There is an old saying, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. In the world of politics, people try to justify a bad decision with facts. However, often times giving a little time and ability to examine the facts of the case, other examples come forth and one wonders why these examples were never the sword to die on?

In an article by Eric Tucker and Paul Wiseman of the Associated Press, President Trump wants lower interest rates, however the Federal Reserve sees headwinds that makes that decision difficult. The economy is slowing, which is good for lowering rates. but tariffs are driving up costs which makes it difficult to raise rates. One can go through a variety of good and bad aspects which the Federal Reserve makes. President Trump decided to go after one of the Federal Reserve Governor – Lisa Cook.

Bill Pulte, is the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency which operates Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae mortgage operations. He had his team go through Ms. Cook’s mortgage records and made a criminal referral to mortgage fraud. He also made the rounds including CNBC where he said he was going after mortgage fraud and there was a very clear line in the sand and she signed the documents, because she listed two properties where she was the principal residence.

Ms. Cook’s lawyers insisted she did not engage in fraud.

Since Mr. Pulte’s line in the sand declaration, it is natural for a variety of organization to go through public records, it takes time and effort to find the various documents and sometimes involves some costs to the registrar, but documents can be found since they mortgages are technically public.

One would think that Mr. Pulte, who is on the Federal Housing Finance Agency would have a reasonable idea of the scope of the fraud and how many convictions. It turns out there was one. It also turns out banks typically suggest the customer to check the principal residence to make it easier to give the mortgage. The belief is people will pay the bill on a principal residence, and the bank is protected because it can sell the other property, it is not fraud. Thousands of second homes are listed as principal residences. Perhaps the rules or regulations should be changed, but as a government that wants fewer regulations, will it?

Some of the higher profile people it includes are 3 Cabinet Members of President Trump’s administration, and Mr. Pulte’s father, who is in the housing business, is that line in the sand big or will Mr. Pulte be making criminal referrals to people he knows?

Linking to dividend paying stocks, in the world of politics there are serious issues but sometimes they have a lot of noise because the regulations affect the governing political party. When you listen to the news and it relates to companies you have an interest in, ask is it noise or real policy?

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.