The idea that someone would be surprised at this type of "hypocrisy" on the part of a member of the busines/criminal class is, in and of itself, surprising and naive. Of course Kozlowski wanted the maximum penalty for the simple reason someone else was horning in on his action. Take into consideration that Ken Lay, of Enron, still hasn't been charged with any crime(s) and it's clear that not only is this type of behavior condoned in American business, it's encouraged.

"It is only when they hide behind the veil of morality that we condemn them."

I only condemn them when they log in as "cypherpunks". Everyone's brave behind a pseudonym--especially me.

Edited by author 01-02-2003 04:52 AM
Gotta disagree with you there, cypherpunks. I personally find two-facedness, especially when added

Basically, hypocrisy is something that people do -- you seem to be classifying it as only a form of speech, rather than a form of action. Excuses != hypocrisy. Actions, double-dealing, urging or enforcing one type of action for other people while acting in the opposite way for your own gain, that's hypocrisy. It does matter.

In modern society, being a hypocrite is the worst crime there is. It is worse than theft, assault or murder. The murderer is respected, the thief admired, as long as they boast openly of their crimes. It is only when they hide behind the veil of morality that we condemn them.

We need to rethink our priorities. Hypocrisy is no big deal. It is universal. When someone claims that so-and-so is a hypocrite, say "so what?" It doesn't matter. It's no big deal. What matters is what people do, not the excuses they come up with.

It's amazing that people still make a fuss over exposing someone as a hypocrite. What a waste of time.

"Kozlowski urged a sentence of 30 years in prison."
Please tell me that this could be used in a sentencing hearing in front of a jury.

Schadenfreude rating: 7