Is Merrill Lynch really the place to be?

The problems all come from the lack of corporate governance. Having a joint CEO/Chairman and a risible board (compare ML's board to GS's), Stan O'Neal was able to overrule everyone in his lurch for glory. Sadly for all of us his shortsightedness (not a problem affecting his golf handicap it should be noted) has land us where we now are. He has a moral duty to forgo his termination payment. Needless to say he doesnt have the moral backbone to do it.

Regading Thain, I think he really is the Great Last Hope, and he's got my whole hearted support. As for Montag et al., let them come over, we (the sahreholders) are paying for them in stock, so the dilution isnt that bad. If they can help turn the beast around, so be it.

it's all down to flawed thinking. what on earth is anyone really going to achieve in these times of uncertainty. bringing in big hitters is a pipe dream to nothing. as with everyone in the market at the moment, you may have a job today but tomorrow is another day and it will be like this for some time.

I would rather be at ABN than ML currently

"Stan's payout" referred above was actually his severence (his stock). Lets be clear, guys - he was fired and got what he's owed upon dismissal - his stock award, which vested immediately. Go Merrill!

I'm also one of the recent 4000 departees from ML. The IT systems simply aren't there to help desks make timely decisions. Further writedowns are inevitable.