So much for lucky No. 7 — 700, that is. This week, the House of Representatives squashed the $700 billion bailout. Wall Street wasn’t happy. The stock market reared its head and dropped more than 700 points into an abyss of fear and doubt.

What happens next? Will our good fortunes be flushed down the drain?

We have no idea.

Our understanding of the matter is that the party leaders of the House Democrats and Republicans came to a mutual understanding that each side would get an adequate amount of votes to support the bailout. That didn’t happen. The American money flow is constipated and no one is offering a laxative.

Both sides are pointing the finger.

It’s because there was a failure of Republican leadership to persuade their party members.

No, no, it’s because the Democrats refused to take the reigns and support the bailout alone.

Or how about this one: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hurt the Republicans’ feelings. Her speech preceding the vote was partisan and just plain mean.

(Insert eye-roll here.)

How did we get to this point anyway? Let’s review.

We’ve poured credit into our sputtered economy like liquid Drano into a clogged toilet. Not only was it bad for the environment, but it also rusted the pipes and created an even bigger problem. Now the toilet is so full of toxic bank loans and failed laissez-faire policies that politicians must intervene. They have to get their hands dirty, so to speak. Republicans and Democrats are standing beside it with their backs turned and arms crossed. Neither wants to pick up the plunger alone. But, the toilet keeps running and the bathroom is flooding.

Listen House members, there’s no more room for pride anymore. The clock is ticking and you will drown us in your own shit if you don’t do something. Pick up the plunger and get proactive!