“Shareholder democracy” is a lie. It exists only when the corporation is about to go under or gobble up another one. It is practicable only for the largest and most resource rich shareholders. That includes pension funds, but not most wealthy individuals, let alone me and my hundred shares in a 401(k).

Most corporate boards provide oversight that’s about as effective as Congress’ oversight of Dick Cheney. Yet, both remained gainfully employed and well-compensated. Their members are picked by the CEO for their cooperative attitude or status, eg, a Condi Rice: the twofer, a woman of color, beloved of HR staffs and consultants [politically incorrect, also true]. Like that example, they have impressive resumes, but are often too ambitious or pre-occupied and so have little time to do more than read the sanitized reports given them by the CEO’s staff (or the nearly as sanitized reports from outside auditors and legal staffs).

Many board members do work exceptionally hard; I’m sure even Enron and Delphi had ones like that. But any board member that becomes too inquisitive is not invited back. They’re insured from liability for all but the most egregious intentional conduct, so they go along to get along.

Corporations are controlled by and run for the benefit of their top managers, who are shrinking the employment and compensation pie to their small circle. Everyone else knows they’re doing twice the work they did when they started out: cell phones, notebooks, internet. Many essentially work 24/7. None but a handful at the top are compensated for the extra work. Hence, the gains in productivity, but not in worker compensation.

The Government shall compensate, at the prevailing rate, such carrier for furnishing such aid.

There are similar provisions under CALEA. So, it is total fictional BS that the telcos are not paid; they are paid, and handsomely. Why do think Qwest had such problems because Nacchio didn’t get in on the lucrative contracts? This is the dumbest argument I have ever heard, and it is especially galling coming out of Jello Jay.

And for all we know, they have the ultimate source of competitive intelligence on our telecommunications consumption, let alone the competitive intelligence for ALL business in America.

Rockefeller’s an idiot.

Thousands of Turkish troops have crossed into northern Iraq for a ground operation against separatist Kurdish rebels, the military confirmed Friday.

…

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said Friday that they had been assured that Turkey would do everything possible to avoid “collateral damage” to innocent civilians.

“Multi-National Forces-Iraq is aware Turkish ground forces have entered into northern Iraq, for what we understand is an operation of limited duration to specifically target PKK terrorists in that region,” Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, a U.S. spokesman in Iraq, said in a statement.

“The United States continues to support Turkey’s right to defend itself from the terrorist activities of the PKK and has encouraged Turkey to use all available means, to include diplomacy and close coordination with the Government of Iraq to ultimately resolve this issue.”

Damn and drat. I keep trying to believe in Erdogan, but this is not making it easier.

My Repug neighbor, who I run with, stuck this up my arse cuz
I told ‘em earlier that we ARE paying the Telcos (since when
do we give away freebies… he thinks the Telco did it for free
due to their extreme patriotism…)
Any links will be helpful…

they’re running a bunch of “YOU CAN’T WIN” trials

I would call them Kangaroo courts, but the kangaroos might get pissed, and those things can throw a punch

Did the Telecoms wiretap pro bono?

uhmmm

from what Iv’e heard, the telecos CUT THE TAP at least once cuz george didn’t pay the bill

so we’ll guess that the answer to your question would be NO

Yeah, exactly, because the Pinto is every bit as good as those disintegrating heart stents……

that’s not fair dude

the Pinto was the BEST four passenger stove ever made …