A Letter to Wall St. from a Mom

Dear Failed Wall St. Financial Executives,

We need to talk about your behavior.

There are rules we all live by--rules my three boys must follow in our house. I'm betting your parents enforced them in their homes too.

We didn't make up these rules so we could find excuses to take away your privileges. We created these rules so that you would grow up to be law-abiding, contributing members of society, so you could make and keep friends and so we could actually take you out of the house without being completely embarrassed.

See the thing is, my children who are still quite young, are having an easier time behaving than you seem to be.

Your lying and inability to make responsible decisions can no longer be tolerated.

Millions of people have lost vast amounts of money over the past few days because of your actions. Bills will go unpaid causing other businesses to suffer. Those about to retire may now be looking at additional years of work when they should be enjoying the plans they had for their money that is now gone. Children will receive fewer presents this coming holiday season. Families will cancel vacations.

Your bad behavior affects not only you but hundreds of millions of people too.

When my kids misbehave they must face the consequences. How am I going to explain to them that when YOU misbehave the consequences aren't yours to face but theirs?

I haven't decided yet what your punishment should be. I need time to consider it when I'm not so angry.

In the meantime, you need to go sit in the corner and think about your actions. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk--in about fifty years.

love,
Mamma