The $700 billion question

I don't know much about economics beyond the balance my checkbook level, which is OK since I'm not running for anything. I get that if this problem isn't fixed, there more or less won't BE credit. And I think most people get that on some level.

I do know something of politics, and I get why a really unpopular plan failed. But here's the $700 billion question:

Is there a way to fix this thing without rewarding the people who broke it in the first place?