OTHERWISE: Dear S.E.C. Chief – Clock Is Ticking on Mortgage Cases – NYTimes.com.

Times business columnist Gretchen Morgenson identifies cases like that against Sun Trust as opportunities for newly confirmed S.E.C. chair Mary Jo White. Skepticism is in order. After stepping down as U.S. Attorney she and her husband enriched themselves representing those she is now charged with overseeing, and where appropriate, prosecuting. It is not easy to bite the hand that so recently well-fed you.
Times Reporter Peter Lattman summarized recently just how complex is the web of interests which White and her husband John (a Cravath partner and former S.E.C. offical) must unwind or keep at arm’s length. It leads ne to ask is it even possible? D they know too much and own too much to ever be reliably independent protectors of the public interest?