I want Madoff investigated. I want the investigation to go back to his professional life and realize how he set himself up BEFORE he left Wall Street

There is a lot "W"rong here. Not just a little bit wrong, a lot wrong. Madoff was given 'a pass' on these crimes because of the impact that exposure would have regarding the financial networks AND the reputation those financial networks have in the world including international relations in foreign policy.

Sometimes, issues can 'seem so huge' they aren't breached as they MUST be and SHOULD be to insure the nation has LEGITIMACY in its dealings. This is not only a crime, but, a CULTURE issue. Everyone from the beginning of time has a lot to answer for and the investigation needs to begin at the beginning and not the end.

SAN FRANCISCO — Bernard Madoff, who founded Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on alleged fraud, The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday on its Web site. Charges against Madoff allege that he told senior employees on Wednesday that the firm was “a giant Ponzi scheme” after trying to distribute the “couple of hundred million dollars” he had left before turning himself in, according to the Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. The alleged scheme involved tens of billions of dollars, the newspaper reported.

December 20, 2008 4:00 PM
Bernard Madoff (click here)
Posted by Letters editor
Truly brilliant
Your recent stories covering the activities of Bernard Madoff, the brilliant financier of all times, make a compelling case that he be considered for the Nobel Prize in economics next year ["Securities experts, investors don't buy Madoff was solo act (click here)," Dec. 19; "Madoff's financial empire audited by tiny firm: one guy (click here)," Dec. 18; "Madoff's clients all over the world," Dec. 16; "A trusted man, $50B, a "giant Ponzi scheme," Dec. 13].
His absolute great talent was to make people feel comfortable with turning their money over to him for great returns.
He outmaneuvered investment bankers, lawyers, economists, accountants, commercial real-estate investors and developers -- not to mention the folks at Securities and Exchange Commission.
Just imagine some of the comments by individuals who invested in his empire: "They thought Bernie Madoff was genius and anybody, who didn't give them their money, was a fool," and "He was considered a wizard."
Obviously, he is a genius to build an impressive portfolio, at least on paper, that would accumulate approximately $50 billion in a few years. What an amazing accomplishment.
-- Aslam Khan, Bellevue