30 years ago I was laughed at when I proposed to the board of an environmental organization (I was a board member) that instead of establishing carbon trading and congestion pricing we should advocate for prison sentences for those who violate environmental standards. To date no one has seriously proposed establishing individual criminal accountability for environmental crimes. If you ever needed an example of white privilege, this is it.
Throughout the last four years I reminded myself daily that the freaking ATTORNEY GENERAL, White House Chief of Staff, and many other "President's Men" went to prison in the 1970s because of political crimes. Can we do it again 50 years later? Let's hope so.
I've already ordered a streaming version of "Michael Clayton" (besides, George Clooney being badass - can't resist!). And found a copy of Big Money in Denver Public Library, tracking down Other People's Houses. Looking forward to the podcast! I love your writing style, Greg - sounds just like you on a rant on Narativ! Never miss one of those!
I love it when you reference bits of film and other pop culture examples! I'm hopeful for an Avengers: Endgame resolution to the mobsters that almost tanked our country during the past four years while pocketing boatloads of cash along the way. Many of them were sitting in the Capitol on Wednesday night.
'...In real life, a whistleblower like Michael Clayton would be the one getting arrested—and then sued into oblivion for breaking his NDA. For a bracing dose of reality, look at what’s happened to Michael Cohen, the Trumpland version of Michael Clayton, since his indictment. He’s done more in the service of good since then than the actively evil Roger Stone or patently seditious Mike Flynn, but that didn’t stop him from going to the hoosegow or those two from walking. ...'(Greg Olear: article)
One of my friends was a Criminal Investigator for the IRS for over 25 years. He specifically investigated White Collar Crimes over $1,000,000. Some of his investigations would last many months to years. Once it was ready for trial, the defendant would usually agree to a plea deal that kept him (almost always a "him") out of prison with a monetary penalty and then right back to it he would be. Over the years the staff at the IRS dwindled which led to fewer investigations and more lenient plea deals. Really disgusting!
Love that scene. Great movie. Hits all the themes of modern day life. Family, greed, and of course addiction.
Can't wait to listen to this weeks podcast.
30 years ago I was laughed at when I proposed to the board of an environmental organization (I was a board member) that instead of establishing carbon trading and congestion pricing we should advocate for prison sentences for those who violate environmental standards. To date no one has seriously proposed establishing individual criminal accountability for environmental crimes. If you ever needed an example of white privilege, this is it.
Throughout the last four years I reminded myself daily that the freaking ATTORNEY GENERAL, White House Chief of Staff, and many other "President's Men" went to prison in the 1970s because of political crimes. Can we do it again 50 years later? Let's hope so.
I've already ordered a streaming version of "Michael Clayton" (besides, George Clooney being badass - can't resist!). And found a copy of Big Money in Denver Public Library, tracking down Other People's Houses. Looking forward to the podcast! I love your writing style, Greg - sounds just like you on a rant on Narativ! Never miss one of those!
I love it when you reference bits of film and other pop culture examples! I'm hopeful for an Avengers: Endgame resolution to the mobsters that almost tanked our country during the past four years while pocketing boatloads of cash along the way. Many of them were sitting in the Capitol on Wednesday night.
'...In real life, a whistleblower like Michael Clayton would be the one getting arrested—and then sued into oblivion for breaking his NDA. For a bracing dose of reality, look at what’s happened to Michael Cohen, the Trumpland version of Michael Clayton, since his indictment. He’s done more in the service of good since then than the actively evil Roger Stone or patently seditious Mike Flynn, but that didn’t stop him from going to the hoosegow or those two from walking. ...'(Greg Olear: article)
One of my friends was a Criminal Investigator for the IRS for over 25 years. He specifically investigated White Collar Crimes over $1,000,000. Some of his investigations would last many months to years. Once it was ready for trial, the defendant would usually agree to a plea deal that kept him (almost always a "him") out of prison with a monetary penalty and then right back to it he would be. Over the years the staff at the IRS dwindled which led to fewer investigations and more lenient plea deals. Really disgusting!