Poll: Americans Support Protecting Consumers, Holding Wall Street Accountable

A new poll by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) underscores the public's demand for an agency, independent of Wall Street pressures, tasked with looking out for consumers and holding big banks and credit card companies accountable.

The poll found that 62% of Americans support the creation of a "new federal agency to protect consumers who purchase banking and other financial services." Only 34% opposed such a plan.

Additionally, CFA found that a whopping 85% believe "consumers need more effective protections against unfair and deceptive practices by banks and other financial institutions."

While the CEOs of big banks and credit card companies oppose new consumer protections, it's clear where the American people stand.  The financial collapse of 2008 put millions of Americans out of work, yet the bankers and CEOs responsible for the crash lined their pockets with bailouts and bonuses.

After a decade of running wild, Wall Street banks need to be held accountable.  Strong Wall Street reform would restore accountability and fairness into the world of investing and end the failed policies that got us into this mess.