Sending a Message to the Nation

No, no, no!

I heard those words this morning while listening to the news regarding the verdicts in the suit against Enron chiefs Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling. The ABC News reporter actually said those words.

You do not hand down a sentance to send a message to the nation, to financial big-wigs (I refuse to say financial community), to executives, etc. You hand down a sentance to meet the crime. The enforcement of laws sends a damn message to criminals and potential ne'er do wells.

Were they guilty? If so, then hand them a verdict of guilty with a punishment that meets the crime. Don't hand down a punishment to anyone accused of fraud (or any other crime) in the hopes you can send an effing message.