Ex-Sen. Gramm Sticks to His Guns on Deregulation

Republican touts benefits of subprime loans, credit-default swaps as critics cry foul
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 17, 2008 10:29 AM CST
Ex-Sen. Gramm Sticks to His Guns on Deregulation
"There is always a revisionist history that tries to claim that the system has failed and what we need to do is have government run things," says ex-senator Phil Gramm, who has a Ph.D in economics.   (AP Photo)

While some experts argue his work contributed to the economic meltdown, former senator Phil Gramm stands by his efforts to deregulate the lending and financial sectors, the New York Times reports. “There is this idea afloat that if you had more regulation you would have fewer mistakes,” Gramm said. “I don’t see any evidence in our history … to substantiate it.”

“To me, Phil Gramm is the single most important reason for the current financial crisis,” says a former SEC lawyer. But Gramm faults Democrats who made borrowing to buy a home easier, financial giants who had no buffer against risky moves, and “predatory borrowers.” “There is always a revisionist history that tries to claim that the system has failed and what we need to do is have government run things,” he said. (More Phil Gramm stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X