In sentencing Conrad Black to 6 1/2 years in prison -- a lot less than what many were expecting -- US Federal Judge Amy St. Eve spoke for many of us when she said this:
"I frankly cannot understand how somebody of your stature - on top of the media empire that you were on top of - could engage in the conduct that you engaged in, and put everything at risk, including your reputation and your integrity."
I don't we ever will understand how a brilliant journalist could have taken one of the premier media companies in the world on such a roller coaster ride; and turned himself from a hero to a zero. Suffice it to say, justice has been served. It's also a clear indication we need to toughen up our own corporate governance standards here in Canada. Compared to the States where such acts are considered criminal and not jaywalking like they are here, we really are a laughing stock. Had the trial been here, he would have gotten away with a $500 fine and 6 demerit points.
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2 comments:
Brilliant journalist? Where did you get that idea? CB was always an unrepentant shill for his narrow politicaland social biases, hardly the quality of a good journalist. He was a fairly good historian but, as a journalist, mediocre at best.
He was at one time a very good journalist and author, TMOS -- he was perhaps most well known as the guy who wrote a scathing biography of Maurice Duplessis. But after that, he let his personal ambition get the better of him and dismissed his principles.
That's what I find pathetic about it all -- talented as a writer and scribe, and as a businessman; and he squandered it and broke the law too.
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