As noted by various reputable news sources, it appears that the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may be seeking to fine Wells Fargo up to $1 billion dollars for its corporate misbehavior. In light of the massive scope and persistence of Wells Fargo’s criminality, in my opinion such a “punishment” would amount to a shockingly lenient outcome, a mere slap on the wrist and would breed cynicism, sending out the wrong message.

As an active lifelong member of the death penalty abolition movement, I never thought the time would come when I would see any benefit to be derived from an execution. Now that time has come. Wells Fargo turned the tide for me. The determination that Wells Fargo, in violation of its fiduciary responsibilities to its depositors, committed widespread fraud upon those depositors by creating dummy accounts in their names over several years, among other fraudulent actions, marks the company as one of the worst of the worst. Such racketeering enterprises should result in the complete forfeiture of Wells Fargo’s right and opportunity—and that of its corporeal accomplices—to ever have, use or hide behind any corporate veil again. Its total incapacitation ought to be brought about in the public interest.