Economic Decisions, too late?

We all know about the tough economic time everyone is having. Our country, the states, individuals, banks and corporations all have been facing the gun. Arizona is taking some fairly radical steps to alleviate some of their dollar woes. My question is...why did they wait 'til they were broke to do it? Every dollar earning entity should practise fiscal responsibility before they're broke. It should be a way of life which will keep you from the steps of the poorhouse. Georgia is taking the bull by the horns and will have a law by 2010 that will require the state to accept only gold, silver and 90 percent silver coin as payment. They will also direct banks to create gold, silver and silver coin accounts. Georgia seems to have lost the liking for our debt backed paper currency and wants to return to constitutional money.