Drink a Toast It’s About Time
Yes, it’s true. Last week a prominent politician was referred to a court for possible criminal charges of financial mismanagement. No, I’m not talking Bell, California, where the city manager was busted. Come on, that is a tiny town, 40,0000. I’m talking a big time guy.
Geir Haarde, a former prime minister. Yes, Geir Haarde may be charged for his role in the financial crash of 2008. In Iceland. You all were excited hearing this till you heard the weird name Geir and the country Iceland.
Iceland. Yes, we can find it on a map. A country where we all could learn a thing or two about justice. In Iceland criminal statutes stipulate that ministers can be held responsible not just for actions that put the country in danger, but also for not taking action to prevent that danger. Incompetence and negligence by government officials can put them in jail for up to 2 years.
In Iceland last week a commission recommended charging Geir, the former prime minister, with failing to stop the financial meltdown of 2008 that cost many in Iceland their jobs and life savings. Savor what you just read. A politician could be in jail for screwing up.
SO bring out the brass band and think of what such a law could have done here.
A few recent events to consider:
Iraq, no not the entire war, that’s a whole other story – but what about Rumsfeld sending troops into battle in Humvees with no armor?
Katrina. You don’t have to go any further than to say “Brownie you are doing a heck of a job.”
Market Housing Crash. Start with Alan Greenspan, work your way up.
The list could be long, so why not make up your own list, a wish list, with a dream team of defendants. Better yet, book a trip to Iceland to help cheer on the prosecution.
