- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, whose approval rating last month was measured at 13% (half as much as George W. Bush!) was arrested and indicted on stunning corruption charges including the likelihood that he was attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder. This after everyone in Illinois (apparently with one exception) knew that the Feds were watching him. Hubris, arrogance or just plain stupidity? Probably all of the above. Before he's impeached or forced to resign, he still can legally appoint the replacement Senator, unless the Illinois law is quickly changed to provide for a special election. Who would want such an appointment tainted by the Blago association? Well, TNB is not terribly busy these days and would be willing to just warm the seat for 2 years. Why not?? If you agree, contact the Governor (with $100 bills in a suitcase).
- The Tribune Company, saddled with incredible debt, was forced to seek bankruptcy protection. We can all breathe easier knowing that the Chicago Cubs were excluded from the filing, thus allowing their potential sale to go through if only some buyer is willing to take on all the absurd player contracts which (whew) are totally protected. We'll sleep better knowing that Kosuke Fukudome will still get his $12 million, although many recently discarded journalists and others may be standing in line for their promised severance. Another vivid example of how our priorities are totally screwed up.
- In a pathetic display of image over substance, the Big Three CEO's each allegedly drove hybrids from Detroit to Washington to impress Congress with their sincerity as they asked for bailout money which compared to say, AIG was a mere pittance. Maybe bankruptcy protection wouldn't be so bad. The airlines do this routinely. At least none of the auto chiefs requested a $10 million bonus from their ailing companies, as did John Thain of Merrill Lynch who was of course turned down. What was that about Rod Blagojevich? Hubris, arrogance and stupidity has also been rampant in the business world, as we have sadly seen this year. As a matter of fact, speaking of the outgoing President...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
It Can Get Worse
After last week's post decrying the selfishness and irresponsibility of many Americans, TNB was hopeful (foolishly) that things couldn't get worse--but they have, as noted below. Next week should be better (if you're the cup half full type).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
As Stephen Colbert so aptly put it, Blagovich comes from the "Land of Stinkin'". He was just stupid enough to use the telephone rather than to hold his meetings in a coffee shop or some other public place. And to think that just the day before he had come out and dared the public to tape him because he had nothing to hide! Well, two governors in a row in jail. Should Illinois go for three? Just when we were riding high with Obama's election. Maybe Blago should appoint himself to the Senate seat and get himself thrown out of both the Governship and the Senate all in the same year?
As usual TNB is spot on with his (her?)comments on greed, avarice, hubris,and stupidity which are all in abundance in the public and private sectors.
TNB, I share your disgust and pessimism -- at least this week. In my industry, NBC has just given up five hours of scripted programming for Jay Leno. In the midst of this putrid economy where buyers are few and far between, SAG wants to stage a strike to get a far more lucrative deal than that settled with the DGA and WGA. Layoffs are rampant. Perhaps all these laid off actors, producers, directors and studio executives can work on the public infrastructure projects that Obama has in store -- it might be healthy for an ex-studio president to repair a freeway or two!!
Post a Comment