Don't work for the government nor for any bank. I defend men unjustly assailed by ignorant haters, because it is morally right to do so.
Have taxpayers lost anything supporting the banking system in this crisis?
No.
Have bankers lost anything in this crisis?
Oh yes, most definitely. Trillions.
Does the financial sector pay to support general government revenues, wasted on middle class entitlements and welfare, every year? You betcha.
Did deadbeats on main street "put the country in this hole", along with lots of other people? Of course. Plenty of stupidity to go around, and no holiness anywhere.
Can you make it cheaper by attacking bankers and trying to stiff them for the entire nut? Nope, that is precisely what made it worse. Five tiers of counterparties had to blow out before their dud loans ended up at the banks, moving up the chain of collateral as all the welshers defaulted.
The banks are the ones who actually paid - including paying back all the support they got from the treasury - when everyone else did not. They are vastly more honest and useful to society, than oh let's say --- you.