By now most know Bernie Madoff got 150 years in jail. He made off with estimates of up to $65 billion in invester losses. He got to live a lavish lifestyle like a king for almost 30 years. He defrauded over 1300 investors with his elaborate ponzi scheme. In the end, he got caught. For all of his money madness, did Bernie make out well? Several questions come to my mind when I think of Madoff. When are the others involved in his scheme going to get their day in court? It is highly improbable and most likely impossible that he ran and organized this elaborate scheme alone. It's far too elaborate and well orchestrated for that to be the case. His wife, sons, brother, accountant, assistant and confidante are all possible co-conspirators in this madness. Yet, it appears so far that the victims are letting Madoff take the blame completely alone. There was also the brokerage firms recruiting investors for Madoff. What did they get in return? The victims should scream until all involved … [Read more...] about Madoff Madness- Bernie Made Out Well
Archives for June 2009
Michael Jackson-Social Agent for Change
Michael Jackson will always be remembered as the King of Pop. No one can take that title away from him. His Thriller album sold 100 million copies, more than anyone else including the Beatles or Elvis. Yet, he also leaves a musical legacy of social activism. His music and legacy was also about social change and justice. Michael broke the color barrier at MTV. He became the first black artist to showcase their talent on MTV with Billie Jean and Beat It. He paved the way for many others. Then who could forget the Jackson 5 cartoon show on Saturday mornings. In the '70's there were few black tv shows or blacks appearing on TV. In 1985 he brought together artists and musicians from all over to perform a benefit for the famine victims in Ethiopia. His lyrics on We Are the World symbolize his spirit of social change. He wrote: "We are the world, We are the children; We are the ones who make a brighter today, so let's start giving. There comes a time when we need a certain call; … [Read more...] about Michael Jackson-Social Agent for Change
Metro Crash Worthiness and Safety
The crash worthiness of DC Metro system's older cars may have played a contributing role in Monday's deady accident. DC's Metro rail system did not have the millions of dollars necessary to replace or retrofit the cars. These defective and outdated cars, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, should have been replaced several years ago. Metro has now immediately established a fund of $250 million for the victims' hospital, funeral and other immediate costs associated with the accident. Yet, how much is a life worth? All of the victims were someone's mother, father, sister, brother, friend, co-worker or neighbor. How do you measure that loss? How do you place a dollar amount on their life? Profits should never be placed before people. When the National Transportation Safety Board recommends replacement for safety reasons, what more information do you need? Now Metro is facing the loss of lives and loss of millions from lawsuits to follow. A new report from the … [Read more...] about Metro Crash Worthiness and Safety
DC Metro Tragedy
I was devastated when I heard about the Metro accident and lives lost and many persons injured. I am a DC resident who takes Metro virtually everyday. I love the convenience of the Metro system. And for those who complain about Metro, just continue to drive and get stuck in traffic. Monday's tragedy was a dark day for DC and Metro. An investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board says the Feds recommended 3 years ago the older fleet of cars known as the 1000 series be replaced, removed or retrofitted. The striking train was the older series. Although, no one knows yet what caused the accident, I hope Metro's decision to keep these older cars had nothing to do with the cause. Even if the aging cars did not cause the accident, they very well may have contributed to the lives lost or persons injured. The train cars were completely smashed compromising the crash worthiness of the cars. The crash worthiness of the older 1000 series was questioned previously by the … [Read more...] about DC Metro Tragedy
Chris Brown and Celebrity Justice
Chris Brown pled guilty to felony assault on Rihanna. In exchange for pleading guilty, he avoided a preliminary hearing, trial and received 5 years probation. Did he receive celebrity justice? Was he treated fairly? Should he have received jail time? The pictures leaked earlier through the media suggest a vicious attack occurred on Rihanna. Yet, I never expected Chris Brown to get any jail time. Unless, there was some mitigating circumstances, he deserved some measure of jail time along with the other conditions he received. I can't imagine any mititgating circumstances. He didn't need jail time to send any message. He didn't deserve jail time to make him a bad poster boy for domestic abuse. He deserved jail time because of the seriousness of the felony assault charge. His charge was not reduced to a misdemeanor assault with far less seriousness involved. The fact that the prosecutor required him to pead guilty to a felony shows the seriousness involved. Michael Vick received … [Read more...] about Chris Brown and Celebrity Justice
Michael Steele- Chairman, Leader or Distraction
For the dysfunctional Republican party, 2012 is really around the corner. Republicans do not know who's leading them. Michael Steele, RNC chairman, does not know if he's leading them. The multiple choices are Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney, Collin Powell, Sarah Palin or Michael Steele. A recent poll found no consensus among Republicans. Who are the Republicans today? Apparently, no one knows even within the party. Does anyone know what they stand for? Gone are their glory days when they knew what they stood for. They cannot bring back George H. Bush, Ronald Regan or even George W. Bush. Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and John McCain were all losers. Republicans need to decide who will lead them and then follow the leader. Yes, it's really that simple. Yet, deciding who will lead them could take four years. By then 2012 will have come and gone. What Michael Steele must decide is whether he's an agent of change, a leader or a distraction to his party. Once he makes up his mind, the … [Read more...] about Michael Steele- Chairman, Leader or Distraction