Political theater is performed at a much more sophisticated level in the USA than anywhere else, although not with the finality of some less democratic states.... something to do with all of the TV cameras.
The auto bailout is an interesting and drama packed sub-plot to the long running financial soap opera. Their lack of contrition, and the tounge in check banter, indicates that it is accepted that they have not committed a crime. It fails to shock .... it is all a symptom of where we are collectively. I see their negative campaign, drumming up the case for a 'loan' (only good until next March) but I don't see anything about their vision for the future.... their plans as to when, where, why and how the 'big three' are going to emerge into the bright lights of the brave new world. If the vision was there the salaries wouldn't offend in the least. Australian auto makers have been routinely queing for social security (restructuring loans) as long as I can remember.... there isn't a day in my adult life when that wasn't the norm. A personal note - Ignorance (Mumyo) is pervasive .... one can not hope to fathom it or stand against it .... we can't catch it in our fishing nets and discard it, as if we are clearing our waterways of a feral fish .....cut off your slice of the cake and oppose that smaller portion and have no concern for the rest. brian_z --- In [email protected], Yuki Taga <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > From the Washington Post: > > --- > > So it was hard to feel sorry for the executives when Rep. Peter > Roskam (R-Ill.), late in the hearing, reminded them again that "the > symbolism of the private jet is difficult," and mischievously asked > the witnesses whether, in another symbolic gesture, they would be > willing to work for $1 a year, as Nardelli has offered to do. > > "I don't have a position on that today," demurred Wagoner (2007 total > compensation: $15.7 million). > > "I understand the intent, but I think where we are is okay," said > Mulally ($21.7 million). > > "I'm asking about you," Roskam pressed. > > "I think I'm okay where I am," Mulally said. > > And don't even think about asking him to fly commercial. > > --- > > For those of you living in caves, the "Big Three" auto execs each > took a single private jet to Washington from Detroit (24 commercial > flights per day) to beg for money. (The Chrysler guy -- Nardelli -- > did actually offer to work for 1 dollar next year.) > > The guillotine seems too "kibishii". But stocks (the physical kind , > not the financial kind) seem more appropriate than any Japanese > remedy. I'm stocking up on rotten vegetables, just in case. > > Yuki >
