May 27, 2011
Elizabeth Murphy
100 F Street, NE
Washington, DC 20549
Dear Murphy,
America paid a terrible economic price because of irresponsible risk-taking by Wall Street executives. Those executives took those risks because they knew that they could walk away with billions of dollars in bonuses and stock options and never pay for the long-term consequences of their actions. We need tough rules so that Wall Street pay packages don't encourage short-term risk taking.
Your rules should require at least a five year deferral period for executive bonuses at big banks, ban executive hedging of their pay packages, and require specific details from banks on precisely how they ensure that executives will share in the long-run risks created by their decisions. It should apply to the full range of important financial institutions, and draw in all the key executives at those companies.
Once this rule is passed, only you will know the details of its enforcement. But it's important for the public to know the progress you are making on this vital issue. You should report back to the public annually with a detailed report on progress in creating accountability for Wall Street pay.
I KNOW this much about the finance fiasco and that is that NOT ONE PERSON WHO CAUSED THIS MESS HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE! If I cheat on my taxes I WOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! If I rob a store, I will be held ACCOUNTABLE! You can bet I would NOT be receiving a BIG BONUS for screwing with the IRS or robbery!! If a person breaks into my home and is caught, he will end up in prison! Do the people who caused this much DAMAGE to the ENTIRE world think they are any better that the thief who steals??? Wall St was the THIEF and YOU are suppose to be the POLICE and JUDGE over them! If the attitude in America does not change from the prevailing attitude that "fudging" on any financial report isn't REALLY that bad or there will be a revolution and you can bet all those FAT cats will have to pay the piper then!
Referencing Docket No.'s:
OTS: RIN 155-AC49
OCC: RIN 1557-AD39
Fed: RIN 7100-AD69
SEC: RIN 3235-AL06
FHFA: RIN 2590-AA42
FDIC: RIN 3064-AD56
Sincerely,
Ms. LAURIE GOERMAR