While I get that Grassley really doesn't want anyone to commit suicide and all ... that comment wasn't appropriate. He could have just said that the execs at AIG should be ashamed of themselves and apologize for their actions. We know it isn't going to happen, but we could hope.
And, as for this ...
President Barack Obama lambasted the insurance giant for "recklessness and greed" on Monday and pledged to try to block payment of the bonuses.
Good luck with that. Y'all have already let those horses out of the barn. I don't think you are going to have an easy time of reining them back in.
I agree. The comment was distasteful. I also agree on that last comment. Unless Obama is a top-notch rodeo rider I don't see him being able to do much about that. I wish he could.
I heard that quote this morning, and was utterly aghast.
My wife and I have each had our battles with depression, and suicidal ideation. We don't find it to be good material for humor.
Well, he does like that cowboy hat, Justin! Ha!
Wickle: I hear ya. I felt a bit better when I heard his explanation, but you still expect better, ya know?
The distinguished gentleman from Iowa who suggested AIG executives should become extinguished gentlemen (although very well off financially) has been known to put his foot in his mouth before, and will likely do so again. Tasteless? Compared to other senatorial comments on different issues over the years, this was downright mild (try a senator's suggesting that we nuke Japan again [years ago - South Carolina]).
We won't get the money back from those folks, regardless of what Schumer and Cuomo say in the press, nor will presidential outrage in the media do anything but sound good. What is needed is change at a very basic level by corporations, their attorneys, and their shareholders - something that does not permit them to be thieves on a cosmic scale, perhaps? Naah - never happen in America without intervention.