To listen to the victims of his swindle, or read their words, is to appreciate the very far-reaching ways in which Madoff's quiet crime has wreaked havoc on the lives of thousands of families.

Federal District Judge Denny Chin was absolutely right in denouncing Madoff's crimes as "extraordinarily evil," and giving him the maximum sentence. Punishment is no substitute for prevention, but the sentence provides a modicum of justice to the victims and will exert some modest deterrent effect against future potential swindlers.

The best person for the job allowed men to stack the high-risk finance industry and collapse the global economy.

The best person should be appointed to a gendered job.

Corporations should make decisions by agreement between women's and men's committees.

Government should regulate corporations by agreement between women’s and men’s legislatures.

The best person for the job is the person whose gender participates with equality.

3 July, 2009