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.
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.
Remember, the banking system worked well for many years under the Depression Era Glass-Stiegel Act, until right-wing ideologues and greedy banksters got it repealed in the 1980's. Since then, the casino mentality (gambling with US as co-signers but not partners) has taken over banking and other investment industries. What we really need is to get G-S back, or at least the anti-gambling parts of it.
Thank you for considering my comment,
Allan Richardson
Marietta, GA