may sell a lot of books and enjoy a measure of popularity, but he shouldn’t kid himself about how many people he is actually helping.

While it is true that we must all be responsible for the predictable consequences of our actions, so too must economic and political institutions be held to account for their actions. To advocate anything less is a disservice to humanity.

As for the question about where I get my shirts. I never tell. If I started seeing others show up dressing like me (like they would want to) I would have to change the way I dress. I will say this: that the manufacturer of the shirts is coming out with a special Larry Winget version based on a tattoo on my arm I designed that I call “Money To Burn.” In the next few months, you will be able to find it on my website at http://www.larry winget.com.

Thanks for all the comments both positive and negative and keep watching the show and your television – I will be popping up in all kinds of places!

Larry Winget

Where do you get your awesome shirts that you wear on your show. I tune in just to see what you will wear next. I also get great ideas from you regarding saving and paying off my bills.

Regards,

Victoria