Rants and Raves

Rant number one goes to dishonesty in the immigration debate, an issue that affects everyone so much that no one can adequately address, much less do anything about. Terms such as “amnesty” and “illegal alien” have been spun out of control. Business leaders would be wise to step up with a stronger voice. But they’re in the back seat. Perhaps it’s a La Katrina giving hangover?

Rant number two goes to executive pay. This issue registers off the charts on opinion surveys, yet no one has a credible viewpoint on what can be done. Vanguard founder J. Bogel comes close, but isn't he a big money man? Someone from within the governance complex, preferably not a shareholder shill, needs to shed light on how to find more balance between pay for performance and pay for failure. It's difficult to see how self governing boards can address the issue adequately on their own.

Now the good stuff. Here are several raves that exemplify effective leadership:

Warren Buffett for stepping off the Coke board while proposing that director pay be strictly based on the company's performance. Odd nod since members are already multi-millionaires. But solid move nonetheless. We will hold off on questions about his purchase of Russell Athletic...

CNN's Lou Dobbs. Like or loathe him, Dobbs has unmasked hypocrisy in the immigration debate. Steam comes out of his ears some nights. Off-the-charts point of view...

Jamie Dimon, J.P. Morgan Chase. Wall Street dudes haven’t made many most admired lists in recent years, but this guy looks and sounds real. Anyone who could put his dukes up in a cover shot for Fortune magazine (April 3, p. 54) gets a rave on hubris alone...

Charles Brewer, original Mindspring founder now chairman of Green Street Properties and leader of New Urbanism. Leadership, transformation, values-driven. Need we say more?

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