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Investigating Financial Criminals
Given the unprecedented amount of financial fraud, a new independent Pecora Commission with teeth more than ever is needed to root it out and hold the guilty accountable. But getting one is another matter at a time Washington and Wall Street are co-conspirators with every incentive to facilitate criminality and whitewash attempts to expose it.
Nonetheless, economist Dean Baker lists questions needing answers:
-- asking financial executives under oath how they missed the inflating housing bubble; and
-- how they justify millions in compensation given the crisis they were complicit in creating.
However, getting straight answers will prove daunting at best, and what government authority will demand them. Perhaps a "People's Inquiry" can do better even with no teeth and no coverage by the dominant media.
Progressive web sites and online radio and television can feature the results and get them to growing audiences. Not millions but enough to spread the word and hope others pass it on.
If economic deterioration deepens over an extended period with millions more out of jobs, homes, savings and hope, then a public outcry for prosecutions might be unstoppable. Even then, it's a long shot but something worth watching.
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