I guess I haven’t reached that point in my life yet when I’m so jaded (or is it cynical) that nothing will surprise me. I say this after reading an interesting little article in the London TimesOnline. They had the chance to interview Lloyd Blankfein, the Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. It seems he’s convinced – or at least he’s convinced he can convince us – that Goldman serves “a social purpose.” As a matter of fact, Mr. Blankfein is so enamored with the self-importance of Goldman that he proudly proclaims he’s “Doing God’s Work.” Wow…
Just to refresh our memory:
- Goldman received $10 Billion in Tarp Money
- Goldman received $12.9 Billion of government money through AIG
- Goldman received $20.9 Billion in FDIC debt guarantees
- Goldman, restructured as a “bank holding company” borrows at the Fed Window (at basically no cost)
Oh, and one more thing: Goldman will be paying $21.9 Billion in bonuses for 2009. I don’t begrudge them bonuses, after all: they’ve had a helluva year. Although some of that might be due to their oligarchical position within the federal government. It would be nice – every once in a while – if Goldman would send a little thank you nod our way; maybe a quick wave or even a wink. I guess I’m saying that when you’re screwing me this bad, a little dinner wouldn’t hurt.
John Lennon stirred up quite a spot of bother when he said: “We’re more popular than Jesus now.” Have to admit though, that seems like such a trifle compared to the CEO of Goldman Sachs. I mean, who cares if you’re more popular than Jesus? Mr. Blankfein is angling to BE Jesus.
Don Reedy says:
Sean,
This is becoming a big problem. In my Bible, after John Lennon, I had to strike out the verse that said that Jesus was the only man without sin.
Now, another cross out, adding Mr. Blankfein.
Fortunately, I made the changes in my large print KJV Bible, so there’s still room for one or two more once they make themselves known to us.
November 10, 2009 — 7:45 am
Robert Worthington says:
sean,
like Ross Perot always used to say, “there’s a fox in the hen house and his name is Bill Clinton, its just sad.”
November 10, 2009 — 8:51 am
Eric Hempler says:
The only way this company is going to change is if the board members vote him out. That’s assuming the board isn’t as a greedy.
November 10, 2009 — 9:07 am
Sam Chapman says:
I would sure love it if you would increase the font size of your blog. I’m sure a lot of other readers would as well. I would visit more often if I didn’t have to squint so much to read this blog.
November 10, 2009 — 9:07 am
Thomas Johnson says:
Blankfein is right. Since he is greasing the looting of America by his messiah in the White House, he, in his mind is doing God’s work.
November 10, 2009 — 9:08 pm
Sean Purcell says:
Don – my suggestion: get one of those Bibles that comes with a dry erase board so you can keep track of ’em all.
Eric – based on Goldman’s (false?) profits/prophets (it’s hard to do puns in writing) I’m sure the Board is very happy with him.
Thomas, you’re killin’ me…
November 11, 2009 — 5:36 pm