Category Archives: Classic Quotes

“Eliot Spitzer is subject of assault probe in NYC”

Headline from USA Todayon February 16, 2016. The investigation is based on a woman’s phone calls to police and their response to events between her and Spitzer in a $1,000 per night hotel suite. Mr. Spitzer’s spokeswoman say that there … Continue reading

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“It’s a pillar of New York culture.”

One of the first customers at the Carnegie Deli, when the restaurant opened its doors again after being closed for 10 months. The reason for the closure? The joint was shut down after utility workers discovered that the restaurant had … Continue reading

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“He did a lot of bad things, and wrong things, and immoral things. perhaps. He didn’t intend to steal. He misappropriated funds, that’s completely clear. But he’s not charged with that.”

Richard Verchick, attorney for hedge fund manager, Mark Malik, in opening remarks to the jury in the trial of Mr. Malik on charges of stealing almost $850,000 from investors in his Wolf Hedge Fund. Stealing and misappropriating are tricky verbs, … Continue reading

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“I always thought the infraction was like a traffic citation. But what I think of Tom, it hasn’t detracted from that.”

Hall of Famer quarterback Steve Young on Tom Brady and the Deflategate scandal. Hall of Famer Warren Moon added, “I guarantee you he had some knowledge. Those guys (handling the footballs) are not going to do it if it’s something … Continue reading

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“As the Bible says, we need to get past the time when ‘Each man does as is righteous in his own eyes.’ No enterprise (excluding patient care) ever, ever grew or succeeded as a result of pure righteousness. Usually success is propelled by greed, envy, or both. I thought you knew that.”

Dr. Robert N. Taub in an e-mail to a colleague as Dr. Taub was experiencing frustration in his quest for funding from Sheldon Silver, the former speaker of the New York State Assembly. Dr. Taub testified yesterday in the Silver … Continue reading

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What is a fiduciary?

While the SEC and Department of Labor and numerous professional groups and businesses struggle to determine who is a fiduciary and/or when they must be a fiduciary, a Personal Capital Survey (USA Today, August 11, 2015, p. 1B) found the … Continue reading

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“One of the ways we fool ourselves is to think that by staying where we are, we’re safe. It’s foolish to think malaria is more harmful than materialism. We are choosing which risks to take.”

Dr. Kent Brantly, a missionary physician who contracted Ebola while serving in Liberia, and survived through the administration of an experimental drug. Dr. Brantly expects that he will serve again as a missionary doctor, fully understanding the risks in all … Continue reading

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“He is unable to obey rules, regulations and laws.”

Prosecutor Alexander Solomon in federal corruption case against former New York State Senator John L. Sampson. Mr. Solomon indicated that former Senator Sampson parked in no-parking spaces throughout his criminal trial by using his Senate placard on his car. The … Continue reading

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“I’m the only restaurant owner in all of New York City to be criminally prosecuted [for paying workers off the books].”

Former Representative Michael Grimm, who entered a guilty plea on tax evasion charges and was sentenced to 8 months in prison. Mr. Grimm is right, in a way. His lawyers found 200 cases in the Eastern and Southern Districts of … Continue reading

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“Do Another Woman’s Marriage Vows Bind Me?”

A question posed to the New York Times Ethicist column. The woman wondered because she wanted to have an affair with a married man. Societal norms are our civilizing force. No, you are not legally bound, but it would be … Continue reading

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“Money shufflers don’t come cheap.”

Warren Buffett in his annual shareholder letter. Mr. Buffett was referring to investment bankers.

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“After 2008, nobody was prosecuted.”

L. Dennis Kozlowski, former Tyco CEO, recently free of prison, work-release programs, and probation, bemoaning his unfair prosecution. Yes, convictions for unauthorized loans from the company, conspiracy, sales tax evasion, and falsifying corporate records were all just part of a … Continue reading

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“This kind of gamesmanship goes on all the time. It’s certainly accepted as part of the culture that you game the system as much as you possibly can, and if you don’t get caught, it ain’t cheating.”

Professor Stephen Mosher, Ithaca College, an expert in sports ethics, reflecting on the Patriots’ Deflategate and other similar sports examples of shaving the treetops to win.

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“I never considered myself an organizer of the parties.”

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former head of the IMF, testifying at his trial in Lille, France. Mr. Strauss-Kahn is accused of aggravated pimping for his alleged role in organizing sex parties in Lille, France. He added that he enjoyed “festive and playful … Continue reading

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