(Yawn)....yeah, the usual protection game.... (snore).
Keep in mind, Madoff was running simultaneous scams:
(1) a tax evasion scheme for wealthy businessmen ("losing" money is a tax write-off;
(2) a money laundering scam;
(3) a protection racket,
(4) aiding and abetting wealthy tax-exempt foundations to evade US banking laws and the IRS.
The SEC did not have “the slightest clue” about Madoff's financial fraud. Until Madoff confessed.
Madoff operated free and clear for some 25 years b/c knew he was "protected” from the law. Few people realize that it is a career-killer for any L/E agency to suggest that someone of Jewish heritage is doing something illegal.
Madoff and his investors, money launderers, tax evaders, and so-called "philanthropists," colluded to keep the law at arms length----they strong-armed the message: "You come after us, you lose your job."
If anyone dared to suggest wrongdoing---Big Abe was hauled out to beat them down with the dreaded club of anti-Semitism.
I concur. But that tactic still works.
We've wised up to the Race Card being played. They've cried 'wolf' so to many times being called a racist no longer has any effect. It's now a joke.
But being called antisemitic, even when calling out Israel for spying on us, people still get the willies about saying anything.
Oh NO, Pretty please, don't call me that. I won't say anything ever again.
Wrong is wrong. 'Ally' or not. You don't spy or steal secrets from friends.
And there's no 'do-overs', or 'Special Status' (aka; Untouchable) because of your Religion.
If I made Abe's or the SPLC's 'list' - I'd throw a party.