Tuesday, 13 March 2007

Santoro has to resign

I'm scratching my head here.

Ian Campbell is forced to resign because he had a meeting with Brian Burke.

Yet Santo Santoro buys $6,000 worth of shares in Brisbane biotech company CBio a month before he becomes Minister for Aging, then doesn't declare them, then divests them, then gives the proceeds to charity...

And it's ok for him to keep his job?

It reminds me of the episode "Five Votes Down" from The West Wing's first series. Toby has "accidentally" made $125,000 from some tech stocks that rose after his childhood mate gave a speech that lifted the price:

SAM
I got it!

MANDY
What?

SAM
Counsel’s office releases a statement through C.J. using the strongest possible language we make it very clear that there’s been no wrongdoing of any kind.

TOBY
Yes.

SAM
But to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, Toby has agreed to reduce his salary for one year to one dollar, and immediately cash out his stock issue thereby relieving the taxpayer of the burden.

Toby looks shocked.

BARTLET
Done.

TOBY
Wait.

LEO
Good, Sam.

SAM
Thank you.

TOBY
No, no, it’s not good. Actually, it stinks.

BARTLET
Toby, you’re a great writer, do you know that?

TOBY
Well, thank you very much sir.

BARTLET
Here, give me a hug.

TOBY
[looks pained] Leo!

BARTLET
Come on. Give us a hug. [hugs Toby] There you go

....

SAM
[to Toby] So, how do you feel there, big guy?

TOBY
[dryly] Like I just got screwed with my pants on.

SAM
Excellent.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

His 'charity' happens to be the Family Council of Australia - religious campaigners for the Right to Life.