I’m aware of what you are saying and I agree but only to a point. I’m saying that even as a “normal” cost of doing business the size of the fine is not normal. To take your example it’s like this:
CEO: “Lets commit 32 BILLION dollars of fraud.”
VP: “That’s illegal.”
CEO: “Yes but the fine would only be around $5m.”
VP: “Sir, I’m not condoning this but that estimate seems absurdly low for the size of the fraud?
CEO: “You’re right, the fine should be much much higher. Can we afford to get a $500m fine as a normal operating cost?”
CFO: “We can. I’ll also talk to my connections in Washington to get the amount lowered and anything else will be gravy. Also, VP you’re fired!”
I’m aware of what you are saying and I agree but only to a point. I’m saying that even as a “normal” cost of doing business the size of the fine is not normal. To take your example it’s like this:
CEO: “Lets commit 32 BILLION dollars of fraud.”
VP: “That’s illegal.”
CEO: “Yes but the fine would only be around $5m.”
VP: “Sir, I’m not condoning this but that estimate seems absurdly low for the size of the fraud?
CEO: “You’re right, the fine should be much much higher. Can we afford to get a $500m fine as a normal operating cost?”
CFO: “We can. I’ll also talk to my connections in Washington to get the amount lowered and anything else will be gravy. Also, VP you’re fired!”