Comments on: Drive-by pontification (Madoff edition)

by: Walt-in-Durham

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:23 +0000

About the only carrot the government has to offer Madoff now is a sentence reduction in return for cooperation. I think Bernie is trying to cover for his kids and wife. That’s the only reason he stepped up to confess in the first place. Thus, I don’t think his help was ever in the offing.

by: Locomotive Breath

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:17:03 +0000

You sentence a guy to life (effectively) and THEN you want him to talk? Anyone else see a flaw in that strategy?

Arranging a plea deal with Madoff is politically impossible anyway.

by: BP

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:41:59 +0000

If only he could be made to live long enough to serve out his whole sentence.

They might get him to talk by threatening to let him out on the street. He’s probably much safer in prison.

by: RaoulDuke

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:47:09 +0000

Madoff got off light. And I agree that the case shouldn’t stop with his sentencing. But it probably will. Hard to gin up much sympathy for his wife having to sell off her pair of Mercedes. What’s interesting to me is the stamp of approval Bernie enjoyed because of his role with Yeshiva University — reminded me of Christians going with a stockbroker or accountant or plumber because these tradesmen tout their Christianity. That’s a sucker play.

by: NotThatImportant

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:11:08 +0000

While I certainly believe the sentence fits the crime in this case and that regulators share some blame, I have to admit I have a little trouble mustering deep sympathy for the “little guys” who put all their retirement eggs in the Madoff basket.