As the Detroit Free Press editorialized in 1992 when Al Gore was loudly imagining that he would create a world wide internet, "The world wide web already exists, and Michael Milken built it." (The quote is approximate; it has been a few years since I read it. They meant that junk bonds are what financed the broadband revolution.) The sentencing of Michael Milken was a travesty, not that too many people would feel sorry for a billionaire. But the publicity over his prosecution launched Rudy Giuliani's political orbit, and almost got Judge Kimba Wood a cabinet post (she was Clinton's second candidate for A.G. to be shot down by "nannygate"). "Damage to the corporate world?" That is bull. A prison sentence for a few counts of stock parking? (That was the basis of the "stock manipulation" charge.) With that standard, Martha Stewart should have been executed. I'm a fan of Rudy Giuliani, but Milken has done more for this country than a hundred Rudy's will ever do.

I agree that Milken started the engine that drives many of today's industries, but sorry Hark, the law is the law. If you break it, you put yourself in a situation where you may (and should) pay the price.

Of all the infamy of infamies. Michael Milken --- and "milking and bilking" by scamming thousands of investors out of millions only spent 2 years in prison and immediately went back into junk bonds scamming, etc. Now, he's supposed to be the new "Messiah?" Give us a break. The corrupting in high places (including the courts and government) in this so-called "democratic, free, and justice for all" country is abominable, to say the least. When all these bastards and scam artists in the financial world are put on trial and sentenced with simple "slaps on the wrists" while purse-snatchers, two-bit crooks --- and innocent so-called "minorities" reaching for their wallets are either shot or battered in front of their homes, this so-called "nation" have some balls in "preaching" to any other nation.

(Corrections:)

Of all the infamy of infamies. Michael Milken --- after "milking and bilking" thousands of investors out of millions, spent only 2 years in prison and immediately went back into junk bonds scamming, etc. Now, he's supposed to be the new "Messiah?" Give us a break. The corruptions in high places (including the courts and government) in this so-called "democratic, free, and justice for all" country is abominable, to say the least. When all these bastards and scam artists in the financial world are put on trial and sentenced with simple "slaps on the wrists" while purse-snatchers, two-bit crooks --- and innocent so-called "minorities" reaching for their wallets are either shot or battered in front of their homes, this so-called "nation" have some balls in "preaching" to any other nation.

Since Milken is a felon, does he hire other felons so they can be rehabilitated like him.. That should have part of his sentence; why not? He has an empire; he could help others who were on the wrong track also. Michael step up! And all those organizations who work w/felons.

Another instance of a rich person learning that crime pays, while the poor kid without a real chance in life gets locked up for five years in general population for smoking some weed for a second time.

This society is so unbelievable pathetic when you look past the PR and smoke and mirrors it's sad that we waste such potential; but I guess that is the one thing we are good at.

I find it amazing that any one would try and stand up for Milkin. He bilked Billions from investors, lived the high life in NYC for a decade, was the toast of the town and only did two years. When he got out, he still had over 500 million in personal assets(after paying 650 mil, personally). Would you do 2 yrs in a country club prison to get out with half a bil to squeak by on? I think you would. He also taught at UCLA Business School. When students were asked why they would take his class, they simply said it was all about money, so why not learn from the guy who made the most, regardless of how. By the way, HE HAS PROSTATE CANCER. He is not being altruistic, he's trying to save his own...ass, if I might say so. No tears for him, regardless of how the chips fall from now on.

Milkin was convicted, and now lobbying for a pardon. If I were to rob, beat, and steal from an old man , then run around the corner and give the money to homeless person, does this make me a nice guy. It is astounding how one will justify anothers illegal actions. It is all about greed, similar to the reason for the monetary crises today. Let me sum it up best with this quote "To be content with little is hard, to be content with much impossible--- Eschentach

Maybe if the above e mailers would get their facts right. They wouldn't be quit so harsh on Milken. Read the transcripts and not the newspapers they would see Investors didn't lose millions because of Milken's actions. As a matter of fact judge Woods released Milken early because the Goverment couldn't prove their over estimated numbers. Any private attorney would have lost his lic.conducting himself like giuliani's lawyers did. If anyone on that pardon list deserves one it's Mike Milken

Mike Milken is continuing to break the law with money laundering activities around the world and continues to hire people that live 'around' the edges or beneath IRS and SEC laws.

World watch out. More to come.