Posted on 06/26/2002 4:18:31 AM PDT by Chairman_December_19th_Society
We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail! [President Bush]
Good morning!! Do not let the victims of the attacks on New York and Washington, nor the brave members of our Nation's military who have given their lives to protect our freedom, die in vain!!
WorldCom discovered for the entirety of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002, its CFO was overreporting earnings - to the total tune over the period of nearly $4 billion. Arthur Andersen was the accounting firm; they claim their work was in compliance with SEC standards and that it was WorldCom's CFO that was withholding data from them. The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation. A preliminary search of the Internet has not, so far, turned up any connections with the previous Administration. Give it time.
Martha Stewart is now facing a wider investigation into her stock dealings. She says she wants "to concentrate on [her] salad."
The FBI searched a home near Ft. Ditrick. The home belonged to a scientist with access to anthrax.
For AMERICA - The Right Way, I remain yours in the Cause, the Chairman.
It's highly questionable on the east coast too.
The AMTRAK CEO is saying before God, country, and universe (as reported in The Washington Times yesterday) that he has, basically, zero lines that make money and that the NE corridor is one of the worst money losers - particularly with the amount they have had to spend recently in track upgrades and vehicle upgrades for the new, high-speed service between Washington and NY.
It is being reported that 15,000 will lose their jobs.
I haven't found one either, and I don't know about the Jackson angle - after all, one of his main stocks in trade is simply the extortion of money from large firms to bankroll his Rainbow Coalition.
What I don't understand IS AMTRAK's rate structure.
For example, I can hop a plane to New York out of Reagan National for $138 ROUND TRIP on the Shuttle. It costs me $157 ONE WAY on AMTRAK. [Rate quotes from US Air and AMTRAK websites.]
Now AMTRAK can put me right in downtown New York in about 2 hours, somewhat faster than the Shuttle, actually - by the time you consider getting through airport security, getting the taxi at the other end, etc. But is the savings about 1/2 hour in time really worth nearly $200? I don't think so. So I'd take the US Air Shuttle.
There is absolutely no competitive analysis being done by AMTRAK. Fact is, they are quite probably operating on that portion of the supply/demand curve where the supply so far outweighs the demand because the cost is too high. They need to drop their fares, and drop them considerably.
If that means they cannot run a profitable affair at that level, then they should go out of business.
WorldCom is headquartered in Clinton, Mississippi.
Now I see what I did. I highlighted the list, right-clicked the mouse, selected "copy", and proceded to type "atrw" in the "to" box.
Sorry, all.
Way back in 1998 when the economy still was new, WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers was clinching his acquisition of long-distance giant MCI, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson had a bone to pick with him. Speaking at Tougaloo College--a cradle of the civil rights movement located near Clinton, Miss., where WorldCom is headquartered--Jackson rhetorically asked his audience why Ebbers could afford $37 billion for MCI but hadn't donated funds to local black students. Ebbers wasn't present, but LeRoy Walker Jr., a leading black businessman and Tougaloo board member, pulled Jackson aside to set him straight: Ebbers had given Tougaloo more than $1 million along with new information technology. Ebbers had also helped Walker purchase a country club and computers to be used by disadvantaged black youth. "Bernie Ebbers," Walker told Jackson, "is my mentor."
Jackson was won over: yet another of Ebbers' conquests.
Also, I think the new, ethical tone in the Bush White House has set the stage for all that has happened because the wheeler-dealers knew there would be no one in DC to bail them out with a well-place phone call or two.
Phew! Enough thinking (and posting) for one day. Howdy, everyone!
Action on several motions:
1. Moussaoui motion to change venue. Denied by the Judge. Moussaoui argues. Contends Arlington jurors would be biased as they are predominately Federal employees. Judge retorts saying 9/11 affected all Americans, not just Federal workers.
2. Motion by Moussaoui to have Charles Freeman, a Muslim from Houston, enter the case. Provisionally denied, pending a request from Freeman himself to enter the case. He has until Friday. 3. Motion by Government to allow 9/11 victims to observe proceedings. Granted, but by closed-circuit TV only.
4. Motion by Government to withhold names and addresses of juror pool. Granted. Moussaoui objects vehemently, arguing he cannot "investigate" them.
Other items of note - new arraignment as the Government amended its indicting papers. During the hearing, the following exchanges took place:
Moussaoui to the Judge after the Judge ruled against him on several motions: "You have no intention at all of allowing me to defend myself. You are just preparing me for the gas chamber."
Then there was this exchange on the plea: Moussaoui: "I want the proceeding to start from zero."
Judge Brinkema: "Mr. Moussaoui, you don't control the courtroom, I do. If you don't enter a plea, I will enter one for you."
Moussaoui: "No plea."
Judge: (Indicates plea of "Not Guilty" will be entered on the record.)
Moussaoui: "I do not accept the plea of not guilty, I say no plea." [Moussaoui then decides to plead nolo contendre, and proceeds to lecture the Judge on the meaning of the term. Of course, a "no contest" plea is seen by the court as a "guilty" plea, and is inconsistent with the rest of Moussaoui's rants - and demonstrates his courtroom incompetence.]
Judge: "Do you want a trial by jury?"
Moussaoui: "At the present time, yes." [Note: Interesting choice of words - this will surely become part of the Circus in the future.]
Judge: [Sets September 30 as trial date.]
Moussaoui: "I will plead no contest." [He then goes on to trash his former court-appointed attornies.] "They have tried, in concert with the government, to convict me."
[Now, folks, the price of coffee in Washington is about $0.65. The price of a Metro fare is about $2.50. The price of an inexpensive dinner: $15.00. The following line from the Judge - PRICELESS!]
Judge: "A plea of nolo contendere is completely inconsistent with your contention that your lawyers are trying to convict you. You're the only one in this court, besides the prosecutor, who is trying to convict you."
ROFLOL!!!
Consider:
Enron goes south. Major oil firm Arthur Andersen is the accounting firm. Demonflops are found to be heavy investors. UOx42 Administration is at the center of some sweetheart deals, though no absolute connection is found. Demonflop party gets heavy donations from the firm.
Global Crossing goes south. Major international telecom firm. Don't know who is the accountant, but believe it was Andersen. Demonflops are found to be heavy investors. UOx42 Administration is at the center of some sweetheart deals, though no absolute connection is found. Demonflop party gets heavy donations from the firm.
Now WorldCom is going south. Major domestic and international telecom firm. Arthur Andersen is the accoutant. It will be learned who were the heavy investors. It will be learned whether there were any deals. Republicans were main donation beneficiary, but the sums given to demonflops account for huge dollar figures.
You know, Paul O'Neill's appointment was not greeted with enthusiasm by Wall Street. I am beginning to think it is because he ran Alcoa like a normal business, and recognized phony stuff when he saw it.
It is time to assemble a list of these crooks and tabulate how many were Rats. I bet a lot.
I want to tar the Rats with their own brush. They have used class warfare for so long, let them be hoist ont heir own petard.
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