The need for regulation

Everyone in the United States agrees that the best government is that which governs the least. Today, an increasing number of conservative people believe that there is too much government in our lives. They remind me of juvenile delinquents who complain that their parents are too intrusive and controlling of them. They have no clue that it was their unruly behaviors that forced their parents to take charge.

Let us take a few examples from a long list of America's great institutions, which betrayed the trust people placed in them and indulged in blatantly criminal behaviors:

1. Bank of America admits fraud and agrees to pay back over $50 billion to various agencies, and a hefty fine.

2. JP Morgan Chase admits to committing fraud and agrees to pay $13 billion in fines.

3. Merrill Lynch admits committing fraud and agrees to pay a fine of $10 million.

4. Pfizer admits fraudulent practices in promoting its drugs and pays a fine of $2.3 billion.

5. Toyota admits misleading its customers and agrees to pay a fine.

6. General Motors admits it did not take right action for more than 10 years knowing well that defective car parts caused many deaths.

I can go on and on and on. Had these iconic institutions put welfare of people over personal profit, the government would not have intruded into their businesses. Instead of blaming the government for being intrusive and controlling, let the conservatives face the reality: Today, people need protection from crooked big businesses.

K.P.S. KAMATH, Cape Girardeau