Banks, and the financial industry in general, exert an enormous amount of influence over the government -- the Occupy Movement and articles like these are indic

Banks, and the financial industry in general, exert an enormous amount of influence over the government -- the Occupy Movement and articles like these are indicators of the disgust that has been brewing against the current system, but most feel powerless to do anything about it. Much of a bank's power comes from people depositing their paychecks -- take away the deposits, and you take away the power (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_run http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_run). More people don't do this because banks are so convenient and there are few good alternatives. Even credit unions partner with banks so using them doesn't really help. A digital safety deposit box that's linked to your debit card could provide the convenience of a bank, without empowering the banks.