"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Bank of America recently played the villain in a drama that captivated the nation.
In 2009, a Florida couple paid cash for their home.
In 2010, B of A tried to foreclose on them.
The move was a bewildering mistake…the latest of many the bank made throughout the mortgage meltdown.
The couple fought back, racking up thousands of dollars in legal fees.
A judge finally ordered B of A to reimburse them.
But months slipped by, and the bank never cut a check.
Fed-up, the couple made a bold move.
They foreclosed on the bank.
They showed up at a B of A branch with movers, television cameras, and sheriff's deputies.
They threatened to take file cabinets, photocopiers, computers, even the loose change in desk drawers to settle the debt.
The bank ended up writing a check, and the country loved every minute of it.
Polls show Bank of America has become one of the most-hated companies operating.
That's bad for business.
But it's also bad for our city.
Under Hugh McColl's reign, the bank and its talented team contributed heavily to our skyline, our museums, our charities…our success.
Since McColl left, all that somehow took a back seat to scandal.
A note to Brian Moynihan - it would do you good to channel Hugh.
And remember...America always loves a comeback.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
