Obama To Call For Financial Watchdog Agency
Tomorrow, President Obama is expected to call for the creation of a new watchdog agency that would help protect consumers from abusive credit card, mortgage, banking practices. The banking industry is not happy about the idea, reports CNN. But hey, they’re just looking out for us: “It’s bad for consumers,” a banking industry lobbyist told the network. Oh, well, never mind then, and pass me some more delicious subprime!
Here’s how Obama described it on “The Tonight Show” in March (when he wasn’t making fun of the retarded):
“When you buy a toaster, if it explodes in your face, there’s a law that says, ‘Your toasters need to be safe,’ ” Obama said. “When you get a credit card or you get a mortgage, there’s no law on the books that says, ‘If that explodes in your face, financially, somehow you’re going to be protected.'”
In other words, it would be sort of a financial version of the Consumer Product Safety Commission—although hopefully if Congress takes the time to create it, they’ll also take the time to fund and staff it adequately.
“Obama wants shield for consumers” [CNN] (Thanks to Ben and Neff!)
(Photo: DieselDemon)
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.