A largely moribund, sluggish, frightened, alleged watchdog for the American consumer

Ralph Nader wrote in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission's five commissioners saying the agency "remains a largely moribund, sluggish, frightened, alleged watchdog for the American consumer." He offers seven suggestions to improve the FTC:

1. Go on a road trip to get in touch with real people and absorb their grievances where they live, work and raise their families.
2. More workshops with intent to obtain media. To most reporters, the FTC is a laugh when it is not a yawn.
3. We need more thoughtful addresses and articles by FTC Commissioners. From all of you. Out there in the country, whether blue or red state, whether conservatives or liberals, they are indiscriminately cheated. They all bleed the same way.
4. Have occasional roundtable gatherings with consumer and other civic action leaders. The FTC, like any other agency, needs some thoughtful, friendly jolts.
5. Drive yourselves to levels of higher visibility. You’re supposed to be federal cops on the corporate crime/fraud beat. Act like enforcement officers! Regulation is just another word for law and order over crime in the suites.
6. Think of more penetrating ways to reach people. The FTC has a specific educational mandate. A higher profile may get more resources and stronger legal authority to keep up with the times.
7. Conference a call with the dynamic, former chair of the FTC, Michael Pertschuk.