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Americans See a Lot of Bull on Wall Street

Most in poll give execs low grades for ethics, honesty

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2009 4:29 PM CST

(Newser) – The executives who run Wall Street are bankrupt—at least, morally, say Americans in a new poll. Nearly 60% gave them poor grades for dishonesty and unethical behavior, Reuters reports. Most also blame the executives for Wall Street's mess. “We can’t act like it’s the fault of the system,” a spokesman for poll taker Knights of Columbus told the Florida Times-Union.

“These people don’t have the confidence of the American people," he said. "That’s a problem.” Even lawyers fared better—attracting the ire of just a third of respondents. Pollsters also surveyed business executives, and just 19% blamed themselves for poor leadership during the economic crisis, compared to 58% of Americans.

Among executives, 88% said they blame top executives for a company's success or failure. But 85% of executives gave their own companies good or excellent grades for ethics.
Among executives, 88% said they blame top executives for a company's success or failure. But 85% of executives gave their own companies good or excellent grades for ethics.   (Shutter Stock)
The bronze bull statue, Wall Street's icon of prosperity, sits in place in New York City's financial district.
The bronze bull statue, Wall Street's icon of prosperity, sits in place in New York City's financial district.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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As we continue to see these companies that have gotten in trouble get bailed out and then buy a corporate jet or go to a resort, Middle America feels they're the only ones suffering. - Paul Fadil, University of North Florida

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
BackAgain
Feb 28, 2009 9:15 PM CST
Thank you Ethical for taking the time to post an opposing view here. Usually the silent majority just go to work and take care of their families and vote. But it has gone to far and we are engaging the left to save our country from turning into Cuba, Venezuela or California.
Guest
Feb 28, 2009 7:40 PM CST
I pay a tremendous amount of taxes each year and I am proud to do so. The economic collapse, if you will read the factual accounts of this mess, were caused by a lot of factors, including greed-driven executives and bankers, as well as politicians who insisted that mortgages be given to people who couldn't begin to qualify -- and by the deregulation of the banking and mortgage industries. Greed comes with capitalism, for sure. My family are hourly workers who abhor the unions -- unions are putting the automakers out of business with their unrealistic expections and their own type of greed. My point is and continues to be this: most business executives are "captains of industry" without whom the hourly workers and the unions wouldn't have jobs to begin with. Our company has suffered because of the horrible actions of others on Wall Street -- the speculators damaged us as well. But, we are the good guys and I protest being lumped into the same category by the sloppy media -- and becoming the target of rage of people like you. Sorry that we worked hard all of our lives, worked smart, finally succeeded in our middle age -- and we made it moderately big. So sorry.
Guest
Feb 28, 2009 5:06 AM CST
I do seen to have a pessimistic view of our younger people -- reminds me of the view my parents' generation had of mine! I do try to keep that in mind when I spout off -- but my own personal experiences with the young ones haven't made me change this viewpoint. I don't usually comment on these stories, but the negativity and mob mentality just got to me this time. What the headlines of these pop-journalism sites say and the real facts behind them don't always coincide -- but they put them out there to pull in the "clicks" needed to sell their advertising. What they are creating is misinformation and despair. IMO, of course. But I happen to be someone well acquainted with the news business, as we own a few business publications -- but our company is one built on integrity, intelligence, and fairness. If you read something in one of ours, you can take it to the bank. A real bank, that is - not an investment bank! I'm glad that there are people like you out there who do comment -- so many just don't have anything constructive to say. Here's to the USA -- imperfect, but better than the alternatives!

Read the full results
Knights of Columbus

Money • US

 
ethics • Wall Street • executives • opinion polls • dishonesty

 
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