 |
| Jack Welch |
Former General Electric CEO “Neutron Jack” Welch died March 1 at the age of 84.
He picked up that nickname after the neutron bomb, the ultimate capitalist weapon that killed people exposed to its enhanced radiation but left buildings largely intact.
President Reagan wanted to deploy the neutron bomb in Europe but backtracked after a torrent of protest there. The bombs were stockpiled in the US until they were officially retired in 1992.
At the helm of GE during the 1980s, Welch eliminated 100,000 jobs through layoffs, plant closings and sales of businesses.
GE workers and their union leaders regarded Welch as their archenemy for unloading assets and firing employees without sympathy.
“Mr. Welch exemplified the relentless executive willing to mow down any employees standing between him and a brighter bottom line,” according to the New York Times.
It’s puzzling why president Trump, who says he’s all about US jobs, jobs, jobs, would pay tribute to a guy who was committed to killing jobs, jobs, jobs.
Trump tweeted: "There was no corporate leader like ‘neutron’ Jack. He will never be forgotten. My warmest sympathies to his wonderful wife & family!"
Note to the tweeter-in-chief: Welch hated the Neutron Jack tag.
Bloomberg reports that Welch leaves behind a complicated legacy: "Despite all the accolades he won during his two decades atop the company, his star fell in retirement as his past decisions caught up with the company. GE struggled in recent years in part due to questionable accounting practices and a reliance on volatile finance businesses -- both legacies of Welch."
The ADL plans a Mamdani Monitor to track down any whiff of antisemitism from the policies and appointments made by his administration. It should have given him a chance to live up to Election Night promise... Brendan Carr, Alden Global Capital, Alphabet, Meta and Elon Musk make Reporters Without Borders' roster of Press Freedom Predators.
Andrew Cuomo's political career is not dead yet... Steve Bannon says Republicans should learn from Zohran Mamdani and his Working Families Party and Democratic Socialists of America, instead of mocking them... Internet advertising model is on the way out, says Tim Berners-Lee... Gannet rebrands as USA Today Inc. What about its other 200 papers?
Thomas Jefferson warned about the dangers of an imperial president who would deny an election loss in a bid to cling to power. Sound familiar?... Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says reporters don't need his permisson to take a photo of the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial, as long as they are not on the job... Kirkland and Ellison lawyers need some negotiating tips. 
Shareholder activitism is poised to hit an all-time high for 2025... Kamala Harris’ “107 Days” reads like an autospsy of her failed presidential run. Democrats need to look forward, not backward... The Reagan Foundation dishonored The Gipper by providing PR cover to tariff-loving Trump.
Donald Trump wraps up his most-eventful week and readies to meet China's leader. What could go wrong?... Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bestows blessing on Pillow Guy Mike Lindell's LindellTV... How does Trump's "America First" mesh with $20B "Argentina First" bailout?
