September 24, 2013
I’m writing in support of a strong Dodd-Frank rule 953(b).
Disclosing corporate pay ratios between CEOs and average employees will discourage the outrageous and reckless pay practices that fueled the 2008 crash. There is no reason for such a wide disparity between executive pay and the average employee.
Knowing which corporations heap riches upon their executives while squeezing struggling employees also will be a useful factor for me when considering which businesses to support with my consumer and investment dollars. I joined an investment club as a young adult, to learn the fundamentals of investing, grow my own wealth and support our capitalist system. I am so angry about the 2008 crash that I have removed my dollars from the market and will no longer support what I see as crony/casino capitalism. It is unbelievable that a lack of regulation and oversight allowed the crash to happen, and even more unbelievable that no one has been punished for it, and the conditions remain the same.
I am aware that you are under intense pressure by business interests to weaken or abandon the rule. Do not give in. Instead, weigh your duty to protect investors and the American public against the self-serving interests of those seeking to undermine this rule. There is still plenty of profit to be made while also fully supporting the average employees with adequate pay and benefits. The US is still a rich country. There is enough wealth to cover everyone's needs. The guys at the top don't need to take it all.
Thank you for considering my comment,
Gretchen Harder
Kennewick, WA