February 11, 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.
Thank you for considering my comment,
Further, there should be stiff penalties when banks lose on their bets to both the taxpayers and their shareholders. They are not above the law and have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders. All loans to big banks should have included a clause that would impact future speculative behavior of bank managers. If this wasn't done, they should do it now.
Karen Thaw
Lincoln, MA