Are the collective "we" supposed to make amends for this foolishness?

Is the bank to blame? The individual? I really do not care, not once, twice, or three times:

The loan that made up the difference, with closing costs, broker’s fee, taxes and insurance, meant a monthly bill of $1,873.96, about $100 less than her monthly take-home pay as an administrative assistant.

Hope re-defined:

"I was hoping I would get a second job. I was hoping for a Prince Charming. I was just hoping things would get better," she said.

"Hope" in one hand and do something else in the other, see which one fills-up quicker. Of course if that "something else" is having the government pick the pocket of a more responsible citizen you may be in luck.