In yesterday’s issue of The New York Times we met Alex Pemberton and Susan Reboyras, a happy couple who uncomplicated their lives by the simple act of deciding not to pay their mortgage any longer:

For Alex Pemberton and Susan Reboyras, foreclosure is becoming a way of life – something they did not want but are in no hurry to get out of.

Foreclosure has allowed them to stabilize the family business. Go to Outback occasionally for a steak. Take their gas-guzzling airboat out for the weekend. Visit the Hard Rock Casino.

“Instead of the house dragging us down, it’s become a life raft,” said Mr. Pemberton, who stopped paying the mortgage on their house here last summer. “It’s really been a blessing.”

What an outstanding idea! I’m embarrassed to admit I hadn’t thought of that myself. Why not string our mortgage lender along so we can enjoy a game of craps at the casino? Brilliant!

And Mr. Pemberton’s mother, Wendy, is even more happy-go-lucky than her son. She stopped paying her mortgage two years ago:

“I tried to explain my situation to the lender, but they wouldn’t help,” said Mr. Pemberton’s mother, Wendy Pemberton, herself in foreclosure on a small house a few blocks away from her son’s. She stopped paying her mortgage two years ago after a bout with lung cancer. “They’re all crooks.”

Well, of course they are, Mrs. Pemberton! What else would you call people who lent you a shitload of money so you could live in your own house instead of renting a flat? Naturally you shouldn’t be expected to pay any of that back just because you signed a contract. Only douchebags repay their debts.