Asked why the government hadn't pursued criminal charges in a case where a large bank admitted to money laundering for drug interests, Attorney General Eric Holder said: "I am concerned that the size of some of these institutions becomes so large that it does become difficult for us to prosecute them when we are hit with indications that if you do prosecute, if you do bring a criminal charge, it will have a negative impact on the national economy, perhaps even the world economy." A senator admitted to being stunned by the frankness of the response. While Mr. Holder's no-nonsense answer got the widespread attention it deserved, it should have resonated most loudly with silver investors