$161 million for $15 billion in write-downs

Actually, to date the number $23 billion in write downs for Merrill Lynch and the game is hardly over. Stanley O'Neal walked away with a very healthy golden parachute, platinum perhaps, and leaves Merrill Lynch in shambles. For his troubles, he's still sitting comfortably with his $161+ million while the company searches the world for cash and keeps up the search for more write downs. Will our CEO-worship ever change? Sadly, I doubt it. Remember the higher standard that Bush was going to bring back to America in 2000? How's it all working out?

Funny times these days. Funny times.