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Home , Argus Corporation, Conrad Black, Linda McQuaig

: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE Introduction

The headlines could hardly have been when it blocked his appointment to a Focus more dramatic. “Black’s Darkest Day” peerage in Britain. Black, who is notori- This News in said . “The Fall of a ous for the number of lawsuits he has Review module is an examination of Media Baron” and “Peer Today, Gone brought against those he feels have the collapse of the Tomorrow” wrote . defamed him, sued the Prime Minister, newspaper empire “Black Eye for Conrad Black” chimed and lost. of Conrad Black, in Newsweek. These are just a few The following year, Black began one of ’s samples of the media reaction to the selling off his Canadian newspapers, most successful collapse of Conrad Black’s control of including a 50 per cent interest in the businessmen. We examine Black’s rise his newspaper empire at Hollinger , mostly to to power, his International. Global Communications. In 2001 he extravagant life- At the time of his losing control, renounced his Canadian citizenship and style, and the Black was one of the most powerful was appointed Lord Black of circumstances that media lords in Britain. The London Crossharbour. The sale of the rest of his led to his losing control of Hollinger Daily Telegraph, the Jerusalem Post, Canadian media assets soon followed. International, the and the Chicago Sun-Times were his Canadians nevertheless have re- source of most of three leading newspapers, but Hollinger mained fascinated with Conrad Black his wealth. International controlled over 200 others, and his wife, . As the mostly in the U.S. At the height of his story of their alleged misdeeds at influence, however, Black controlled Hollinger unfolded, few could resist YV Sections over 650 newspapers, including 58 of being amazed at the catalogue of ex- marked with this the 104 Canadian dailies. Lacking only penses the company claimed to have symbol indicate content suitable for a outlet and a national voice, in been charged by the Blacks. Duff younger viewers. 1998 Black obtained the Financial McDonald (Vanity Fair, April 2004) Post. He incorporated it into a new has written: “Charming, erudite, eloquent, newspaper, the National Post, which and impeccably well-mannered, Black became the leading publication of can be arrogant, self-righteous, snob- conservatism in Canada. bish, and thin-skinned.” The continuing Black’s attitude toward the Liberal saga of this complex man—corporate Canadian government, never positive to wizard or robber baron—will likely begin with, soured even further in 1999 remain newsworthy for years to come. To Discuss Most of Black’s media empire consisted of newspapers. Are you aware of any other media barons whose fame is based on the newspapers they own? How much of Canada’s interest in Black do you think is based on his newspaper ownership, and how much on his ability to make his life and opinions newswor- thy? Were you aware of Conrad Black before viewing this news item?

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 18 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE YV Video Review

To learn more Part I about this Cana- 1. What did Conrad Black have to give up in order to receive his British dian tycoon, record peerage? your answers to the questions as you watch the video. 2. Why was Black expelled from ?

3. Why did Black turn to newspaper publishing as his major interest, accord- ing to Peter Newman?

4. Which newspaper purchase gave Black the means for his entrance into British society?

5. What percentage of Canada’s daily newspapers did Black once control? ______% 6. According to Peter Newman, why did Black found the National Post?

7. Why did Black sue Prime Minister Jean Chrétien?

8. Why did Black have to sell his Canadian newspapers when he renounced his Canadian citizenship?

9. How much money did Black and his associates receive in management fees from Hollinger International?

10. How much money does the director’s report accuse Black and his associ- ates of looting from the company?

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 19 Part II Further Research At the end of the video, Peter Newman makes the following statement: “It’s a To learn more perfectly sad story for Canada because we don’t have that many people who about the candi- have that kind of potential, you know. The elements combined to produce a dates for Greatest Conrad Black are very rare. I think the gene pool throws up one of these—one Canadian consider watching some or Conrad Black—a generation if we’re lucky . . . and we lost him.” all of the programs Newman seems to be saying that Black was a great man (and specifically a great in the Greatest Canadian series, Canadian) who lost (or never fully gained) the respect and admiration of his which runs from fellow citizens. October 17 to November 29 on The idea of greatness is one that the CBC is asking all Canadians to ponder in CBC Television. 2004 as it begins a series of programs designed to help the country choose “the Information on Greatest Canadian.” many important Canadians may be As you watch the video a second time, jot down in the spaces below those found at qualities and achievements of Conrad Black that you feel demonstrate why he www.cbc.ca/ should be considered a great Canadian. Also list any qualities and actions that greatest. you feel indicate that he should not be considered a great Canadian. When you have completed your lists, compare the results with those of your classmates.

Why Conrad Black Should Be Why Conrad Black Should Not Be Considered a “Great Canadian” Considered a “Great Canadian”

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 20 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE Things Fall Apart

Conrad Black’s control over the news- Enter Tweedy, Browne Did you know . . . paper publishing empire called Hollinger Black’s problems began in May 2003 The SEC has been International made him one of the most with a letter from the fund-management rather busy in recent years with powerful newspaper magnates in the firm Tweedy, Browne, a minor share- financial scandals world. By 1996, Hollinger owned 58 of holder in Hollinger International. The involving huge the 104 Canadian daily newspapers and letter was filed with the U.S. Securities corporations such was the third largest newspaper chain in and Exchange Commission (SEC). It as Worldcom, the world by circulation. In the first six claimed that $74-million paid directly Enron, and Tyco? months of 1997, Hollinger had earnings Why do you think to Black and other executives as part of so much financial of $176-million on revenues of $1.5- the sale of newspapers in Canada and wrongdoing seems billion. Black sold his Australian inter- the U.S. belonged to Hollinger, not to so prevalent these ests and most of his Canadian ones by Black and his associates. Tweedy, days? 2001, but Hollinger still controlled the Browne demanded that the Hollinger London Daily Telegraph, the Jerusalem board of directors investigate this claim. Post, the Chicago Sun-Times, and over Hollinger International’s directors Further Research 200 smaller publications. agreed to investigate, and soon an- To follow the very complex affairs of nounced that they would broaden their Hollinger Interna- Controlling an Empire investigation to include other areas. A tional, consider a Black’s control of Hollinger Interna- special committee led by Richard visit to the compa- tional was virtually absolute, through Breeden, a former chair of the SEC, ny’s official Web his ownership of what are called “su- was formed. One area was the huge site at www.hollinger.com. per-voting shares.” Black owned only management fees paid to Ravelston. In 30.3 per cent of Hollinger 2002, $25.6-million was paid to International’s combined equity. How- Ravelston by Hollinger, and $6.5- ever, because each of his shares gave million of this went to Conrad Black. him 10 votes, this meant that he had One of Hollinger International’s control of 72.6 per cent of any vote. expense items that seemed to particu- Thus, in reality, he dominated the larly upset many critics was the pur- affairs of Hollinger International. chase of $8-million worth of Franklin Black’s shares in Hollinger Interna- Roosevelt documents and memorabilia. tional, a company based in the U. S., It was hardly coincidental that Black are held by Hollinger Inc., a publicly had spent the previous year writing a traded corporation based in Toronto. In biography of that U.S. president. turn, Hollinger Inc. is 78.8 per cent Equally disturbing were the enormous owned by Ravelston. Ravelston is a amounts of Hollinger funds that had private company owned by Black, his been spent to support the Blacks’ wife Barbara Amiel, and several extravagant lifestyle (see “An Opulent Hollinger Inc. executives. Ravelston’s Lifestyle,” page 23). earnings—hundreds of millions of dollars over the past seven years— Exit Lord Black consisted largely of management fees By mid-November 2003, Black had paid to a division called Ravelston Man- been forced to resign his position as agement Inc. by Hollinger International. CEO of Hollinger International. The

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 21 investigation had concluded that Black The Breeden Report Quote and three of his fellow executives had At the end of August 2004, Hollinger “Black and Radler received at least $32-million in im- International filed a 513-page document made it their business to line proper payments. As well as tendering with the SEC that accused Black and their pockets at the his resignation, Black agreed to repay his closest colleague, David Radler, of expense of the unauthorized payments. running what they called a “corporate Hollinger almost But the investigation rolled on. In kleptocracy” at Hollinger, literally every day, in almost December Black refused to testify looting the company over a seven-year every way they before the SEC by invoking his right (in could devise.” — period. The report claimed that, be- from the report, U.S. law) to avoid incriminating him- tween 1997 and 2003, Black and Radler quoted in The self. Hollinger International demanded took 95.2 per cent of Hollinger Globe and Mail, his resignation as chairman, and, in International’s net adjusted income February 14, 2004 January, filed a lawsuit demanding that (more that $400-million). The report he and his associates repay more than also slammed some directors of $200-million dollars. In February, Hollinger International for failing, Definition Black countersued with an $850-million among other oversights, to review any Kleptocracy is a term that suggests defamation suit against Breeden and the of the company’s $225-million pay- a group of people three members of the Hollinger special ments to Ravelston. that could not committee. Among other accusations, As Hollinger International plans to control their greed Black claimed that “false and malicious sell its major assets, and Conrad and regularly stole representations” had caused him to be Black’s media empire is shattered, from others. Much of the Breeden “pilloried and mocked mercilessly in Black is not about to give up the fight. Report uses the the media throughout the world” (The In October, the press reported that same kind of Globe and Mail, February 14, 2004). Black planned to file a $1.1-billion libel flowery, overripe Breeden and the Hollinger committee lawsuit in an court against the language for which struck back. They amended their suit Hollinger special committee. Lord Black himself is against Black to seek damages of $1.2- Black’s newspapers will likely be full famous. Do you think that this is billion, and added two new defendants of his adventures for years to come. merely coinciden- to the suit. One of these is Black’s wife, tal? Barbara Amiel.

Update Discussion On October 8, In an editorial on September 2, 2004, The Globe and Mail states that the 2004, the belea- Breeden Report is likely over-lenient in its criticism of Hollinger International’s guered Conrad board of directors. “Hollinger International’s entire board,” it states, “failed in Black got some its basic duty to protect the interests of all shareholders. Yet most of the direc- good news when a tors remain. . . . They claim that they were duped, but that doesn’t let them off Chicago court the hook. They should have the decency to resign.” How much responsibility do threw out a $1.2- you believe the board had in failing to oversee Black’s management of the billion company—given that he had full power to appoint or fire directors? (U.S.) lawsuit against him. The "racketeeering" charges levied by Hollinger Interna- tional, Black's own firm were dismissed entirely.

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 22 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE YV An Opulent Lifestyle

Conrad and Barbara Amiel Black are parties, and most of all for the annual Quote notorious for their extravagant and summer party, which saw the house “While some lavish lifestyle. As Duff McDonald crowded with politicians, artists, and people are of- fended by extreme writes in Vanity Fair (April 2004), royalty. Many of these people evidently opulence, I find it “Black and his wife have been vari- now avoid the Blacks; Black’s lawsuit entertaining.” — ously described as living like poten- against Hollinger says that the accusa- Conrad Black, tates, 18th-century royals, and just plain tions against him have caused him to be Maclean’s Novem- billionaires, which they are not.” “spurned and shunned by persons who ber 15, 1993 The Blacks are the proud owners of had personally accepted his hospitality four residences. These include: in London, New York, and Palm • An apartment on Park Avenue in New Beach” (The Globe and Mail February Quote “Greed has been York 14, 2004). severely underesti- • A 1600-square-metre mansion on Lady Black loves the good life. In mated and deni- Ocean Drive in Palm Beach. The 2002, Amiel told a Vogue reporter that grated, unfairly so, house has six bedrooms and a theatre; she had “an extravagance that knows no in my opinion. It is the property includes a two-storey bounds.” This might be demonstrated a motive that has by a visit to her dressing suite in her not failed to move guesthouse and a private beach. Rod me from time to Stewart is a neighbour. The property London home, where the Vogue writer time.” — Conrad is valued at about $18-million US. was shown “a fur closet, a sweater Black, Vanity Fair, • A four-storey, 11-bedroom home in closet, a closet for shirts and T-shirts, April 2004 London in the very fashionable and a closet so crammed with evening Kensington neighbourhood. Among gowns that the overflow has to be kept the amenities are eight bathrooms, an in yet more closets downstairs” (Vanity indoor pool, and two elevators. The Fair April 2004). Other extravagances house, which has quietly been offered included more than 100 pairs of Manolo for sale, is valued at least at $26- Blahnik shoes. She is also very fond of million US. large diamonds, and bought a natural pearl and diamond brooch so big that • A home on a three-hectare property on she can’t wear it and has to keep it in a Park Lane Circle in Toronto. It in- deposit box. cludes a three-storey library holding 15 000 volumes and a private chapel. The Breeden Report Accusations It is likely worth $20-million CDN. The Breeden Report alleges that the Black is known as a determined Blacks did not hesitate to use Hollinger collector. His collections include mod- money to fund their private expenses. els (battleships), paintings, and automo- The list of alleged expenses (as detailed biles. He has at least a dozen cars, in The Globe and Mail, September 2, including a 1954 Rolls Royce and a 2004) serves to underline the lavishness 1967 Cadillac limousine. of their lifestyle: Black and Amiel are—or, at least • $530 000 on a corporate jet to Bora until the current controversies, were— Bora for a 10-day vacation in 2001 fabulous entertainers. They were espe- • $42 870 for Amiel’s 60th birthday cially noted for their London dinner party at La Grenouille in New York

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 23 (Black paid an additional • $24 950 for “summer drinks;” $2 785 Did you know . . . $20 000 himself) for opera tickets; $3 530 for silver- In spite of the wide ware for one of the jets range of very • $2 463 for Amiel’s handbags; $2083 serious charges for exercise equipment • $1.4-million in staff expenses at the levelled against • $2 057 for a briefcase Blacks’ London, New York, and Conrad Black, his Florida homes from 1997 to 2003 wife, and associ- • $1.8-million in 2002 for “non-busi- ates, at this point in ness” flights by Black and David In addition, the report alleges that the time (October Radler on the corporation’s jets Blacks cheated Hollinger International 2004) none has (Amiel is said to have made at least out of the true value of the New York been proven in a one flight from London to Toronto to apartment when they bought it from the court of law. Some company in 2000. It also claims that legal experts have her hair done) Black and Radler took the credit for suspect that Black • $28 480 for three dinners for Henry will never be found Kissinger (former U.S. secretary of hundreds of thousands of dollars in guilty of any finan- state) and his wife charitable donations made by Hollinger cial wrongdoing. International. Discussion 1. One of the words that several commentators have used to describe the public reaction to Black’s business problems is schadenfreude, which The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines as “the malicious enjoyment of another’s misfortunes.” How much do you think the Blacks’ extravagant lifestyle contributed to this schadenfreude on the part of many ordinary Canadians?

2. Carefully describe your personal reaction to the lifestyle of the Blacks.

3. If you had the opportunity to attend a dinner party with the Blacks, would you go? Explain.

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 24 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE Profile of a Business Magnate

Conrad Moffat Black, born in 1944, candid autobiography, A Life in Quote was the son of a well-to-do business- Progress, in 1993. “Black is, in many man. His father ran a company called ways, a journalist’s , which was a part Black the Businessman dream. If one were Black’s father owned a 22.4 per cent trying to design a of the , one of the larger-than-life most important holding companies in share of a company called Ravelston, caricature of a Canadian history. which was the holding company that business tycoon to controlled Argus. When he died in 1976 write about, could Black the Scholar he left that share to Conrad and his one possibly do Black himself confesses to having been brother. By the age of 33, Black had better than this?” an indifferent student who did poorly in control of Ravelston and all of Argus’s — Linda McQuaig (whom Black once school and was a “discipline problem.” nearly $4-billion in assets. While in called “a weedy, Black was thrown out of Upper Canada charge of Argus he made several con- not-very-bright, College, one of Canada’s most presti- troversial financial manoeuvres, includ- leftist reporter) The gious schools, for stealing exams and ing a raid on the pension fund of Do- Globe and Mail, selling them to other students. Black minion Stores. Ultimately he was May 26, 2001 ensured that he would know which forced to repay $38-million to the fund. students would most be interested in While living in in the late buying the exams by also stealing the 1960s, Black had developed an interest marks list for the entire senior class. in newspapers when he and Peter White Obviously, those at the bottom of the purchased an advertising paper called list would be the keenest. the Eastern Townships Advertiser. He began his university education at Together with David Radler, he and Carleton in , and continued at White then bought the Laval, where he received a law degree Record, and then a group of local and in 1970. He also earned a master’s regional newspapers across Canada. degree from McGill University in 1973. After gaining control of Argus, Black Intellectually, Black considers himself again turned his attention to the press. first and foremost a historian. As a child he developed an interest in and exten- Black the Newspaperman sive knowledge of the life of Napoleon Black eventually gave control of all the (he now owns some Napoleon memora- Argus assets to Hollinger, a former gold bilia, including a chair that once be- mining company he had inherited. longed to the emperor). He is also the Black moved quickly to divest author of two historical biographies. Hollinger of most mining and real One, based on his master’s thesis, is a estate properties and turned it into his fairly sympathetic portrayal of Quebec private newspaper company and the premier , a man of source of his fame, fortune, and power. considerable controversy in the history By 1989, as chairman of Hollinger Inc., of that province. The second, a biogra- he had control of a group of 207 news- phy of U.S. President Franklin D. papers. These ranged in size from the Roosevelt, was published to critical prestigious London Daily Telegraph to acclaim in 2003. He also published a giveaways like The Little Giant Shop- per in Canton, Illinois. By 1995-1996

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 25 Hollinger Inc. owned over 650 North eventually establishing Kensington as American dailies, weeklies and commu- his chief residence. The conservative nity papers. When it took control of approach of the Telegraph naturally Southam, Hollinger became the third made him a favourite with the influen- largest newspaper chain in the world. tial members of the British Conserva- Black’s first move when taking over a tive Party. In 1999 the party leader newspaper was usually to cut staff to nominated him for a peerage, and the the bone in order to ensure that the governing Labour Party agreed. paper was as profitable as it could be. In An 80-year-old Canadian rule pre- A Life in Progress, Black described vents Canadians from accepting foreign how he told a parliamentary commis- titles. Black believed that he could sion in 1980 that his greatest contribu- circumvent this by holding dual citizen- tion to Canadian journalism was “the ship. He immediately applied in Britain three-person newsroom and two of (it came through in two weeks, but them sell ads.” usually takes nine months). The Cana- Black was also determined to use the dian Honours Policy Committee, how- press to promote his conservative ever, presented an objection to the views. He began by revamping the British government, and the offer of a at a cost of about $3- title was withdrawn. million to give the conservative press a Black blamed Prime Minister voice in the nation’s capital. But his Chrétien, and sued him, alleging an greatest triumph was the launch of a abuse of power. The suit was thrown new paper, the National Post, on Octo- out of court. ber 27, 1998. The Post is said to have Black ultimately decided that the lost about $190-million between its honour was more important than his launch and 2004, but it and Black are Canadian citizenship, which he re- also credited with having greatly im- nounced (read some of the reasons why proved the quality of journalism in he did so in “In His Own Words,” on Canada during that period. page 27). He became Lord Black of Crossharbour (an Underground station Black the Canadian near his London office) on October 31, After purchasing the London Daily 2001. Telegraph in 1985, Black began spend- ing more and more time in London,

To Consider 1. What evidence is there that Conrad Black is a very intelligent man?

2. What seem to be the major objectives of Black’s newspaper investments?

3. Do you think that Black should have renounced his Canadian citizenship? Explain.

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 26 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE In His Own Words

Throughout his life, Lord Black has never hesitated to voice his opinion on any Quote number of topics, often in colourful and sophisticated language. Some of his “My first impres- statements seem to be coming back to haunt him (see “Poetic Justice?”page 29) sion of him, apart Here are some of his often-quoted statements on three of his biggest interests. from noting his excellent tailoring, As you read these statements, place an “A” beside those statements with which was of someone you agree and a “D” beside those statements with which you do not agree. Be who, as a sensitive prepared to discuss your choices. child, had been locked in a closet On journalists and why he invests in newspapers: with a thesaurus for several “My experience of the working press is put an event into historical context.” (A months.” — John that they are a very degenerate group. Life in Progress) Dizard (The Globe There is a terrible incidence of alcohol- and Mail, Novem- ism and drug abuse. The mental stabil- “I may be a nostalgic sentimentalist, but ber 20, 2003) ity of large elements of the press is I have a feeling that some people will more open to question than that of continue to want to be able to tuck a many other comparable groups in newspaper under their arms to read on society. A number of them are ignorant, the subway, or wherever, for a long lazy, opinionated, intellectually dishon- time.” (Maclean’s August 3, 1992) est and inadequately supervised.” (Maclean’s July 17, 1989) “I’m trying to inform and enlighten our readers at the same time as I enrich our “Journalism is a daily impression, a shareholders. I am making a modest chronicle of events. It’s not their fault, contribution to the integrity of the but journalists, given the time frame industry, and let me tell you, that is a that they work in, are simply not able to continuous uphill struggle.” (Maclean’s see all of the ingredients necessary to August 3, 1992)

Discussion Based on the above statements, what would you say were the reasons Lord Black was in the newspaper business?

On Canadian politics and government: “The Canadian political system is so and ultimately almost bankrupted the jurisdictionally fragmented and the country. He, more than anyone, turned population so regionally fractious, the Canada into a people of whining politi- federal prime minister’s role consists cally conformist welfare addicts.” (A chiefly of endless debates with his Life in Progress) provincial analogues.” (A Life in Progress) “In Canada, elections are essentially a contest for those who can be the more “His [Pierre Elliot Trudeau] incitement caring and compassionate. I regard of ethnic, occupational, regional and myself as caring and compassionate, sexual groups debased public policy but I am realistic enough to realize that

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 27 I would not be able to convince the or the independence of Quebec and the Canadian public of that.” (Maclean’s rest of the country in whole or in part August 3, 1992) joining the United States—to a continu- ance of this excruciating lunacy we’ve “I would prefer the independence of had of Quebec, in effect, pretending to Quebec and more than one other inde- be a part of Canada.” (Maclean’s July pendent country in the rest of Canada— 23, 1990) Discussion On the basis of these four quotes, do you think it’s possible to make any gen- eral statement about how Black views the average Canadian voter?

On giving up Canadian citizenship and acquiring a British title: “I am an even more fervent democrat “Renouncing my citizenship was the than an advocate of any particular last and most consistent act of dissent I policy, and if Canadians want the could pose against a public policy policies and leaders they now have, which I believe is depriving Canada of they have an unassailable right to them. its right and duty to be one of the Equally, I have the right personally and world’s great countries.” (The Globe financially to avoid the deluge I am and Mail, November 16, 2001) confident these policies and peoples are steadily bringing down upon the coun- “I have no need for any name other than try.” (National Post, August 5, 2000) my own. I cannot say absolutely that I would not accept [a title] if one were “To someone just arrived from Haiti or offered because the quality of the Romania, Canada is a far more satisfy- debates in the is very ing place to be a citizen than it was to high and I would enjoy participating.” me. . . . Canadian citizenship was (Maclean’s, August 3, 1992) merely an impediment to my progress in another, more amenable jurisdiction [Britain]. (The Globe and Mail, Novem- ber 16, 2001)

Discussion Do you feel that Lord Black’s renouncing his citizenship was an effective protest against Canadian public policy? To what members of the public might it seem to be? Summary Analysis On the basis of his own words, write out a brief character sketch of your im- pressions of Conrad Black.

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 28 CONRAD BLACK: A TYCOON IN TROUBLE Poetic Justice? Activity Definition The article reprinted below appeared the day following the release of the Hoist with one’s report by Hollinger International on the alleged looting of the company by own petard means Conrad Black and his associates. As you read through the article, ask yourself to adversely affect the following questions: oneself by one’s 1. How does the author of the article use humour to make a very serious schemes against point? others [French pétard from péter 2. How does the author use Black’s own stated opinions to underline the (break wind)] (The inappropriateness of Black’s own behaviour at Hollinger International? Canadian Oxford Dictionary). You 3. What is the ultimate message that the author of the article wishes to might like to have convey to his readers? a dictionary handy 4. What is your personal reaction to Coyle’s article? as you read through Jim Coyle’s article. Lord Pompous on His Own Petard by Jim Coyle , September 2, 2004 Reproduced with permission – Torstar Syndication Services

Conrad Black reaps as he usually sows. course. Amid the outrage that must To the legions of commoners Conrad prevail in Hollinger corporate corridors, Black has lavishly insulted over the someone has plainly managed to retain years, probably nothing is quite so a wicked sense of humour, skewering delicious as the language of the report his Lordship with the same extravagant, that this week painted him as a crook anachronistic turns of phrase that have who, along with confederates, allegedly long been his stock in trade. lined his pockets with $400-million US Could it be the authors even plumbed of company funds. Black’s own memoir, A Life in It appears there really is a God in Progress, for inspiration? heaven. What goes around really does For there, in 1993, continuing his come around. What one reaps is, after long-running vendetta against , all, what one usually sows. then NDP premier of Ontario, the great What Black ran, said the report by a man said “My inveighings against committee of Hollinger International Rae’s official kleptocracy achieved Inc.’s board of directors, was a “corpo- wide approbation.” rate kleptocracy.” He and his lieuten- Hollinger writers might also have ants “plundered” and “looted,” it said. noted Black once called universal What was the nature of the looting? It Canadian social programs “plundering was “self-righteous and aggressive.” and bribery.” How often and in what manner did they Though, if his own words were a plunder? “Almost every day, in almost reference, it’s fortunate for Black the every way.” authors overlooked the passage where And why did they do it? To feed, his Lordship complained of “Rae’s their “ravenous appetite for cash,” of sodomization of the private sector.”

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 29 Whenever this sort of thing happens vation to Canadian journalists famously among the high and mighty, as it has dismissed by his Lordship as “inad- with shocking frequency in recent years equately supervised” hacks toiling when the wealthy have taken more than through “a miasma of mounting de- even their piggish due, it’s difficult not crepitude and often alcoholism.” to think of people like Kimberly Presumably, Hollinger would be far Rogers, a Sudbury woman who was less annoyed with Black now had he prosecuted, convicted and placed under been but a decrepit drunk. house arrest for the crime of accepting It is, of course, yet to be determined student loans while on social assistance. what price Black will ultimately pay for Three years ago, she was found dead his alleged transgressions. (A spell in in her stifling apartment—the victim of the state lodgings recently occupied by a drug overdose, but the victim as well his House of Lords colleague Jeffrey of her attempts to escape poverty, and Archer would likely appeal to many.) of a society encouraged by the likes of But it should be noted that Black him- Black to hyperventilate in rage at every self has expressed enthusiasm over the nickel or dime society’s poorest might years for not sparing the rod. need or, on occasion, misappropriate. Reacting to something written by Oh, how Black lorded it over his Canadian journalist Linda McQuaig, inferiors over the years as he catalogued Black once told on immorality among the lower orders. CBC’s Morningside that he thought In the 1980s, he said that while no “she should have been horsewhipped,” one felt good about layoffs at the super- if only the statutes allowed it. market chain over which he presided, Not even the delightful lunatics of “we were discussing a workforce a Monty Python could have concocted a minority of whose members had, since figure so pompous and overwrought as time immemorial, stolen more each Lord Black of Crossharbour. year than the profit attributable to the Though, on reflection, perhaps they shareholders.” came close with the Black Knight who Let no man write his epitaph, indeed. was furiously protesting that he had The fact is that any number of suffered mere flesh wounds even as his Black’s former pronouncements— an severed limbs piled up on the ground outpouring beyond calculation—now around him. resonate more meaningfully than ever. Black continues to insist that the The myth of Canada as a compassion- report is nought but exaggerations and ate society was, he said, a “euphemism defamatory lies, the work, presumably, for what has become a ruinously exag- of “the sniggering forces of envy.” gerated process of taking money from Time will tell. But as a summing up it those who have earned it and giving it might be hard to top the epigram used to those who haven’t.” by Peter C. Newman in The Establish- In truth, it’s almost impossible to read ment Man, his 1982 Black biography. reports of the so-called Hollinger “The measure of a man is what he Chronicles without moments of hilarity. does with power,” said Pittacus of The internal review makes particular Mytilene (650-570 B.C.) criticism of Hollinger’s high-profile Quite so. And all said in one sen- directors for failing to keep tabs on tence, 11 words. Black— an especially poignant obser- None of them more than two syllables.

CBC News in Review • October 2004 • Page 30