Monthly Archives: November 2008

“I think I’ve been a very constructive part of the Citigroup environment.”

Robert Rubin, chairman of Citigroup, former Secretary of the Treasury in the Clinton Administration.  Ah, it all depends on the meaning of the word, “constructive.” The company’s stock is down 70% since Mr. Rubin came on board.

Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

“They kept shopping.”

The description of shoppers at a Valley Stream, NY Wal-Mart when told they had to leave because a store employee had been trampled to death by 2000 holiday bargain-hunters who broke the store’s door frame and stampeded into the store, … Continue reading

Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

90% Cheating Rate Among High School Students, But We Can Teach Them Better

Suppose that copying test answers, using crib sheets, copying someone else’s homework, plagiarism, and teaming up on work when you should be flying solo are included in the definition of cheating. In this day and age, one must define cheating because to some … Continue reading

Posted in Data and Studies on Ethics, News and Events | Leave a comment

“He thought he earned the functional equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. The discrepancy isn’t material.”

General counsel for Life Partners Holdings, Inc. addressing the discovery that a company director held an associate’s degree from Temple University, not a bachelor’s degree in chemical technology, as was represented in the company proxy. 

Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

When Bob Nardelli Is the Most Sensitive Guy in the Room

On November 17, 2008, when the CEOs of Chrysler, Ford, and GM scurried from their private jets to ask Congress for a bail-out, they were asked if they would be willing to follow the Lee Iacocca model and take $1 in … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis | Leave a comment

“It’s the right thing to do.”

Goldman Sachs Group, in announcing that its top 7 executives had asked their board to grant them no bonuses this year.  The move means the executives will earn only their base salaries,about $600,000 for the year.  Who says business can’t self-regulate? Ladies … Continue reading

Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

“I would say everbody out here on the PGA Tour would do the same thing. It’s not the end of the world. It will be fine. It is fine.”

Golfer J.P. Hayes on his decision to self-report his mistaken use of a non-PGA approved golf ball.

Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

A Golfer and a Gentleman and a Man of Integrity

J.P. Hayes was playing the Q school (for you non-golfers (and the Barometer is in that crowd), that’s pro golf’s qualifying school, a series of games in which players compete for the top 25 slots, a position that allows them … Continue reading

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

Froot Loops, Corn Pops, and the Wal-Mart Self Check-Out Lane

I was in the self check-out at Wal-Mart the other day — purchasing, among other items, some 2 for $5.00 cereal (Corn Pops and Froot Loops — very big in our household among teen boys). The scanner got the Froot … Continue reading

Posted in Ethical Dilemmas | 1 Comment

The Freeloading Downloaders File Suit Against a Cheating Detection Company for . . . Downloading Without Paying

There is a bit of a problem with students cheating in high school, in college, and now right on into graduate school – something that cannot be good for those of us counting on our doctors having memorized body parts … Continue reading

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

“Following Felony Convictions, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is ahead by 3,400 votes for re-election to U.S. Senate”

The Barometer can add no comment or commentary.

Posted in Classic Quotes | Comments Off on “Following Felony Convictions, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is ahead by 3,400 votes for re-election to U.S. Senate”

Using free water cups for free soda

The young men ordered their lunch at Taco Bell and were able to pay using coupons — there was a free lunch.  The late Studs Terkel perhaps did not know teens and coupons and their aversion to dignity.  The young … Continue reading

Posted in Ethical Dilemmas | Leave a comment

On Caring, Graciousness, and Apologies to Nancy Reagan

The late scholar, Robert Solomon, had a list of 33 admirable characteristics of those who are really trying to live the ethical way, or as it was known in days of yore, the examined life.  The list was published in his book, A … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, News and Events | Leave a comment

The Ethical Breaches of the 2008 Election

There were ethical lapses during the eternal 2006-2008 presidential election.  And those lapses were aplenty on both sides of the aisle. The Barometer does not grapple with ideology.  Reasonable minds can differ; this country was founded amidst passionate disagreement among the … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis | Leave a comment