Iowa Senator Says AIG Executives Should ‘Resign or Commit Suicide’
Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley suggested on Monday that AIG executives should take a Japanese approach toward accepting responsibility for the collapse of the insurance giant by resigning or killing themselves.
The Republican lawmaker’s harsh comments came during an interview with Cedar Rapids, Iowa, radio station WMT. They echo remarks he has made in the past about corporate executives and public apologies, but went further in suggesting suicide.
“I suggest, you know, obviously, maybe they ought to be removed,” Grassley said. “But I would suggest the first thing that would make me feel a little bit better toward them if they’d follow the Japanese example and come before the American people and take that deep bow and say, I’m sorry, and then either do one of two things: resign or go commit suicide.
“And in the case of the Japanese, they usually commit suicide before they make any apology.”
Grassley spokesman Casey Mills said the senator is not calling for AIG executives to kill themselves, but said those who accept tax dollars and spend them on travel and bonuses do so irresponsibly.
Se also:
Grassley on AIG execs: Resign or commit suicide
Senator Urges AIG Execs To Commit Suicide
US Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa
AIG
/if there’s anyone who should apologize to the American people and either resign or commit suicide, it’s Congress
Filed under: Blog Entry | Tagged: AIG, American International Group, Casey Mills, Charles Grassley, Iowa, Japanese, Suicide, WMT |
Grassley’s remark about suicide for AIG executives that took the bonus is disingenuous. The Senator opened the barn door for these high-rollers when he was in the forefront of the move to repeal the Glass-Stegall Act in 1999. This elimination of the firewalls between insurance, banking and hedge funds allowed AIG’s gamblers to get out the dice. They liked him so much at AIG that the AIG execs gave him about 20 to 25 thousand dollars per yera in political contributions thereafter. Instead of requesting sepuku for these people, Senator Grassley needs to apologize to the taxpayers for creating such a pickle.