In the latest intriguing twist in the political landscape, whispers of mortgage shenanigans have emerged involving Lisa Cook, a prominent figure linked with financial regulatory bodies. The allegations come without the backing of formal charges or arrest, but the story they weave might be cause for a raised eyebrow or two. While on the surface this seems minor compared to the massive mortgage fraud that led to the 2008 financial meltdown, there’s a particular irony here that’s hard to ignore.

Mortgage fraud, a term that re-entered many of our vocabularies during the financial crisis, typically involves deceptive practices like lying on loan applications to secure better terms. The allegation made against Cook is a classic case of this. The story goes that she misrepresented her housing intentions across multiple properties to snag lower interest rates. Yes, that’s right—she allegedly painted herself as a humble, live-in homeowner for places she never intended to occupy. In the grand scheme of mortgage malfeasance, it’s a drop in the bucket. But when you consider her role in the regulation of such activities, it becomes a bit more juicy.

For those still striving to afford their first home, the allegations against Cook have a particularly sour taste. After all, regular folk can’t exactly claim multiple residences as their “primary home” and get away with it—unless they enjoy fantastical living arrangements. The tale of Cook’s alleged misconduct becomes more grating when considering her position as part of the regulatory body overseeing mortgage practices. So, one has to wonder: if you can’t trust the fox watching the henhouse, who can you trust?

While ideas swirl about whether any legal consequences will follow, some experts suggest that professional repercussions might be more fitting. In the swampy world of politics and finance, sometimes the court of public opinion screams louder than the gavel. The fine line Cook straddles between ethical conduct and alleged deception prompts reflection on the standards to which our public servants should be held. Perhaps they should start with the basics: telling the truth on financial documents.

In another reminder of our nation’s daily tales of woe, there was talk of school safety, a topic that sorely needs our attention. While the nation’s political figures play games with mortgages, real-life heroes are trying to prevent tragic school shootings. Perhaps it’s time some of these public figures get schooled in ethics and accountability before they return to regulating anything. With the right focus and clear intentions, maybe they could address issues that actually matter to Americans. Until then, folks will just have to keep their sense of humor handy and eyes wide open.