February 10, 2012
I'm writing in support of a strong Volcker Rule. My family and I were severely affected by the economic collapse of 2008, and we don't want it to happen again. The decision to bail out the banks and AIG that were "too big to fail" added to our national debt. The status quo effectively allows banks to privatize profit while socializing the risk, thereby eliminating the natural checks of market place. We will never recover economically if the risks of investing are removed from the investor, and the banks, as keepers our collective wealth, are allowed to gamble with other people's money in no-loss scenarios.
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,
Michael Wenger
North Bend, OR