Every so often, you run into one of those opinion articles that really is spot on. If you’ve ever done any reading on technology trends, then you are no stranger to a man named John Dvorak. He’s been writing articles about technology trends since the 1980’s so he knows a thing or two about the economy and it’s affects on that sector. He writes a regular column called John Dvorak’s Second Opinion for a site called MarketWatch. I’ve always liked his columns since they provide some interesting insights into the inner workings of the tech sector. His latest column talks about the public’s eroding trust in financial institutions. To quote one of the paragraphs:

It turns out that we are looking at nothing more than pigs at the feed
trough gorging on easy money while pretending to be the public’s friend
and protector. This situation is seriously damaging the economy and
threatening the future of the economic system.

That probably sums it up as good as any. It’s all having a ripple effect. High gas prices, runaway food prices, high rates of mortgage foreclosures, failing businesses…need I go on? What makes this article stand out for me is that it doesn’t try to micro analyze individual factors. Instead it takes on the broad picture and identifies the root cause of the problem. Don’t see that much anymore in articles like these.
Unfortunately, he does make another point worth noting:

The whole scene is as bleak as it could be, but because of a declining
public interest and perhaps a general stupefaction of the public,
nothing is done about it. It’s a population of sheep being fleeced over
and over with hardly a complaint.

Many people simply don’t care and won’t do anything about it. Unless people stand up, speak up, and take action it will keep happening. If someone is fleecing you with fees, then stop using the service. If everyone did that simple action, it would go a long way to sending a message.

I urge you to check out his current column. It won’t cost you anything but time.