1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Well, congratulations are in order—another glorious 1,000-point drop in the market! That makes what, the third or fourth time this year? At this rate, we’re just a few dramatic plunges away from making “Great Depression 2: Electric Boogaloo” a reality. I’m writing to ask a question that I fear may be too bold for the hallowed halls of Washington: When exactly do you plan to act? I understand you’re very busy—fundraisers, press appearances, maybe even a committee meeting or two—but I had this wild idea that perhaps preventing a total economic collapse might warrant a slot on your calendar. Do you all plan to step in after the middle class is entirely hollowed out? Or is the strategy to wait until we’re collectively cooking shoe leather over trash can fires before showing some courage? Because from where I sit, it looks like you’re hoping the free market will just “figure itself out.” That approach is going great, by the way—unless your portfolio's invested in canned goods and gold bars. I don’t mean to sound impatient, but when the economy is tanking faster than confidence in Congress, I start to wonder: is leadership even part of your job description, or just something for speeches and campaign ads? Anyway, I’ll let you get back to whatever pressing non-action is currently on your agenda. Just do let us know—will you act now, or wait for America’s full-blown economic funeral? With all due sarcasm and a touch of desperation,