People are constantly asking me how we got into this financial crisis and how it became so very messy, thus requiring massive government bailouts around the world. This SPECIAL ISSUE of Forecasts & Trends E-Letter features a very good analysis of the current financial crisis - in layman's terms - from the good folks at BaselineScenario.com. Hopefully, it will help you to better understand how the housing/mortgage crisis led us to where we are today. If it helps, feel free to share with others as you see fit....