Comment Text:
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to comment on the oil commodity, specifically the critical
need for the implementation of strict regulations when it comes to margin speculating.
I'm a 33 year old son of a US Marine, born and raised here in the US, and now have my first son of my own. I'm extremely fortunate to have remained employed throughout these rough economic times. I've been affected by the economic
turmoil mostly through lost wealth, but I know many people much more seriously affected....and I feel deeply sorry for
those millions who have been impacted in challenging ways.
The world is getting extremely complicated and that will only continue. We are no longer a nation that can deliver a
home and steady job to every hard worker. Each potential solution to our country's major problems are debated, and
debated, and debated...with no impactful resolution. We are getting further and further away from having the ability to
make tough decisions in this country because they ultimately make someone unhappy, somewhere. Even when we
know it's best for the good of our country.
Our nation is in desperate need of a confidence boost. We need someone with the authority to make a decision that
will have a direct, significant impact on our economy. My understanding is that this commission has that authority.
Please raise the margin requirements for speculating on crude oil. This will result in lower gasoline and heating oil
prices. That would have enormous benefits for all citizens to help them keep up with bills. It will dramatically increase
spending in this country as less money is spent on fuel and more is spent on goods and services, resulting in
higher revenues and profits for corporations, and eventually more jobs. All the while boosting confidence which can
have significant impacts.
I'm not aware of any major costs/negatives of making this decision other than limiting the future profit making opportunities
for a limited number of oil speculators. If there are others, please take the time to inform me if possible. I can't
imagine that the costs are greater than the benefits of this decision.
Thank you and best regards,
Darrick Stevens
