Make Bankers Pay?

Imagine a world that wasn't threatened by greedy bankers and financial institutions. Imagine a world where financial institutions were actually responsible for what they did and could be held to a standard besides thievery. The repeated occurrences of financial tsunamis is a true indicator that bankers and financial institutions cannot be trusted and shouldn't be.

The problem lies in the fact that the finance and banking industry is full of "commissioned salesmen" that have the promise of wealth in front of them every single day if they push more "banking products". You've heard that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. For years, the banking system has been allowed to monitor itself without restraint with the blessing of the current administration. President Bush wanted the "free market" to work and the market certainly has to the embarassment of all. I remember back in 2004 when I heard President Bush glow with pride and confidence in the self-regulation of the finance industry. Remember "Bad Credit? No Problem!" "Zero Percent Down Payment!" just a few years ago? Enter the mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers occupy an unregulated niche of the lending world making a commission for every borrower they refer to a mortgage lender. These brokers became financial drug dealers as they farmed the nation for fresh prospects in a financial meat market.

Then we have world-wise bankers that create investment vehicles out of risky investments to remove the investments from the bank ledgers. Unfortunately, this strategy only conceals the risk for a time. When the money stops flowing, the game is up. Can you imagine having a license to steal and the guarantee that you will be bailed out by the government? There is little incentive for honesty or accountability when you are going to pay for that lack with funding from the Federal Reserve and further increase the national debt.

Wealthy banking chiefs have plundered the country while making millions for themselves as they bend the regulations and laws any way they are able. The fractional reserve that is required for banks is not enough capital to insure liquidity during downturns and reverses in the lending market. The finance industry is no longer interested in the long-term success of any venture, but rather the short-term commissions and profitability. The turnover of employees and managers within the industry virtually insures the worst kind of corruption. The rich commissions made from the "subprime mortgage bubble" have already been made and spent. The banking industry has been caught red-handed once again. What is really being done about it?

-TNTalk! Smarter Thinking for Better Times.

Back To Top