On the recordJune 30, 2010
We are gathered today with the opportunity to implement Wall Street reform, and help make our financial markets safer for everyday American citizens, investors, and small businesses. At the center of our efforts today is the concept of power, and what it means to those who have it, and those who don't. Baltasar Gracian, a renowned Spanish Jesuit writer, once said that "The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good." I think many people would agree with me that the corporations and executives on Wall Street have considerable power. The question remains, however, whether they are using that power to do good things. For too long corporate interests have been allowed to dominate decision making in America's financial capital, and many times, this has meant unfair and predatory practices. As lawmakers, we should set out to make our financial markets a more evenhanded place for our citizens, and the consumers that put their trust and money on the line.
