Zero accountability

Andrew Sullivan wonders, quite appropriately, why NBC honcho Jeff Zucker still has a job. "One reason for resurgent populism," he posts, "is a justified anger at the elites protecting themselves - at the expense of voters, customers, and excellence." Making his palsied defense of the Leno disaster on the Charlie Rose show - broadcasting's safe haven for the NY-based media crowd - Zucker perfectly captures this "too big to fail" attitude. In other business cultures, screwing up so badly - and so incontrovertibly - would result in a quick and unforced resignation. No need to be pushed out by the board - the person involved would consider it the responsible course. In this culture, where the most powerful are often the least accountable, schmucks may fade away for a while, but they never disappear. Speaking of which, is anyone else infuriated that Mel Gibson is being allowed to take center stage for a publicity tour and come off as the same hateful, classless jerk he's always been? (see LAO) Talk about your zero accountability.

Photo: Zucker with George W. Bush in 2008.