Angry? Steaming mad? As though you could kill a person with your bare hands? That's what the Journal is hoping, which is presumably why they blasted this story in an News Alert last night, as though it JUST. COULDN'T. WAIT. Get a load of this: a bunch of CEOs whose company's took TARP money used their firm's jets for personal use after receiving the funds.
Like Ken Lewis. Two days after Christmas he flew to the Reynolds Plantation Resort in Greensboro, Georgia, which cost the taxpayer $5,300. And John Mack-- on December 26 he flitted off to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he just so happens to own a beach front property, a trip which clocked in at about 8 large. Oh, and get a load of this: Sandy Weill borrowed Citi's ride for a jaunt to Mexico for a New Year's bash which, yes, you already knew but still, doesn't it just make your blood boil? Is there huge vein in your forehead about to burst? Are you about to rip off your shirt Hulk-style and either march on down to Ken Lewis's desk and knock everything off in a rage that would've been more effective if you'd gotten the office right, or send a strongly worded email to Mack, subject line: UNACCEPTABLE?
If you answered yes to any of the above, congratulations-- you give a shit. Us, not so much. Let's get serious for a second-- who cares? First off, this happened months ago, not, say, last night. Second, how many more times/ways do these people have to prove to you that they're basically imbeciles? Really. They've literally done everything they can to get you to see this. I honestly believe that they didn't understand that this would be frowned upon, because they're just that dumb (if not dumb then entirely lacking in any self-awareness or any self-control whatsoever). They need to be expressly told "if you do this, people will get their panties in a bunch and Barney Frank will jab you with a scalding hot poker." Finally, how are we expected to give a rat's ass about this when they've fucked up on so many other things before/during/since then? The houses have been burned down and we're harping on the fact that they took the car out sans permission. Bitches, please.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:37AM
Recap: happened months ago, we already knew, not really that outrageous.
To quote Bess, "who cares?"
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:39AM
It's written in their contracts that they have to use the company's jet for personal air travel.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:42AM
Somewhere, a secretary is taking a breather as her boss paces, furiously, with his pants around his ankles cursing The Knife.
Even secretaries need a smoke break. This is for the better.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:49AM
@3
Stale/Yawn
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:54AM
It isn't that they are imbeciles, it is that they don't give a rat's ass about anyone except themselves. That's right, they burned down their houses with their stupidity, get mommy and daddy to pay them for it, and then steal the car to go out drinking beer with their buddies. Infuriating!
Sure, in the scheme of what's been done, this is peanuts. It is galling none the less!
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:54AM
and the journal's sex change into the post is nearly complete.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:55AM
It would appear WSJ has begun collecting their news from the same time capsule Gregory the Anus relies upon.
Posted by Anal_yst , Jun 19, 2009 9:57AM
BFD
Their only stupid move was not CYA upfront, e.g. "we are taking the jet but we are paying for it outselves" or something along those lines. Of course, if they really don't give a flying f*ck, then whatever, they deserve the ire thats gonna come their way when congress tears (or attempts to) them a new one
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 9:57AM
I love that the WSJ called it an "investigation."
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 10:08AM
I only care if Bartiromo blew one of them onboard.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 10:14AM
hopefully congress and the administration are working on a bailout plan for private jet pilots and mechanics, since they dont want anyone to use them.
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 10:17AM
The should rename it the Wall Street Post... seems to be rapidly declining to its siblings level. I'm waiting to the see the CNBC bare-alls on page 6. who do you think will be in the debut edition?!? do you think they'll have to air-brush erin burnett's ass?
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 10:31AM
everyone in amercia could be flying corporate jets for the amount of money obama is pissing away, who gives a shit about a ceo on vacation
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 10:31AM
When I go to see the new MM movie, I'll bring a pile of cash for the collection. It's time to help these guys.
Better yet, I'll bring a few $500 million denominated Federal Reserve Bonds that I found in my attic. That will help them even more.
Posted by InfiniteGuest , Jun 19, 2009 10:46AM
Sandy Weill can't fly commercial. His testes set off the metal detectors.
Posted by EvilBuzzard , Jun 19, 2009 10:46AM
@10 - She's probably done that so many times they call her "Krispy - Creme Lips."
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 11:55AM
at Barney Frank's age, it would be a surprise if his poker is still scalding hot
Posted by guest , Jun 19, 2009 11:56AM
As long as they served pizza bagels then I'm OK with it.
Its got a lot of cheese and a whole lot of sauce
Whoaaaaaaa pizza bagel
If you don't want to eat it my gain your loss
Whoaaaaaaa pizza bagel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0hap4SA-Rc&feature=channel
SPODE