February 9, 2012
I'm writing in support of a strong Volcker Rule. My family and I were affected by the economic collapse of 2008, and we don't want it to happen again.
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Lack of regulation will endorse the privatization of profits while socializing the risks. It's not that difficult for Wall Street's creative set to develop "instruments" for investment that basically funnel money from large numbers of people into the hands of a few. In other words, investment scams. It might surprise you to learn that we, the people have expectations of our government--that it can regulate industry to protect citizens from such scams.
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As you prepare the final rule, bear in mind the fundamental goal of the rule - to ban big banks from exposing consumers and taxpayers to risky proprietary trades.
Banks that break the rule should face swift, automatic penalties for violations. Violations of the Volcker Rule endanger the stability of our financial system. They should not be treated lightly.
Exemptions should only be allowed if they do not undermine this goal. If an exemption would result in exposing consumers and taxpayers to bank risk, it should be rejected.
Thank you for considering my comment,
J. L. Cone
Ruskin, FL