[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1337] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SERIOUS CRIMINAL DEEDS MUST BE PUNISHED ______ HON. MAJOR R. OWENS of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 23, 2002 Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, the massive suffering being inflicted on millions of employees and investors by corporate thieves is still difficult to comprehend. Members of Congress have a duty to clarify the murky ``infectious greed'' scenarios unfolding everyday. Stealing by very sophisticated means is still thievery. When an executive is granted a 400 million dollar loan, there is no way to explain it as a rational business decision. Congress must confront this dirty business by pushing harder for the confiscation of stolen money. We must establish a system for restitution to swindled employees, current and retired. And Congress must push for greater criminal penalties. The very rich insiders must be forced to confront their crimes. Deprival of liberty by sentencing corporate crooks to prison is a necessary step to foster deterrence and restore confidence in our financial systems and markets. Already our constituents are ahead of the lawmakers in demanding justice. Those members who are soft on white collar crime will pay at the polls. It is the Great American Middle Class that is now being victimized. The following RAP poem summarizes their sentiment: Message to the Republican Mob Before you merely mauled welfare mothers, But now you're messing with The Great American Middle Class; We'll kick your rear! Grandfathers are full of fear, New anger after every tear, Our pensions down the drain, No shelter from old age rain; O say Newt can you see Pain and suffering you contracted for me? Chisel swindle in the great greed spree, Criminals still strutting free, Lock up that mugger With the 400 million dollar loan, Tell the crook building that Multi-million dollar home You'll shoot if he lays another stone. Stage a raid On all the board room whores Hiding behind fancy carved doors; Bring out the hand cuffs, Shine bright lights in haughty faces, Drag them through drug pusher paces; Grill Martha and the Hamptons crowd, Make them confess Early and loud. Special prosecutors to the front lines. In 2002 we have real crimes, Whitewater was just kid stuff; Let's play Harkin and Halliburton bluff: At each turn Take ten million and run-- Insiders have all the fun, A tax break bonus For each step you mount, Ordinary dumb investors Can't follow the count. Chisel swindle in the great greed spree, O say Newt can you see Pain and suffering you contracted for me? Before you merely mauled welfare mothers, But now you're messing with The Great American Middle Class; At the November showdown We'll be kicking your elephant (bleep)! ____________________