As the United States faces a bank crisis following the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the legacy of Barney Frank and his integral role in passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act comes to light. But beyond his political achievements, Frank’s personal life has also been the subject of much interest, particularly his marriage to Jim Ready. So, who is Jim Ready and how did he become the husband of one of the most prominent politicians of our time?
2012 Jul 7 – Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank becomes the first member of Congress to marry a same-sex partner when he and Jim Ready tie the knot in Newton, Massachusetts. pic.twitter.com/zFIkbiX9N5
— BobbyB🏳️🌈🇺🇸 (@BobbyB_RI) July 7, 2020
Who is Jim Ready?
Jim Ready is a businessman and photographer from Maine. He first met Barney Frank at a political fundraiser in 2005, and the two began dating shortly after. Ready and Frank’s relationship became public knowledge in 2007, and they were married in a ceremony in Massachusetts in 2012. This made Frank the first member of Congress to marry someone of the same sex while in office.
Also read | List of companies impacted by Silicon Valley Bank collapse
While Ready’s marriage to Frank has certainly garnered attention, he has largely remained out of the public eye. In fact, Ready has been known to shy away from the spotlight, preferring to focus on his own business ventures and interests. Ready has been a successful businessman, founding his own photography company, Ready Image Photography, in 1988. He has also been involved in various community organizations and has served on several boards of directors, including the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Despite Ready’s preference for a more private life, his relationship with Frank has been the subject of much interest and scrutiny. Some have criticized the couple for their significant age difference (Frank is 40 years older than Ready), while others have praised them for breaking down barriers and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. In many ways, their relationship has become a symbol of the progress that has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
He was also a big fan of Fannies, Fannie Mae, and others. But then he retired to a life of rectitude with his husband, the ironically named Jim Ready.
Barney Frank Sat on Board for Collapsed Signature Bank https://t.co/JctwdOyUNB via @BreitbartNews
— The Amish Texter™ ❌🇺🇸 (@the_amish_txtr) March 13, 2023
But beyond his personal life, Frank’s political achievements have been significant, particularly his role in passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This landmark legislation was passed in 2010 in the aftermath of the financial crisis and aimed to regulate the banking industry and protect consumers. Frank, who was then the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, played a crucial role in crafting and passing the bill.
The Dodd-Frank Act brought about a number of changes to the banking industry, including the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and increased regulation of derivatives and credit rating agencies. The act was hailed by some as a necessary step to prevent another financial crisis, while others criticized it as overly burdensome and harmful to economic growth.
Now, as the United States faces another bank crisis following the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the legacy of Dodd-Frank and Frank’s role in passing the act is once again in the spotlight. While it remains to be seen how the current crisis will play out and what, if any, regulatory changes will be made, Frank’s legacy as a champion for financial reform is secure.
In the midst of this crisis, the personal lives of public figures like Frank and Ready can sometimes be overlooked. But their relationship, and the progress that it represents, is a reminder of the importance of representation and advocacy. As Ready and Frank continue to navigate the ups and downs of life together, their love story serves as an inspiration to many.
In conclusion, Jim Ready may not be a household name, but his relationship with Barney Frank has played a significant role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. While Ready has largely remained out of the public eye, his marriage to Frank has become a symbol of progress and acceptance. And as the United States faces yet another banking crisis, Frank’s legacy as a champion for financial reform is more important than ever.
