Loose cannons

Issue 

Or anything else

"I do not even remember the taste of liquor." — Philippines President Joseph Estrada, denying his chief of staff's report that Estrada often makes policy decisions during late-night drinking sessions with cronies.

Union-free exploitation

"The work force can engage in filter-free communication with their employer." — Ford CEO Jac Nasser explaining his company's decision to provide its workers with free personal computers and internet access at home.

Limited liability?

"We've moved from slavery to indentured labour, and then to a fairer deal with unionisation. But the term employee will pass into history because every worker will be his or her own company." — IBIS World chairperson, Phil Ruthven on the peaceful dismantling of class society by the new entrepreneurs in e-commerce.

Only fair

"It is only fair that priority be given to companies that support the government." — Mohammed Ali Rustam, chief minister of the Malaysian state of Malacca, whose government is blacklisting businesses that supported the opposition in elections last November.

Not to mention drugs

"The talent needed to manage a global corporation is of a very high order. I relate it to great athletes or rock stars ... there is a massive amount of concentration to perform at the very highest of levels." — Lend Lease's chairperson elect, Jill Ker Conway, defending the high salaries of corporate executives.

... and silver spoons

"It has to do with intelligence, and guts, with ethical standards, with the management of human capital." — More from Ms Conway.

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