Subject: Comments for File Number S7-12-11

May 23, 2011

I’m writing because my wife and I, who are both in our 70s, were hurt by the economic collapse of 2008, and we know it didn't have to happen, and must never happen again.

But I'd like to suggest a more direct method of solving the problem. The problem is really the result of corporate greedsters (is that a word?) taking advantage of everyone else. They influence legislation not by offering reasoned arguments, but by offering lots of dirty money to members of Congress and others in government. There's an old word for this: bribery. But now it's been legalized by calling it campaign contributions or whatever else sounds good. But it looks like a bribe, it smells like a bribe, and it works exactly like a bribe. It is a bribe, even if legalized.

Let's speak the truth to the citizens of this country. Be honest! Tell the public that the problem is legalized bribery by greedy corporations. I think you're as aware as I am that the practice of legalized bribery is THE reason so many greedy and unpatriotic corporations can stop good legislation and achieve deregulation and other legislation that is contrary to the public interest.

And name names! Cite the facts. Tell the truth. Put an end to the slimy coverup. Do the best for this country that anyone, including Presidents, has done for decades. Be a hero, not a co-conspirator. Be proud of yourself, not ashamed. You owe it to yourself, as well as to all the rest of us. And you owe it to your children.

Please.

Dick Montague