(CNN) – Sen. Charles Grassley is standing by his earlier comments suggesting some embattled AIG executives should "resign or commit suicide," but told CNN Tuesday he was merely speaking rhetorically.
"Of course I don't want people to commit suicide," the Iowa Republican said. "But I do want an attitude in corporate American that's similar to what they have in corporate Japan.
"[In Japan], people that run a corporation into a ground have violated their trust with the stockholders and maybe even the taxpayers - they take a very deep bow, they apologize, they are remorseful, they are contrite, they take full responsibility," he added. "We have not heard the sort of apology, remorsefulness, contrition, that we ought to hear from corporate executives in America assuming full responsibility."
Grassley's initial comments came Monday afternoon during an interview with Iowa radio station WMT. During the interview, Grassley endorsed what he viewed as Japan's corporate model, saying it is customary for failed executives to either relinquish their posts or commit suicide in disgrace.
"In the case of the Japanese, they usually commit suicide before they make any apology," he said during that interview.
A spokesman for AIG called Grassley's initial comments "very disappointing."
From CNN Politics
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If they had one ounce of pride they would give back the money. By not doing so they actually commit suicide.
Although I agree with Grassley on the resignation comment, the suicide comment was extremely harsh.
And let the Republican bashing begin..
Hopefully, he meant professional suicide and not physical but there certainly should be some perp-walks of the executives responsible for our economic meltdown. There is absolutely no way our nation crumbled without widespread malfeasance!!!
"A spokesman for AIG called Grassley's initial comments "very disappointing.""
They – Just – Don't – Get – It !
How can you become so megalomaniacal that you no longer have the ability to feel shame? Does it actually require selling your soul? or can you just loan it out for public appearances?
WHY is anyone surprised that this comment came from a GOPer?????
The GOP continues with its vile comments and attitude.
They are self-destructing!
Well, they heard him. They are jumping ship like rats off a sinking boat.
The Got No Plan Party always putting their foot in their mouths, and always trying to clean it up later. The MSM of course are not all over this. If this had been a Democrat it would be all over the MSM.
I wouldn't dial anything back. They need to be told. These slobs are just amazing.
The Republican party really is in a mess.
I think that Grassley is confusing greed that these "bankers" had and ambition that many of these Japanese he's thinking of had. Those Japanese that he is thinking of most likely knew they had made a mistake and were willing to make an appology. Many of these "bankers" are willing to say that they made a mistake and own up to it. I just wish they would and understand the problem that they help create.
How stereotypical of you Senator Grassley. I don't want to see anybody commit suicide. Not even the Japanese. There is no honor in taking your life.
Probably a bad choice of words, but succinctly got the point across, namely about having, or not having as the case may be, personal integrity, a sense of shame and that rare quality: Honor. Clearly AIG executives lack those qualities.
No problem to me if the criminal scum tsenior managers at AIG decide to leave the planet. They have idea between right and wrong; they have no morals. Take away the bonus money and let them sue to get it back. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say under oath, how they drove a formerly good company into the ground.
Excuse me Senator, but your party provided these greedy sob's the political cover and means (through deregulation, lack of oversight, tax policy and no bid contracts) they needed to rape American taxpayers and shareholders, and now you want to act shocked that corporate CEO's are actually, you know, greedy and selfish?
Yet another in the long list of Republican hypocrisy.
I think that he should have let the comment stand. The inference was all about "honor". I'm sure that the meaning was lost on the AIG executives, who have no clue when it comes to honor, integrity, concience, morals, etc., etc., etc.
Hey, I'm a democrat, but I agree with this guy!
Dear Chuck,
Please focus your sentiments inwards. Perhaps Congress should set the example and be the FIRST to do what you suggest.
Just kidding.......
Sen. Grassley has expressed what many of us are thinking and feeling. So why is it so hard for our gov't to take steps to stop this abuse.
There has been an AMAZING lack of leadership coming from our business leaders regarding this economic crisis. No CEO takes responsibility. No CEO has a plan for recovery. In fact, they blame the government for not regulating them strictly enough!!!!!
During the good times, these CEOs have their marketing agencies put out advertisements touting their "Excellence" and their devotion to their customers. They brag about themselves shamelessly – during the good times.
After they have run our economy off a cliff, they simply go into their penthouse offices and quietly close the door.
It does not need to be suicide but they could show a little remorse and at least say thank you to the American people.
However suicide and leaving the estates to the people who lost everything is not such a bad idea!
What do you expect from a culture that says 'Greed is good.' and that condoned torture?
And we won't hear that type of appology from ANYONE in the United States! Period!!
We are a country that has no morals, has no sense of responsibility, etc. All we are ever going to hear is how it was someone else's fault, someone else's problem, etc, etc.
And before you Libs jump in to how this is Bush's fault and the Democrats would never do anything like that – Each and Every one of you posted last week that this is NOT Obama's economic problem!!
After a long time I have heard a republican succinctly express sensible thought in economic matter.
Smartest thing any republican has said in recent memory.....
"AIG executives should "resign or commit suicide,"
I'm sorry but this comment is hilarious. I burst out laughing everytime i read it.
Right on Senator! The Senator took extreme exaggerations in his statements, but that is not out of proportion by the anger that the public feels over AIG paying bonuses to what most people consider world class criminals.
Pay back the bonuses. Give us the names. Don't physically harm them, but let's hurt them in the pocketbook if they won't give it back.
I don't see anything wrong with his comment. He shouldn't have apologized. Why is there such a penalty for brutal honesty? I don't think AIG is in much of a position to call his comments "disappointing." I'm more than a bit "disappointed" by the fact that these SCUM are padding their wallets with millions of dollars while the rest of us are struggling just to get by. AIG's moral indignation surely can't be taken seriously by anybody?
How come its always Republicans who make these irresponsible blanket statements who then have retract them and apologize? Ohh......I answered my own question. Because they are emotionally unintelligent idiots.
Of COURSE AIG's spokesperson would call it disappointing
what a joke....that whole company is a disappointment. capitalism should run it's course and they should NO LONGER BE A COMPANY
I agree with his first comment about commit suicide, cause the greed this people have shown is the only cause of the current financial struggle we are facing.
It's too bad he has to be politically correct. They should, including the AIG PR spokesman, do the honorable thing and commit suicide.
I suppose it's time to update an old joke...
"What do you call 1000 AIG Financial Products Executives on the bottom of the ocean?"
A good start.
Break my heart...disappointing. At the very least, Senator Grassley had the guts to be glib and make a strong statement. The bonuses are symbolic of the hubris and sense of entitlement that permeates the financial system. We need a change of culture similar to the Japanese where leaders take responsibility for the failure of the companies that they lead. "First rule of leadership....everything is your fault." (Hopper, Bugs Life)
I think everybody should have known that the Senator was speaking symbolically out of outrage for the AIG Financial Products Group bonuses.
Poorly stated, but I agree with the sentiment.
Had this been a Republican, all of the Liberal re-treads would have been on screaming for his resignation. Just more of the class warfare brought to you from your crooked leaders in the Democrat party
Although I don't think they (AIG executives) should commit suicide, I do agree with Grassley that corporate America should take note that if you fail your company, you shame your family and your country. Take a page from the Japanese executives and show us that you are worthy of forgiveness (and our money) by showing remorse.
I completely and whole heartedly agree with Grassley's initial comments and reasoning's behind them. This whole AIG scandal should have the American people more than outraged at this point. These people are abusing the system for personal gain. Why should we as a people tolerate this hannis display.
The trouble with AIG, is that they do not live in the real world!
How about a "wake-up call" to these greedy executives and CEO?
How about firing this CEO and taxing even the 11 employess who
are gone from AIG, their bonuses?
How about some action and less talk?
Mr. Grassley: Some of these people, I understand, have already collected their loot and left AIG. Now, since I believe that there is an even higher authority that us earthlings, let's leave things up to time. Money does not buy health and happiness. Do you catch my drift?
his point is well taken. the aig folks apparently feel no sense of responsibility and gladly accept their bonuses for a job poorly done.
Now in this case, we all get what Sen Grassley is sayin & we all are annoyed at AIG. But that was a dumb thing to say, and it's making AIG look like it's the moral one....even after they gave out these bonuses with OUR MONEY!!!!
I don't like he saying this as a regulator. But, his intentions of saying that are perfect. AIG folks have no shame. If I was one of the executives, I would give back and apologies. My money is with those employees. If they don't return that my curse remains with them.
Our government has not done well for us during the last several decades. Politicians deserve much of the blame too.
They enabled the destruction of the American middle class, the foundation of our nation. After all they are responsible for allowing the massive transfer of wealth to the rich at the expense of the people. They relaxed regulation, repealed the Glass-Steagall Act, let credit card companies charge usurious interest rates, enabled greed and the short term outlook to reign over the long term, and so forth.
We have yet to see some deep bows and hear some apology, remorsefulness, contrition from our politicians as well.
Okay, let 'em fall on the financial sword then.
Not one of these people's lifestyles is going to be materially affected if they walk away from this empty-handed. They're all filthy rich, more than they can spend in an entire lifetime.
The notion that they feel ENTITLED – yes, I said entitled, as in "entitlement mentality, someone owes me" to that money, in fact any money at all - after helping drive not just their company, but the world economy into the worst dive since the Great Depression - eclipses any previous definition of "handout".
Let them walk away empty handed and consider themselves lucky they won't end up homeless. A lot of Americans may face that because of the actions of previously-deified execs in this country.
If this country doesn't learn to readjust some long-term values from this experience we're just plain stupid. Top to bottom – you're lucky to be here, so stop thinking exclusively about yourself and put something back into the economy that's blessed you.
Post their names and addresses...with faces. I want every American citizen to see their faces, as a matter of public record.
Maybe tax this money at 99% to somehow get it back.
What happened to AIG's comment that these superdupers are SO VALUABLE??? How come many are no longer even working there??? And Let's see who they are and who still works at AIG, trying to fix the mess they got us all into.
Does Senator Grassley's concern about violated trusts only work on Wall Street? What about starting a bogus war? What about the use of torture in the name of American citizens? What about shredding the constitution when it runs counter to convenience?
I'd suggest that MOST of Washington and ALL of the Republican Party have as much to apologize and take responsibility for as AIG executives.
so when do they start looking at the business schools that spawned these little monsters? maybe they need to add a few ethics courses at business schools?
Suicide isn't going to get our money back! What would however, is if Obama decided to use Bush's military order number one, naming every recipient of these bonuses an "enemy combatant." Then, they can be stripped of their constitutional rights, and their assets can be seized. I'll bet G.W. would never have expected his wholly deplorable law to be used against like-minded greed-freaks.
He just voiced what I have been wondering for a long time. I think those loser's seppuku crossed my mind and the mind of many other angry people out there. But just like Grassley, it crossed our mind, we weren't going to force them to do it. We just want them to feel shame for what they have done. Where is the shame?
Party of "family values", eh?
Not just AIG, but the CEOs and board members of all failing banks that survived due to govt intervention should bow down and apologize, then they should all be stripped of their belongings, to be given out to shareholders.
So, the AIG spokesperson called the Senator's comments "very disappointing.'!!!! Well, the AIG spokesperson doesn't want to know what I call AIG employees. The senator said it all. There has been no apology and, if anything, the people who helped cause this mess are getting a bonus! Go figure. AIG is a despicable company with descipable employees! Someday they will have to answer to someone more powerful than anyone on earth. That's when they will get theirs.
For once – I agree with a Republican.
Or he could 've wished they handcuffed, turned themselves in and asked for life sentence without a trial. IF they want a trial they would be glad to come forward and foot the bill for legal expenses.
AIG takes on billions in investments, then we pick up the bill. Obama's pal Robert Rubin helps drive Citigroup's value down 70%, and we pick up the tab. American car companies drive their businesses into the ditch, and Obama says we've got to bail them out.
But we send an American soldier to kill some Al Qaeda lunatic in Fallujah and help keep our country safe, and President Obama won't pay the bill if he gets hurt? Suddenly President Obama has found a buck he's willing to pass? Now he's willing to push the burden onto someone else?
Obama will pay off the dirtbags and AIG and his buddies on Wall Street. But when it comes to the men and women who fight and die for us, Obama's answer is..."Not so much."
Thank you Mr. Grassley for not backing down. You are absolutely right about this. They have not humbled themselves whatsoever. You make me proud. PS: Who cares what any AIG spokesperson says but "very disappointed". Come on! You want to talk about very disappointing? I wouldn't think so.
I'm a Democrat, but I have to agree with the Senator on this one. CEOs who manager companies well should be rewarded, but CEOs who hurt their stockholders should be held accountable. Giving million-dollar bonuses as a reward for failure is a crime, and I don't think his suicide comment is out-of-bounds, because if I was one of these CEOs, I don't know how I could live with myself.
What is the difference between what AIG is doing with its performance bonuses and a hit-man who gets paid for his work? Both seem to be bringing down the system one way or another!
We don't hear any apologies from members of congress or the media for their ineptitude; why should anyone in corporate America apologize for their actions?
I am appalled and amazed to see anyone recommend either resignation or suicide of the company execs. Most of the execs that created this problem are gone – and to treat life as this unimportant is offensive. So much for family values...or Christian charity from the Republicans.
I don't necessarily agree with the suicide portion of the ststement, but I completely agree with the spirit in which the comment was made. The AIG executives should accept the consequenses for their actions!
I full support Grassley in his comments
The man needs to be censured for his choice of words. I don't care how mad he is on behalf of his consituents. As if no one in congress has committed acts that were wrong? People get arrested for using those words against a congressman.
Grassleys comment is way out of line, those executives at AIG earned those bonuses because capital is capital as far as the private sector is concerned. The way I look at it the government owed AIG the 160 billion.
I support your idea, Mr Grassley.
Yes, Senator! Let's have such an attitude in Congress, as well!
Every sane person realizes that the Senator's suicide comment was for dramatic effect. His concern re lack of contrition or a sense of rersponsibility is dead on. In the miliotary, they would receive a dishonorable discharge and jail time, not a bonus.
how do they make a contrite apology, "after" they commit suicide?
Big Deal - Who cares if they kill themselves - the didn't care about millions of us that have lost our life savings... and if they killed themselves or their families.
I am outraged that these senators and congressmen are babbling about AIG. They took our money and have squandered over $1 trillion dollars, and we are supposed to be upset about $165million spread over 70 employees? I think this senator should commit suicide or resign!
ANOTHER REPUBLICAN MISS SPEAKING!!! GREAT
Forget about his comment, Aig should return the bonus they got. Obama adminstration should put his foot and tell AIG to return the money right now. The money is not for AIG to finance their lavish life style. People losing their job lef and right.
I agree with his statement and I am a democrat. Good for you senator, you just said what we all were thinking.
I don't think these execs that have behaved soooo badly need to be exempt from this suggestion
they just ruined people's lives, took money from tax payers and gave it to overseas banks and their own execs
I just think the senator is on to something
no, they should be flogged by the general public, greed driven bloodsuckers is the description
It was a dumb comment that I am sure Sen. Grassley regrets. Just apologize and get on with your job. This self-righteous anger is humorous. Congress should have put rules in place BEFORE they gave out the money. Trying to get it back with a special tax rule is stupid. The tax code is too complex as it is. Trying to single out the employees of single company through the tax code is idiotic.
I'm ashamed of you. Republicians do not need to be saying crap like this. Why don't you try to act like a grownup and leave this kind of stuff to the democrats.......who do it so well.
Nothing has changed; Obama and Congress are permitting and encouraging white collar crime at the expense of the economy.
This is absolutely the most disgusting insensitive said by someone in public office. We have had men losing their jobs and killing their families and then commiting suicide. Who wins? Suicide is never an answer which is one thing we criticize the Chinese for. Suicide is for a coward and this statement should be apologized for, especially for all of the families that have lost someone due to this. SHAME ON YOU!
What an evil and disgusting comment. Would Grassley want someone to say the same thing about him?
As soon as I read his comments, I KNEW there would be a backlash against it. Really, people?!?! Our country is oversensitive to the point that we are weaklings.
Get over it if you agree that his comments were outrageous. Whatever happened to this country that we all used to love? It's full of politically correct whiners, lawsuits for just about everything, the morbidly obese and slackers in general. The ones who do work hard see their jobs go over seas with outsourcing.
You're watching a once great country slip and fall. Especially when someone really has to prod further into the comments of suicide. Of course he doesn't want to see that. Too much "journalism" and not enough real news to report evidently.
If what Senator Grassley said was "very disappointing", what can the quoted AIG spokesman say about the antics of his own company?!?! The leadership of this corporation, as well as all others like them, SHOULD back down in shame, but these people are much too selfish, egocentric and short-sighted to know they've done wrong – as long as their bank accounts are fuller than they need to be, and they glut on much more than is needed while others struggle, that's all that matters. I say back at them to their behavior, very, VERY disappointing!
speaking of running business in the ground..........look at what George W Bush did to every business he ran up to and include the business of the USA. Where were all the big talking Republicans when Bush was spending money like a crazed loon on a war that never should have been? It seems as though now, when they are no longer in the drivers seat they have all the answers. WOW!!!! what a shame you didn't do something about it the last 8 years. Maybe the Republican Party along with George W Bush, Cheney, Limbaugh, Coulter, Fox News and the rest of the gang should hang themselves beside AIG.
Doesn't it contradict something about the Republicans?
Do they really value life?
Does he really value life, and is he a Christian?
How can he say to someone "Commit suicide" if he values life and believes in Christian values?
I guess.... it is okay to let people die in wars or commit suicide... but we must protect the unborn.
There are words you can say and should not say. Even if you are angry, there are words you should not say.
I'm an Independent, and I usually don't agree with harsh statements of any type – they tend to be counterproductive. But I can't seem to get uspet about Senator Grassley's comments. In fact, I think he summed up the anger that people are feeling very nicely. As for AIG saying it was "very disappointing", pot meet kettle. Maybe they should think about what he's expressing to them.
After learning the fact that some of the AIG people who received the bonus and left the company promptly, I do not think this comment is inappropriate.
What if AIG did not receive taxpayers' money? Does AIG have the money to give as bonus? It is a shameful act, and it hurts so many Americans who are the victims of this economic crisis. They are at fault of this crisis but they are paying for it in a great deal.
I am absolutely positive that none of the AIG employees will commit suicide. Senator Grassley's comment carried no weight what so ever. However, it shows how helpless the system is.
I still can recall the days when the country was debating whether the government should grant $700 Billion to rescue the financial institutions. It sounded like if they did not get what they wanted, tomorrow would be the end of the world. Now it seems we are all so silly and naive.
Typical repub,even though they say it they don't mean it.
And when are we going to hear the apologies from members of congress for running this country into the ground?
These exectives have no shame. They should in the streets begging for forgiveness. They failed their shareholders, they betrayed their country. You know what the punishment for treason is? Death. I can just imagine them after getting fired driving back to their posh apartments and depositing their million dollars and just laughing smugly at poor dopes like us who have to work for a living.
Tel the AIG spokesman to shut up.
I hope my tax dollars are not going to help AIG. I fell totally ripped off by AIG. The company executives truly believe they have done no wrong.
At least Madoff admitted his wrong doing and apologized. One vote for Madoff. Zero votes for coporate america.
People try to paint Wall Street as a Republican bastion. They aren't Bernie Madoff is a HUGE contributor to the democratic party and so are most of the top execs at the banks. Check it out for yourselves.
Tax them, sue them, or jail them. This is an outrage.
Finally, some senator has the brain to say something like this which is good. If every senator do their job like this, then everyone will be happy.
Grassley said it well.
thank you Sen. Grassley!
Suicide would be too honorable an end for these villians. Life in prison would be preferable.
And this guy's a Republican? Must've been shorted by his big business buds and now he wants payback.
These crazy republicans.....
When will their idiotic reign of terror end?
What an idiotic statement to make. These guys are so accustomed to sounding off with soundbytes and zingers on the floor that they forget that the public's reaction to their words can be a career buster. Talk about out of touch with the real world.
Suicide is a sin!
Republicans have no respect for life and no sense of charity.
I agree! These people should feel dishonored and dishonorable. No one expects the jerks to literally commit suicide but figuratively, they could do us all a favor by jumping off of the highest cliff or in other words go far away quietly and penniless.
Many executives in Japan who have been caught up in corruption really DO commit suicide!!!! I think he meant to say what he did!
Apologise for what? Being snivelling crooks? That's the free market ideal – do whatever it takes to achieve 'personal success,' including standing on the throats of others. What, is there no more stomach for the 'market,' the dream of an amoral financial paradise?
Amorality is nothing but a packaged version of immorality.
There are only owners and workers, people.
Amen!
He's right!! While the rest of us are suffering and trying to feed our kids, these greedy people are not even offering an apology! They should take his advice! Thank you Senator for looking our for the rest of us!!!
where does that mouthpiece for the den of thieves live?
what are his or her children's names and which school do they go to?
i want to give them a piece of my mind!
not surprising to hear
the thieves mouthing off so arrogantly and condescendingly
to the reps of the people
from whom they have stolen left and right!
He's right in saying this, but this implies that any member of AIG has the ability to feel shame or has a sense of honor to begin with, which it seems they don't by their actions, just lots and lots of selfishness.
It appears from the AIG's spokesperson's comment that THEY STILL DON'T GET IT.
Gee, would this plan work for the republicans who got us into this mess in the first place?
So? America. A "Credit Union" is not a Bank? I thought that was where Banks originated.
I understand the context of the Senator's comments and do agree. Those receiving these bonuses, despite a company that lost $64,000,000,000 in the last quarter feel "entitled" to this money.
However, companies need to be smarter in the future on how they write contracts to ensure they are not obligated to make bonus payments when the company post losses or receives government or other types of "survival" funding.
The republicans are disgracing our country...right along with the talking head pundits and republican backed news shows.
Shame on all of them.
Good for you Charles...and I'm a democrat.....
I can't belive this politics! This is amazing what to do here. In this day-and-age.
Yeah, he probably took it to far.
The AIG exec can call it "disappointing" all he wants, but the Senator is still right.
The spokesman for AIG is a total moron! How disappointing?! is that it???!! What about taking responsibility for all the ruined lives AIG left behind, should the public just be "disappointed?" Outrage is more like it. These guys have no clue about humanity! They are a disservice to the people and should NOT be helped at all, period!
Was it a politically incorrect comment...yes. Was it a very well timed comment...yes as well. Execs don't give a crap about the average person or tax payers. It's all about money, making money for themselves, shareholders and the company. The problem is even if they fail at making money for the shareholders or the company, they still make a lot of money for themselves. Pay for Failure is rampant in corporate America and until someone holds these execs responsible the every day workers are the ones that suffer in terms of layoffs as employees and poor customer service as consumers. Is one person really worth 5 to 50 million dollars to a company?
Please Mr.Senator mean what you say and don't say what you do not mean. I'm tired of these Republicans Senators saying things and then restructuring what was said. Be brave when you open your mouths before the mike.
Senator, make no apologies. I'd rather see a scumbag AIG executive commit suicide than someone who lost their job, lost their house, or lost their 401k because they were so depressed due to the economy.
AIG execs & others like them are crooks who feel they have no moral obligation to society ... they should pay a very steep price, one way or another, for their crimes.
For all of the arrogance of the AIG folks, apparently they are not well versed in history. The French Revolution keeps coming into my mind.
For once, I fully agree with a Republican!
These jerks at AIG and all the other corporate loser who have wasted and/or lost tons of other people's money need to get their heads on straight and realize what they have done. They have totally lost the respect of most of the public - and it is the public that they really are dependent on. They are not gods and they cannot get away with this kind of reckless and sociopathic behavior!
Washington needs to let all these companies sink! This bailout money should go to the folks back at home. The taxpayers need a bailout not these executives.
With bailouts to the taxpayers back at home, they can payoff their mortgages and credit cards. The Banks will be bailout and crying for people to lend to. This time it s the taxpayer, folks back home who will are relieved. Big business needs to be accountable and so does Washington.
Obama, you won under the platform of Change! What Change? It is business as usual. It has changed to that you are have four years to do your thing . If nothing changes in that time then there will be someone else that goes to the White House in 2012 not you! That is change!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do agree totally with the comments of Senator from Iowa, it is a shame that we have that kind of greed people in high private institutiones, they shoud return all $163.00 biliones they took from us, the taxi payers, SHAME OF THESE THIEFS......
I'm sorry – that is just disgusting.
Yes, well AIG–you are disappointing. You are a savage corrupt corporation that has abused and taken from the government, and the
American people for the sake of the almighty buck!!!
You should be ashamed of yourselves-all of you that have taken, taken and taken more. The adage of the wealthy to succeed and the others get nothing needs to, and will stop. America, and our new President are opening up the "behind door" corruption that might need a good suicide once in a while to show that some of you elite actually have a heart and are consciously aware of the unethical practices you are apart of.
This country is just plain inadequate and makes me sick to my stomach.
I think that's the most reasonable thing I've heard from a Republican senator in a long time.
Contributions to Obama Campaign Track Bailout Money
AIG's $43.5 billion in payments to Wall Street banks that gave to the president's election is lost in the ruckus being made over the executive bonuses.
If a Democrat had said that, Repugs would never let it rest!
They have a habit of saying the nastiest things and then just casually brushing it off.
They learn to do this in Public Manipulation 101.
I am a registered democrat and a long time opponent of large corporations. This man is disgusting. For a person to make light of suicide is not only heartless and cold; it also belies a small mind and lack of education. Suicide is never a joke. If he truly means what he has said, I would suggest he try surviving it first.
That's one comment from the GOP that I can get onboard with. :sigh: I love the Japanese.
They got the money!! CONGRESS showed them the money, they took and left. 1 million dollars is alot to spend so why suicide? they left on vacations laughing their heads....bamboozled Congress again.
Just remember, it is not just AIG's fault. The blame must be equally given to the politicians who gave them the money not once but multiple times.
I actually agree with the Senator - those AIG execs found a loophole and crawled right through it!
Enough with the partisan comments. This isn't a Dem vs. Repub. issue. It's about how the entire govt. should be helping and looking out for the taxpayer especially when it involves gross mismanagement by large corporations being bailed out. Stop the attacks and focus on the problem at hand no matter what party you support.
This from the so-called "pro-life" party.
If he backpedals any faster he's gonna moonwalk across the senate floor. You would think he offended Rush Limbaugh or something.
In the unprecedented wave of financially-ruined/pension-stolen-despondent suicides our nation is experiencing in the wake of bi-partisan corporate greed, it amazes me that the individuals who have lost their future security to the bizarre excesses of executives do not first "take out" those responsible for this legalized theft before taking their own lives. I don't condone it at all, I'm just surprised it hasn't happened yet. I fear it is only a matter of time before web sites will post names and pictures of these executives and their checker-pants attorneys, who squandered their employees futures with their gambling mentality, stole the livelihood of their employees with their outrageous elitist mentality and then brazenly robbed the national public to pay the price of their sins. Vigilantes will rise up to exact their revenge if national leaders are too fearful of the good opinion of such dubious executives above the principles of upholding justice as they were elected to do. I'm bracing myself for the backlash.
Over the past year and a half, I've had to cope with the suicides of two acquaintances. I watched how the lives of the families and friends of those who left them were ripped apart. The pain is unbearable to witness. Sometimes the line between hope and despair is very thin. The senator needs to use better judgment when choosing his words.
Should he apologize or commit suicide? It's the Japanese way . . .
As a left leaning person, I would just like to say that I agree. If these guys have any dignity left they should commit suicide. Sure worked wonders for Japan. This, again, is not a party issue. Don't cut the guy down for saying what we are all thinking. There are PLENTY of good reasons to slam the GOP, but this is not one of them.
Maybe this would be good advice for the GOP, they only know
the word NO!NO!. This comment again makes the Gop look
weak, Doesn't the GOP believe in Life No Matter What or only
when it suits them. Perhaps the Senator needs some spiritual
counseling!!!!!! YES!
It is called honor. Somthing a lot of people do not have these days.
When we as Americans understand that if we, in this industrialized and tech society leave it up to the business managers/executives to do what is honorable without regulation and oversight, they will do the opposite and be greedy without regard for the citizens at-large. Note the 1929 depression and now 80 years later, the 2009 financial meltdown.
All this hysteria is just plain stupid!!
Bunch of Nitwits.
Be fair, Congress spends the money they do because Americans have been dumb enough to demand it. The approval rating for the bailout was over 50%. We have the government we have because that's what we vote for and that's what we collectively deserve. Never forget, we have the best politicians money can buy!
Interesting! Is he prepared to take responsibility on behalf of his party for the economic mismanagement of the last eight years? Would AIG have been able to profit from dubious financial instruments if the party in charge hadn't abrogated its responsibility to regulate the financial sector due to its laissez-faire fanaticism? Why doesn't he "resign or commit suicide"?
The problem with this country is that pretty much everyone in it wants as much pleasure/power/wealth/whatever for themselves as possible and screw morality and the common good. It's not a problem that's limited to AIG executives and politicians, and until we solve it this country will continue to decline.
No issues w/ what the senator said. Japanese banks are considered institutions of trust, loyalty and national pride and the consequences for abusing the trust of the public is the worse kind of shame.
Unfortunately, American banks aren't revered, nd the people running the banks can get away with financial murder in terms of looting the taxpayers and this has been going on for years. Greed is so prevelent on Wall Street, it's the way of life. Take what you can and screw the other guy. That is American Capitalism.
We have the same Japanese ideology in corporations all across America.
Except here, the employees are expected to abide by Japanese teamwork ideology by learning new Japanese teamwork buzzwords, giving up their breaks, and working for less pay, while their CEOs and executives get perks which should have gone to creating new jobs or improving conditions.
I agree with his comment. This goes straight through our entire society right now. It is ok to fail! We love failures. Just like the basketball team that got the score ran up on them. I agree that was bad but for them to get tickets to Mavs games and to get all kinds of special treatment because they lost, to me is just wrong. So these executives need to get punished instead of praised for their poor performance.
I say get rid of the bonuses. I know I have heard the arguement that we need these bonuses to keep qualified people here. Well I bet if it is between loosing your job or getting a bonus i would keep my job. Also there are plenty of people out of work right now and I am sure they all would love to have a chance at running AIG. They couldn't do any worse, and they would be thankful to have a job.
just close aig's doors, that will be sufficient.
Democrat or Republican, it's refreshing to see any politician throw any sense of caution into the wind and comment with a no nonsense statement such as this. An honest comment based on his personal opinion that doesn't leave much for “political interpretation”.
Rhetorically speaking - there are PLENTY of legisalators in Washington DC who also need to "commit suicide." They are on both sides of the aisle and they have completely violated our trust over the past 25 years!
He only said what we're all thinking. I haven't heard a Republican make this much sense in a long time. Anyone who would take that money in the present economic situation is a rat.
Wasn't there a study done couple of years ago that incompetent people don't know they're incompetent? Probably true, until they wreck the economy. Of course this gang is worse than incompetent. Maybe now it will dawn on them that they, along with politicians, have brought the world economy to its knees.
I'm tired of people making stupid decisions and expecting the rest of us to pay for them.
Taking all we can get is the mentality this country has been feed for a few generations. One generation becomes greedier than the next.
Corporate mentality: we must make more money this year than last. It gets to the point that you can only make so much. Hopefully, if one good thing comes from the repression, America starts to realize that every mountain has a downside.
The bonus recipients will not give back the money. They will not feel remorse for keeping it. This is our every man for themselves attitude. Reagan propagated the mind set by telling us that Carter has no right to tell us to cut back on our spending. It has been downhill in this country since.
I'm glad he said it – and sorry he later admitted it was rhetorical. There was nothing rhetorical about the suicides of Main Street citizens spurred by the failing economy.
I also want to know why Martha Stewart served prison time for investment advice from a friend while all these corporate heads who have have misappropriated billions and collected taxpayer funded bonuses are laughing all the way to their off shore accounts.
The sad thing the Dems. will give them more money with no oversight.