> execs the world over are pretty fungible, and despite their supposed
> preference for a "level playing field" what they all want is a comfy mud
> wallow.
>
I agree. Also, I didn't read the rest of the WSJ article, but I'm not quite
sure what their point is - US corporate governance is better?!?. If anything
it's the opposite; many large European utilities that used to be national are
still partially owned by the government, try getting the US to buy 55% of
WorldCom's businesses and monitor them. France Tel (55% owned by the French
govt) recently ousted MobilCom's founder and boss Gerhard Schmid. Jean-Marie
Messier got chucked from Vivendi in July amidst allegations of fraud. The
media goliath Bertelsmann booted Middlehoff a couple weeks ago. And Ron
Sommer stepped down as Deutsche Tel's CEO due to German government (which
holds a 45% stake) pressure. I'd compare these guys to Gary Winnick of Global
Crossing, Bernie Ebbers of WorldCom and Philip Anschutz of Qwest anyday. They
stink equally.
Nomi
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