3/13/23: Massive SVB Bailout, Crypto Bank Collapses, Execs Sold Millions Before Collapse, JD Vance Rips Republicans on Norfolk, Pence Blasts Trump and Tucker, Desantis Blames Wokeness on Bank Collapse, Fauci Freaks Over Prosecution Calls
In this episode, Krystal and Saagar discuss the massive SVB bailout and the collapse of Crypto Bank Signature. They are joined by journalist Matthew Zeitlin to explore the concept of banks being considered 'Too Big to Fail'. They also cover JD Vance's criticism of Republicans opposing Norfolk Southern Regulation, Pence's criticism of Trump and Tucker for January 6th, Desantis blaming Wokeness for bank collapse, and Fauci's response to calls for his prosecution.
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Quick takeaways
The US government has guaranteed deposits in troubled banks, setting a precedent and raising concerns about moral hazard and burden on taxpayers.
The decision to guarantee deposits eliminates the role of depositors in ensuring bank safety and soundness, creating moral hazard and questioning the sustainability of FDIC insurance fund.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank exposes the failure of Dodd-Frank reforms and regulatory oversight in the banking sector.
New evidence suggests COVID-19 may have leaked from a lab, challenging previous narratives and causing Dr. Fauci to defend his reputation and funding practices.
Deep dives
US government guarantees deposits in troubled banks
The US government has made the decision to backstop troubled banks, guaranteeing deposits in Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, regardless of the amount. This move sets a precedent for all banks, effectively stating that the US government will guarantee the deposits of all banks in the country. The decision aims to provide stability in the banking system and prevent runs on banks. It also raises concerns about moral hazard and the potential burden placed on taxpayers.
The impact on the banking system
The decision to guarantee deposits in troubled banks has significant implications for the banking system as a whole. It effectively eliminates the role of depositors in ensuring bank safety and soundness, as the government now provides full protection for all deposits, regardless of the amount. Furthermore, it creates moral hazard, as banks have little incentive to exercise caution in managing risks when their deposits are fully insured. This decision also raises questions about the sustainability of the FDIC insurance fund and the potential burden on taxpayers in the event of widespread bank failures.
The failure of Dodd-Frank reforms
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank highlights the failure of the Dodd-Frank reforms in preparing for such events. Regional banks, like Silicon Valley Bank, argued that they were lower-risk institutions and could be resolved through the normal FDIC process. This led to a rollback of certain regulations under the Trump administration, which allowed these banks to maintain lower capital requirements and reduce planning for their failure. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank exposes the fallacy of these arguments and raises concerns about the adequacy of regulatory oversight in the banking sector.
Alternative resolution process
If the normal resolution process had been followed, depositors in Silicon Valley Bank would have received a partial haircut but still recovered a significant portion of their uninsured deposits. The rest of the bank's assets would have been sold off to make depositors as whole as possible. However, concerns about potential payroll issues and the stability of the banking system prompted the government to guarantee full access to deposits, ensuring that any potential runs on the bank could be avoided.
Evidence of a COVID lab leak is emerging
Despite initial dismissals, new evidence suggests that COVID-19 may have leaked from a lab. Intelligence assessments from the Energy Department and FBI, which were initially withheld, indicate a high possibility of a lab leak. This revelation challenges the previous narrative and cover-up by Dr. Fauci, Peter Daszak, the NIH, and the scientific community. The origin of COVID-19 is a significant topic that has finally gained traction, causing Dr. Fauci to defend his reputation and funding practices for gain-of-function research.
Dr. Fauci's response and defense
Dr. Fauci has launched a media campaign to protect his scientific legacy and prevent the lab leak narrative from tarnishing his reputation. He deflects criticism, conflates it with attacks on his family, and downplays the allegations. However, his attempts to distance himself from funding gain-of-function research are contradicted by his statements on Fox News. Despite the mounting evidence and public scrutiny, Dr. Fauci continues to evade direct questions and refuses to acknowledge his potential role in the lab leak.
Wider implications and consequences
The lab leak theory has broader implications beyond identifying the origin of COVID-19. It exposes a cover-up and raises questions about gain-of-function research and its effectiveness in addressing pandemics. The controversy and emerging evidence also undermine trust in scientific institutions and highlight the need for transparency, verification, and accountability. The debate surrounding the lab leak theory reveals a deep polarization between those who dismiss it as 'anti-wokeism' and those who prioritize scientific integrity and the pursuit of truth.
Krystal and Saagar discuss the massive SVB bailout propping up the banking sector, Romney and Mark Cuban demand bailouts, Crypto Bank Signature collapses amid tech fallout, SVB Executives sold millions in stock and took bonuses before collapse, Matthew Zeitlin (@MattZeitlin) from the GridNews joins us to talk about how all banks are being considered "Too Big to Fail", JD Vance rips Republicans opposing Norfolk Southern Regulation, Pence blasts Trump and Tucker for January 6th, and Desantis blames Wokeness for Bank collapse, and Fauci is flustered when asked about calls for his prosecution.