"Funny how we handle risk in our society. Wall Street has irrevocably messed up the lives of millions of Americans. Based on the lack of regulation on Wall Street, our other rules seem silly.

If we treated other parts of American society the way we do the financial industry we should have speed limit-free autobahns, heroin at the check-out counter and "honor system" tax collection.

Wall Street flies under the radar as long as other people can lead their (relatively simple) lives. But when Wall Street thrives while Main Street dies, there will be consequences.

Part of Obama's problem is he has not demonstrated what those consequences (if any) will be. Thus a vacuum -- and thus our current politics."

On Wall Street: All Reward, No Risk
Readers' Comments, New York Times